According to Jeremy Garrett of Hockey News Hub, San Jose Sharks prospect Yaroslav Korostelyov is terminating his contract with SKA St. Petersburg and will make the jump to North America this coming season. The report was seemingly confirmed by Sharks President Jonathan Becher in a quote tweet, although the team has yet to officially confirm the signing.
Korostelyov was the Sharks' seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, 194th overall. The 21-year-old netminder played in 20 games for SKA's MHL team last season, registering a 2.22 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage, both of which were a major step in the wrong direction compared to the prior season. In 27 games during the 2024-25 season, he had a league-leading (amongst goaltenders to appear in 20 or more games) 1.53 goals-against average and an impressive .936 save percentage.
During a brief one-game stint in the VHL, Korostelyov struggled considerably, allowing five goals on 31 shots. He ended up leaving the game after 33 minutes as SKA was defeated 6-1.
Currently, it's unknown where he will slot into the Sharks' plans for the upcoming season as Eric Comrie, Matt Davis, and Kyle Keyser are likely to take up the majority of ice time at the American Hockey League level, as a result he could be sent to their ECHL affiliate, the Wichita Thunder.
