Russian top prospect under fire for boycotting his NHL organization
The Colorado Avalanche selected Mikhail Gulyayev in the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but now he's refusing to report to their AHL affiliate team.
Originally, the Avalanche weren't expected to have the 31st overall pick, meaning they wouldn't have drafted Gulyayev. However, a last-minute trade during the draft saw the Montreal Canadiens swap that pick, along with a second-round pick, to the Avs for Alex Newhook. Before being drafted, Gulyayev had expressed interest in joining the Canadiens.
Mikhail Gulyayev has now made it clear that if he's going to play in North America, it has to be in the NHL-not the AHL. While he respects the AHL as a league, he doesn't see it as the right place for his development.
- Mikhail Gulyayev
This isn't the attitude the Avalanche hoped to encounter when they drafted Gulyayev in 2023. He recently signed a contract extension in the KHL until the end of the 2026 season, meaning the Avs likely won't see him in their lineup anytime soon. If they're unhappy with his stance, they might consider trading him.
- Evan Rawal
If Gulyayev ends up on the trading block, could Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes be the first to inquire? After missing out on him in 2023, Hughes might take another shot.
Gulyayev is a 19-year-old defenseman known for his speed. He had a standout season in the KHL last year, recording 12 points in 64 games while playing solid defense.
Source: Habs FanaticsRecent 1st round pick refuses to come to North America to play in the AHL
Source: Markerzone.comMikhail Gulyayev Stats
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9 AOUT | 97 ANSWERS Russian top prospect under fire for boycotting his NHL organization Should the Colorado Avalanche trade away Mikhail Gulyayev? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 67 % |
| No | 32 | 33 % |
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