Gulyayev scored a goal in Avangard Omsk's 5-2 win over Barys Astana on Sunday in the KHL.

EDGE Analysis

Gulyayev has made 28 appearances for Omsk this season, but he has just three points and a minus-4 rating while averaging 10:38 of ice time. That's not an ideal situation for a young player to be in. The Avalanche prospect is under contract for the rest of this season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him move to North America for 2026-27.

Gulyayev has logged six goals, eight helpers, six PIM, 70 shots on goal and a minus-2 rating over 55 games with KHL Omsk in 2024-25.

EDGE Analysis

Gulyayev, the No. 31 overall selection by Colorado in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is playing in his third KHL season. His contract with Omsk doesn't expire until after the 2025-26 campaign. The 19-year-old blueliner's progression has been questionable at best -- his 15:53 of average ice time in 2024-25 is a marginal increase from the 15:38 he received in 2023-24. His development will be of keen interest to the Avalanche -- the club does not possess a deep prospect pool. Gulyayev shouldn't be expected to transition to the NHL until at least 2026-27.

Gulyayev is one of the six defensemen for Avangard of the KHL, Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gulyayev, selected 31st overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by Colorado, worked as the sixth defenseman on opening night in the KHL. He had one hit, two blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 11:33 of ice time (17 shifts). Gulyayev was on the ice for the game-winning goal with just two minutes left in the game, which is a sign the coaches are confident in the 18-year-old. He has two more years left on his contract with Avangard and could come to North America as a 20-year-old for the 2025-26 season.