The one prospect who could end the Avalanche's alarming downward spiral
Photo credit: New Jersey Hockey Now
Goaltender Ilya Nabokov is emerging as the one prospect who might finally put an end to the Colorado Avalanche's ongoing struggles when it comes to drafting and developing young talent, a trend that has raised concerns about the team's long-term depth and sustainability.
The latest setback came Saturday, when the Avalanche traded former first-rounder Oskar Olausson to the San Jose Sharks for prospect Danil Gushchin, who's likely to only make an impact at the AHL level.
Ilya Nabokov could finally end Colorado's disappointing trend.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that with Olausson now out of the mix, attention shifts to goaltender Nabokov, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
While if often takes years for prospects to make their mark in the NHL, Nabokov may be on a faster track. He's already signed his entry-level contract, and the Avalanche were eager to bring him to North America early to help him adjust to the different style of play compared to the KHL.
The 22-year-old was selected as an 'over-ager', meaning he was drafted several years later than most prospects, who are typically picked at 18 or 19. Because of his age and experience, he's expected to contribute with the Colorado Eagles in the near future. He'll spend this season playing for Metallurg in the KHL but is set to return to Colorado once his KHL campaign wraps up.
"There has been a lot of hype over Nabokov, who was the first goaltender selected in the 2024 NHL Draft, and the first of three taken by the Avalanche in 2024. At the time, I considered the goalie-heavy draft by Colorado as the team throwing darts at the board and hoping one sticks. It seems as though the team's confidence is sky high on Nabokov, and that's exactly the feeling you want to have in a draft pick." -Tiedtke
Nabokov is still at least a few years away from earning a consistent role with the Avalanche, and that's perfectly fine. With the team acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood earlier this season, they've secured a capable goaltending tandem that can hold the fort while their top prospect continues to develop.
There's no urgency for Nabokov to make his NHL debut, but when that moments comes, Avalanche fans will be hoping it signals the end of the team's struggles with draft development.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
The one prospect that can flip this horrendous trend by the Colorado Avalanche
Mile High Sticking
The one prospect that can flip this horrendous trend by the Colorado Avalanche
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 14 ANSWERS The one prospect who could end the Avalanche's alarming downward spiral Do you think Avalanche top prospect Ilya Nabokov has an NHL future as a starting goaltender? | ||
| yes | 12 | 85.7 % |
| no | 2 | 14.3 % |
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