Avalanche goalie prospect Ilya Nabokov made his long-awaited trek to North America late last season, but only saw time as a third-string option with both the AHL Eagles and the Avs. Now, he’s set for his first season in North America but finds himself behind a set tandem in Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. Accordingly, Nabokov appears to be earmarked to play for the Eagles this season. When asked by Sport 24’s Dmitry Yerkalov if that means he could return to the KHL this season instead, Nabokov noted there is no clause in his deal to return to Russia and his focus is solely on trying to get to the NHL. The 23-year-old has a career .919 SV% over parts of five KHL seasons and with Wedgewood only having one year left on his contract and seeming likely to command a big raise on his $2.5MM price tag, a strong showing from Nabokov this season could be enough to make him part of the tandem with the Avalanche in 2027-28.
More from the Central:
Blues prospect Colin Fitzgerald has committed to Providence College, relays Mark Divver of the New England Hockey Journal (Twitter link). However, the center is set to return to Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL for the upcoming season, notes Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News (Twitter link). Louis drafted the 18-year-old in the seventh round back in June, 206th overall. Fitzgerald played in 63 games last season between the Petes and Greyhounds, potting 15 goals and 18 assists. However, he was held off the scoresheet in ten postseason contests.
AHL Tucson, affiliate of the Mammoth, announced that they’ve re-signed winger Tyler Tullio to a one-year deal. The 24-year-old will be entering his second season with the Roadrunners after putting up nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games in 2025-26. Tullio was drafted by Edmonton back in 2020 but was non-tendered after his entry-level contract ended last summer, ultimately resulting in a minor-league deal.