How acquired: Selected with No. 31 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Omsk (KHL): 54 GP, 1-2-3
Gulyayev's third full season in the Kontinental Hockey League was a challenging one as he averaged 11:14 of ice time and occasionally skated as a forward. But Avalanche director of player development Brian Willsie said there were a few trends that have the organization positive Gulyayev will develop into an impact player. He had five points (one goal, four assists) in 17 KHL playoff games, which earned the 21-year-old 15:02 of ice time.
"The way (Gulyayev) navigated the year through some adversity, and then at the end of the year, even their last series that they lost in seven games, his ice time just kept going up every game and his opportunities, and he was earning it," Willsie said. "And then the big games, he was playing really, really well. So that's the positive we'll take from last year."
Gulyayev (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) signed a two-year contract with Omsk on May 29, but the Avalanche will remain patient.
"He's still not fully body mature, he's still growing into that," Willsie said. "... But we know he's in a good spot to continue developing. So when he's ready, we'll be ready for him."
Projected NHL arrival: 2028-29
How acquired: Selected with No. 43 pick in 2026 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Victoriaville (QMJHL): 63 GP, 32-50-82
The 18-year-old led Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League rookies and was seventh among all players in scoring last season. Willsie said it's yet to be determined if Shilov (6-1, 177) will return to Victoriaville or attend Penn State this season. Willsie said the Avalanche see advantages to either path.
"We know both places are good to develop," he said. "They obviously have their advantages. And now that you can do both, I think it's a huge advantage for a prospect and for NHL teams to have those prospects do that. ... The skill he has and the compete, we're excited to work with him."
Projected NHL arrival: 2028-29
How acquired: Selected with No. 38 pick in 2024 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Magnitogorsk (KHL): 38 GP, 22-7-5, 2.74 GAA, .901 SVP, 1 SO
After his KHL season ended, Nabokov (6-foot, 179) joined Colorado of the American Hockey League during its run through the Calder Cup Playoffs. The 23-year-old didn't play, but the benefit of being around the team should pay dividends this season when he is expected to split time with Trent Miner, last season's starter.
"For 'Nabi' to be a part of that, in the room, staying out late for practices, going out early, working with our goalie development group, and just having that camaraderie with the players, that was a huge advantage for him now coming in this year. He'll come in early and he'll hit the ground running because of that experience with the Eagles. What we saw from him in the practices was very, very encouraging. So we're excited for what he could do this year."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
