Ilya Nabokov Signs Two-Year Entry-Level Contract With Avalanche

The Avalanche have signed goalie Ilya Nabokov to a two-year entry-level contract through the 2026-27 season.

Nabokov, 22, was the Avs’ top draft pick in the 2024 NHL draft. They traded down from their late first rounder and selected the overage Russian prospect No. 38 overall.

Listed at 6’1, 179 lbs, Nabokov spent the 2024-25 season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL, posting a 23-17-6 record with a 2.22 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and three shutouts in 49 regular-season games.

He spent two years with Metallurg, compiling a 46-30-9 record, 2.19 GAA, .926 save percentage, and six shutouts in 93 games.

Nabokov helped Metallurg capture the 2024 Gagarin Cup, recording a 1.82 GAA and .942 save percentage, and four shutouts while becoming the youngest goaltender to be named playoff MVP.

Colorado has been very high on Nabokov sign drafting him. Its felt like a sure thing since last June that he was a big part of their future plans.

Its unclear at this time where Nabokov will play next season but I imagine they’ll want him in the AHL as the Colorado Eagles starter.

The Avs are set in goal right now with Mackenzie Blackwood starting a five-year contract. Backup goalie Scott Wedgewood has one more year remaining on his deal.

If all goes, Colorado could slowly develop Nabokov’s game without desperately pushing him into a starter role with the big club. At some point, I’d imagine a tandem of Blackwood and Nabokov is the goal for the front office.