Avalanche Film Room: Gulyayev’s Dazzling Skating A Perfect Fit (+)

When the Colorado Avalanche picked up another first round pick in 2023, it allowed them to go out on a limb and take a bit of a risk. With their first pick that year at 27, they took Calum Ritchie, a rangy center who was a pretty safe bet to play in the NHL. With the 31st pick, they bet on skating and skill, taking 5’10” defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev.

And boy is he fun to watch.

We know Gulyayev won’t be coming over until 2026 at the earliest, barring a massive year in the KHL. That’s okay, as he’s just 19 and has plenty to work on when it comes to his game. And we know that when he does come over, he doesn’t want to play in the AHL. But when he does eventually make his way to the Avalanche, he’s a picture-perfect fit for the way they want to play.

Here are 32 clips that showcase what makes Gulyayev so intriguing, as well as a few things he’s got to work on. The camera angles are a little strange, but the guy you’re looking for is wearing #84.

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