It’s typically very difficult for teenage defensemen to earn full-time jobs in the KHL. Not only did Colorado Avalanche first round pick Mikhail Gulyayev earn a full-time job, his role increased as the season went on.
While the Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for their stretch run towards the playoffs, the KHL has already started their version of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and two Avalanche prospects got their postseasons started with a bang.
Mikhail Gulyayev, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche 31st overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, has signed an extension to continue playing in the KHL. The league announced earlier today that he signed a three-year extension, extending his contract until the end of the 2026 season.
Colorado Avalanche prospect Mikhail Gulyayev is off to a strong start in the KHL, as he’s established himself as a regular on Avangard’s blueline. His team is so happy that they’ve extended his contract for an additional year, which might not be great news for the Avalanche.
A few weeks ago, we touched on how good a sign it was that Colorado Avalanche prospect Mikhail Gulyayev cracked the opening night lineup for Avangard in the KHL.
Back in June, we let everyone know that Colorado Avalanche prospect Mikhail Gulyayev should see more time in the KHL this coming season. On opening night, there was good news – Gulyayev cracked the top six on defense for Avangard.
The newest defender on the Avs recieves high ratings. The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Mile High Hockey staff. Five writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of July 1, 2023.
Success doesn’t come cheap. The Colorado Avalanche have one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL, which only improved thanks to two solid late picks in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Colorado Avalanche first round pick Mikhail Gulyayev will be playing some real hockey, real soon. The 18 year old defenseman has been selected to the U23 team for Russia’s Sochi Hockey Open.
With their second pick in the first round of Wednesday’s NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche went for the home-run, selecting 5’10” defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev out of Russia.
That’s a wrap on the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. In all, the Colorado Avalanche selected two centers and three defensemen and did not trade out of their draft slots during the two-day event.
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