It's time for a brief break from discussing Colorado's current goaltending situation. Instead, it feels like a good time to check in on the top three prospects the Avalanche have in their system, all of which could play a role in the makeup of the NHL team over the next year.
And yes, one of them might just be the much needed long-term solution for the team in net.
Goaltender Ilya Nabokov
Might as well start with said goaltender.
After moving out of the first round in June's NHL Entry Draft, the Avalanche selected Nabokov with their top pick. Most high draft picks are 17-18 years old, but not Nabokov. He was 21 at the time and in his final year of draft eligibility.
It was a surprise to many to see him drafted that high, but no one can deny the season he had in the KHL last year. He was named Rookie of the Year after a terrific regular season, and followed it up with a dominant postseason where he was named the KHL Playoffs MVP.
Nabokov's team has taken a bit of a step back this season and so have his numbers, but not by much. His save percentage sits at 92.5% after he was at 93% last season and his goals against average has only gone up a minuscule amount. He's been a workhorse for his team and leads the league in games played, mostly because his backup has been inconsistent.
Colorado's current goaltending situation has fans pining for Nabokov to come over to North America right away, but that isn't possible this season. It's very possible for next season though, as he's in the final year of his KHL contract. There were rumblings recently that SKA, one of the richer teams in the league, was looking to pursue Nabokov, but those are just rumors.
Over the summer, The Gazette reached out to Nabokov's representation regarding his future. His agent, Shumi Babaev, responded by saying he would "make a decision soon." That decision has not been made yet, but is expected in the near future, although Babaev hasn't responded to recent inquiries. The Avalanche have just one goaltender under contract beyond this season, so they certainly have room to bring Nabokov to North America.
Whether their plan would involve throwing him into the NHL immediately or letting him start in the AHL is another question entirely, but there is plenty of optimism that he can become the goalie of the future for the Avalanche. The franchise hasn't drafted and developed a starting goaltender of their own since David Aebischer nearly two decades ago.
Yes, it's been that long.
Center Calum Ritchie
Ritchie got a taste of NHL action early in the year, but it was clear he wasn't ready for prime time just yet. After seven games, the Avalanche decided to send him back to the Ontario Hockey League, which was the only option they had.
Although he was in a bit over his head at the NHL level, it doesn't appear to have shattered his confidence. Since returning to Oshawa, he's been dominant, which is what the Avalanche wanted to see. The 19-year old has picked up 26 points in just 13 games. His average of two points-per-game is tied for second best in the league, and Oshawa has gone 10-1-2 since he returned to the lineup.
Many scouts believe he's the best player in the league. If he's not, he has a case for being the most valuable player, as Oshawa has been a different team with him in the lineup the last two years. He's expected to play a big role on Team Canada at the World Junior Championships late next month, and after the tournament, he'll likely go on a long playoff run with Oshawa.
The hope from the organization is that he continues to develop his all-around game this season and comes to camp next September ready to stick in the NHL.
For good.
Defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev
The smooth skating 19-year old defenseman isn't likely to play for the Avalanche next season, as his KHL contract runs until 2026. Gulyayev has gone on the record saying that he doesn't want to play in the AHL, so when he eventually makes his way to North America, he plans to play in the NHL right from the get-go.
Gulyayev established himself as a regular in the KHL at the age of 18, which is a little rare in that league. They don't give ice-time to teenagers unless they really earn it, and Gulyayev's role expanded as last year went on. His start to this season was a little slow, but it's really picked up of late. He's starting to get more power play time and has been playing 20 minutes a night of late. That's major progress for the former first round pick.
The Russian defenseman fits the prototype of how the Avalanche like their defensemen to play. His skating ability is already well above average by NHL standards, and he uses it to his advantage all over the ice. Size will always be an issue for him (he's listed at 5'10"), but he brings a lot of other things to the table.
Given the Avalanche aren't likely to see him make an impact in the NHL for a few years, could he be be used as trade bait? While the team needs to rebuild it's prospect pipeline and keep an eye towards the future, all of Colorado's stars are currently in their prime. It would make sense to dangle a talented prospect like this to help the team right away, especially if he's years away from making an impact. Trading Gulyayev would really sting, but he could bring back a solid player who may help the team take another run at a Stanley Cup.
