Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have signed goaltender Ilya Nabokov, 22 years old, to a two-year Entry Level Contract through the 2026-27 season.
Nabokov has spent three seasons in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, only two of which were full-season stints. In this most recent season, he posted a 23-17-6 record with a save percentage of .923 and a 2.22 GAA. He's recorded six shutouts in 93 games in the KHL.
The 6-foot-1, 179-pound goaltender was named Rookie of the Year in the 2023-24 season and led his team to the 2024 Gagarin Cup. In that postseason run, he was named MVP, the youngest goaltender to ever do so, with four shutouts in 23 games, a 1.82 GAA, and a .942 SV%.
Though this contract has been signed with the Avalanche, fans may not see him in a game for some time. Currently, Nabokov is listed on Elite Prospects to be heading back to Russia and HC Metallurg on a loan. With that said, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette, Nabokov's agent, Shumi Babaev, is working on obtaining a visa so the goaltender can participate in Colorado's Development Camp in July.
The Kalsi, Russia native was drafted 38th overall by the Avalanche in the 2024 NHL draft. His second-round pickup made him the first goaltender drafted among the 2024 draft class.