Colorado Avalanche first round pick Mikhail Gulyayev won't report to AHL
Photo credit: 2020 Youth Olympics
Mikhail Gulyayev, a first round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche, has made it clear he won't come to North America to play in the AHL, he'll refuse to report.
The current roster of the Colorado Avalanche gives the team leeway when it comes to looking for potential breakthrough prospects. Young prospects in the works is never a bad thing, but the Avs are in a more win now mode rather than focusing solely on the future. One of their recent first round draft picks seems to be taking that into consideration as he plans his own future.
In an interview with ResponsibleGaming,org, Gulyayev was adamant about following a similar path as Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, who waited until he was 25 to come to North America and the NHL. Kaprizov had already solidified star status in the KHL when he decided to make the Jump. Gulyayev told reponsible gaming he has no interest in playing in the NHL's farm system, and will only come to the Colorado Avalanche when a spot in the team's lineup is pretty much assured. That's why the youngster has already signed a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk.
"I signed this contract because I still need to improve," said the 19-year-old defenseman. "Last season was my first full season, when I played in the second and third pairs, sometimes on the power play. This gave me an understanding of what adult hockey is like. It is very different from youth hockey. Different workloads, more games, no easy opponents. For me, this is a great experience. I feel like I am improving in every game.
My path to the NHL is to come and play right away. I'm following my dream and not interested in anything else. I'm not against the AHL; it's a good league, but if I go to America and play, I will only play in the NHL."
My path to the NHL is to come and play right away. I'm following my dream and not interested in anything else. I'm not against the AHL; it's a good league, but if I go to America and play, I will only play in the NHL."
Gulyayev recently played at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, putting up a good showing at a tournament designed to showcase the skills of players under the age of 18.
I can respect any player who wants to ensure they are playing at their best levels at all times. But, Gulyayev's statement is a gamble when it comes to remaining with the Colorado Avalanche. It paid off big time for Kaprizov, but that doesn't mean it will for him. However, if Gulyayev can start burning up the KHL as he matures as a person and player, he'll get his opportunity from the Colorado Avalanche, or elsewhere if the team decides it can't wait.
| POLL | ||
10 AOUT | 54 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche first round pick Mikhail Gulyayev won't report to AHL What do you think of Mikhail Galyayev's statement that it's the NHL or nothing before he'll come to the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| He's making a mistake | 19 | 35.2 % |
| Bold move, let's see if it pays off for him | 32 | 59.3 % |
| I'm not sure | 3 | 5.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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