DETROIT, MI - MARCH 02: Head coach Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 2, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Colorado defeated Detroit 2-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Colorado Avalanche are still investing in their future between the pipes, signing one of Russia’s top young goaltenders, Nikita Novosyolov, to a two-year entry-level contract that begins in the 2026-27 season.
Breakout Season in the VHL
The Colorado Avalanche signed Russian goaltender Nikita Novosyolov to a two-year entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season on Monday, adding another young goalie to their pipeline.
Novosyolov, 21, comes after a great season in Russia’s second-tier professional league, the VHL, where he played most of the year with Gornyak-UGMK. The 6-foot-2 goaltender played in 40 regular-season games, compiling a stellar 22-10-8 record with a 2. 10 goals-against average, a. 932 save percentage, and three shutouts.
Those stats ranked him among the league’s most dependable goaltenders, as he placed sixth in wins and tied for 10th in save percentage across the VHL.
The rookie goalie also gained invaluable playoff experience, playing in 11 postseason games and posting a 2. 76 goals against average and an impressive. 924 save percentage.
Novosyolov achieved a new milestone during the 2025-26 season by making his KHL debut with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, in addition to his success in the VHL. He played in three games, gaining his first taste of action in Russia’s top professional league.
Climbing through The Avtomobilist System
Novosyolov spent the previous four years advancing through the Avtomobilist system, achieving excellent outcomes at each stop. He had a 36-15-13 record with a 2. 16 goals-against average, a. 932 save percentage, and six shutouts in 67 career VHL games from 2023-26.
He appeared in 79 games for Russia’s junior MHL league from 2022 to 2025 before settling into the professional ranks. During that span, he had a 39-26-7 record, a 0. 925 save percentage, and eight shutouts, demonstrating early signs of the consistency that has characterized his development.
His development has gained attention throughout the years. Novosyolov was selected VHL Rookie of the Month in March 2025 and also received MHL All-Star honors for that season. He was named the MHL East Goaltender of the Month in November the previous year.
The signing provides Colorado with another intriguing alternative in its developing group of goaltending prospects and brings extra international talent to the organization’s development system. Novosyolov has a strong connection within the Avalanche system, having played beside Colorado prospect Nikita Ishimnikov in the Avtomobilist organization since the 2022-23 season.
While the Avalanche have many young goalies coming up through the system, Novosyolov’s track record of success in professional hockey, coupled with his recent KHL stint, makes him an intriguing prospect to follow as he approaches a possible future in North America.
