The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.
Subscribe now to view the full THN Archives here.
Also, go to thn.com/free to subscribe.
Metro Division Goaltending Future - Ryan Kennedy - Oct. 3, 2025 - Vol. 79, Issue. 03
The Hurricanes have gone heavy on Russian goaltenders lately, and the newest has a ton of promise. SEMYON FROLOV was drafted 41st overall this summer after a spectacular year in the Russian junior ranks. And early this season, he’s been even better. The 6-foot-3 stopper was boasting a .946 SP through his first couple of games with Spartak Moscow Jr., and he has the foundation to be an excellent pro thanks to his poise and his athleticism in the crease. Frolov’s Russian contract only runs until the summer of 2027.
The Blue Jackets have a history of shocking at the draft, and while taking PYOTR ANDREYANOV, 18, in the first round this summer wasn’t earth-shaking, it was eyebrow-raising. The early returns have been nice, however. Andreyanov, who does not have NHL size at six-foot, nonetheless has been excellent for CSKA Moscow’s minor-league team. Calm, quick and aggressive, Andreyanov was stonewalling Russia’s version of the AHL early in the new season. Caution, though: his contract back home runs until 2030.
When MIKHAIL YEGOROV left a floundering USHL Omaha team mid-season last year, it could not have been a better decision. The big, talented netminder headed to college early and made an impact with Boston University. Yegorov, 19, posted a 2.15 GAA with the Terriers (nearly a full goal less than his early-season mark with Omaha) and a sparkling .927 SP. With Yegorov in goal, BU went on a run to the national championship, where they lost to Western Michigan. He was drafted 49th overall in 2024.
You can’t beat high-pressure experience, and MARCUS GIDLOF got a healthy dose of it last season. Taking over for starter Hugo Havelid in the Allsvenskan promotion final, Gidlof won the last two games of the series for Djurgarden to help the iconic club earn its way back to the SHL. The 6-foot-6 keeper covers a lot of net, and he gave up just one goal in his two appearances as Djurgarden knocked off AIK. Gidlof, 20, had been loaned to Djurgarden by Leksand. He’s back with his Leksand club in the SHL this season.
While the Rangers have drafted a decent number of goalies over the years, it’s a free-agent signing who is in the pole position for next-in-line status. CALLUM TUNG went undrafted, but it took only one season with the University of Connecticut for him to earn an NHL entry-level contract. Blessed with the ability to make highlight-reel saves, Tung, 21, cut his teeth in the BCHL with Alberni Valley. With the Huskies, he was 1B to Florida pick Tyler Muszelik and helped the program earn its first NCAA tourney berth.
The Flyers are hoping Russia’s recent run of goaltending excellence will extend to 2023 third-rounder EGOR ZAVRAGIN. The 20-year-old is blessed with NHL size, athleticism and compete level, plus he put up decent numbers last year as a KHL rookie, particularly during his loan from SKA-St.Petersburg to Sochi. This year, he’s back with SKA, but he didn’t get playing time early – a real concern. Whether he’s in the KHL or the minors, Zavragin needs starts during a critical development year. He can’t be a third-stringer.
The future may be pretty darn soon in Pittsburgh if Tristan Jarry struggles again. Arturs Silovs was acquired from Vancouver in the off-season and will serve as backup. But JOEL BLOMQVISThas been one of the Penguins’ top prospects for years and may force his way into NHL crease duty. Blomqvist, 23, has decent size and moves well, and he saw 15 games of action in the NHL last season. It was a rough go, though statistically not much worse than Jarry or Alex Nedeljkovic. He has proven himself at the AHL level.
His freshman season was difficult, but NICHOLAS KEMPF has a golden opportunity to kick his development up a notch this year as a sophomore with NCAA Notre Dame. While the 6-foot-2 stopper only won two of 13 decisions with the Fighting Irish, he has the chance to grow in South Bend and on the international stage if he can snag a spot on Team USA’s WJC squad. Kempf, 19, is a National Team Development Program alum, and Trey Augustine has aged out of the tournament, so he has a shot.
Let us know what you think below.
Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.
More From The Hockey News' Blue Jackets Site:
Blue Jackets' Kirill Marchenko Off To Red-Hot Start
Stop me, if you have heard this before.
Overreacting To And Overanalyzing The Metro Standings As Of 10/23
Historically, the Metropolitan Division has been a meat grinder. Will this year be any different?
Blue Jackets Assigned Dysin Mayo To Cleveland Monsters
The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned defensemen <a href="https://x.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1981008893921878373">Dysin Mayo to the Cleveland Monsters</a>.
Blue Jackets Outshine Stars In Huge Road Win
The Columbus Special teams showed up in a big way on the road against the Dallas Stars.