Former first round pick declares he will not play in the AHL
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The NHL offseason drama intensifies as 2023 first round draft pick Mikhail Gulyayev refuses to come play in the AHL.
It appears that we have another Rutger McGroarty "prima donna" in the making concerning Mikhail Gulyayev. The young Russian was selected 31st overall in the 2023 NHL entry draft by the Montreal Canadiens, but was dished off to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Alex Newhook.
The latest reports indicate that defenceman Mikhail Gulyayev refuses to come play in the AHL for further development. The young elite Russian has made it clear that he wants a direct path to NHL ice time and anything less is unacceptable.
«My path to the NHL is to come and play right away. I'm pursuing my dream and am not interested in anything else. I'm not against the AHL; it's a good league, but if I go to America to play, I will only play in the NHL.»
- Mikhail Gulyayev
- Mikhail Gulyayev
Mikhail Gulyayev, a 19-year-old defenseman, signed a contract extension with his KHL team, keeping him in Russia until the end of the 2026 season. This means the Avalanche will not control his development until he chooses to come to North America.
It looks like Mikhail Gulyayev will be staying in the KHL until the Colorado Avalanche can guarantee him a direct pathway into the NHL.
As Jets fans well know, entitled prospects who demand NHL ice time usually doesn't work out in their favour. Mikhail Gulyayev will have to prove he's NHL ready at some point, and that means an inevitable stint in the AHL.
source: Red Wings Insider
2023 first-round draft pick refuses to come play in North America in the AHL
2023 first-round draft pick refuses to come play in North America in the AHL
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 65 ANSWERS Former first round pick declares he will not play in the AHL Is he the next Rutger McGroarty? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 84.6 % |
| No | 10 | 15.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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