Avalanche top prospect hit with massive career update ahead of upcoming season
Photo credit: NHLI / Mile High Hockey
Colorado Avalanche's top defensive prospect Mikhail Gulyayev has been hit with a major career update ahead of the upcoming season, a development that could significantly impact his role and trajectory within the organization.
Since being drafted 31st overall in 2023, Gulyayev has been widely regarded as the top defensive prospect for the Avalanche, and for good reason.
Mikhail Gulyayev hit with massive career update.
Jess Shelton from Mile High Hockey writes that Gulyayev is very much an offensive-minded defenseman, much like many players in Colorado's current blue line. Coupled with his elite skating ability, it's easy to see why both the Avalanche front office and fan base hold him in such high regard.
At just 20 years old, these qualities have kept him firmly ranked at the second spot in our prospect rankings.
"While it's very premature to call Gulyayev a 'mini Makar', that's probably the best and simplest way to describe his play style. As previously mentioned, Gulyayev is very much an offensive-minded defenseman who loves to use his speed to attack off the rush and through the neutral zone, similarly to Makar. He's also got a pretty wicked shot for a defenseman as evidenced by his seven goals last season in the KHL, which is also Makar-esque." -Shelton
There's plenty of reason to be excited about what Gulyayev could become for the Avalanche down the line. He's edging closer to coming over to North America and joining Colorado's pipeline, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
His skill set is incredibly promising, but how quickly the Avalanche choose to integrate into the lineup is still unclear. Gulyayev seems like a perfect fit for the team, and with continued development over the next few years, he could earn a full-time NHL spot.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 21 ANSWERS Avalanche top prospect hit with massive career update ahead of upcoming season Do you think top defensive prospect Mikhail Gulyayev has a future in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 17 | 81 % |
| no | 4 | 19 % |
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