Getting To Know: Andrei Mironov

Andrei Mironov was the Colorado Avalanche's fifth selection (fourth round, 101st overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft, which was held at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The left-handed defenseman stands at 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds and has played the last five years with Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League.
A native of Moscow, Russia, Mironov has spent his entire hockey career playing in the Dynamo Moscow system learning the ropes of what it means to play professional hockey. This past season with Dynamo, he had one goal and three assists (four points) in 18 regular-season games before chipping in three helpers in nine postseason contests. Colorado signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract on May 12.

Mironov only speaks Russian, but he is working hard on learning English. At the Avs' development camp this summer, he spoke to ColoradoAvalanche.com via translation from fellow Russian-speaking prospect, Denis Smirnov, about being drafted and getting ready for the upcoming season.
Since being drafted in 2015, how has your game developed?
"I have learned a lot over that time, but to say if I have developed or improved or not is not mine to say. The coaches get to decide that. I tried to eliminate the bad sides of my game and work on the good sides."
How has playing in the KHL with Dynamo Moscow helped you?
"I have been in the organization since I was 5 years old, so my whole career has been there. It has helped me a lot. I want to say thanks to them for raising me as a player and a person. I got a chance to play a lot so that has improved my game."

Describe your style of play?
"I like to battle. I enjoy tough games that I can hit a lot, but I mostly like to battle."
What are your plans for the summer before this season?
"I am going back home to Russia to rest for a couple of weeks. Then I will start training there before I come back to prepare for the season."
What is one weakness in your game that you want to improve?
"I want to work on everything. I want to improve my game as a whole, not just one thing. I do not think that there is a limit on improvement."
Do you have any pregame routines or superstitions? If so, what are they?
"I cannot tell you." (chuckles and grins)
What is your favorite thing to eat and drink?
"I like water to drink, and to eat, I like spaghetti and meat."
Where is your favorite place to travel?
"I like a lot of different places. I don't have just one favorite place. I do like to travel a lot though."