The Avalanche’s long game with prospect defender Daniil Gulyayev still has him tied to Avangard Omsk for now, but the door to North America remains open.
Gulyayev said the Avalanche had an entry-level offer on the table last year that would have let him stay in the KHL for the season before coming over later, according to Sport 24’s Dmitry Yerkalov. At some point in those negotiations, though, things broke down, and he ended up signing a two-year extension with Avangard Omsk that starts this season.
Even with that commitment in place, the 21-year-old made it clear he still wants to reach the NHL eventually. For now, he says he’s taking things year by year when it comes to deciding when that move might happen.
Colorado selected Gulyayev 31st overall in 2023, and he put up three points in 54 KHL games last season. When he does make the jump, he’ll likely be waiting for a regular opening on the Avalanche blue line, and that spot isn’t there at the moment.
Elsewhere in the Central, the Blues included veteran goalie Parker Gahagen among their camp invitees. The 33-year-old has spent most of the last decade bouncing between the AHL and ECHL, and last season he appeared in 37 games for ECHL Worcester, finishing with a 2.47 GAA and a .916 SV%.
He also owns 59 career AHL appearances across parts of eight seasons. A strong camp could land him a minor-league deal.
The Stars also unveiled their training camp roster, which features 57 invitees and two tryout players. Goaltender Matthew Humphries is in camp on an ATO, while veteran winger Jack Becker is there on a PTO.
Humphries went undrafted in June after playing 24 games for OHL Oshawa, where he posted a 3.73 GAA and an .888 SV%.
Becker already knows the organization well, having played for a Dallas affiliate since 2021-22. Last season, the 29-year-old recorded 40 points in 71 games with AHL Texas, and he’ll be trying to earn a deal that would bring him back there for the upcoming season.
In Other News...
Jason Robertson Just Drew A Public Reaction From Seattle
Seattles interest in Jason Robertson spilled into public view when Kraken forward Matty Beniers addressed the wingers decision to stay with Dallas rather than head north. Robertson was reportedly offered a sign-and-trade package from Seattle, and Beniers made clear the Kraken would rather build around players who actually want to be there, even if that means absorbing a little disappointment when a prominent target goes elsewhere.
For the Stars, the bigger takeaway is that Robertsons choice keeps him in Dallas for at least the near term and preserves an already important piece of their lineup. The deal gives both sides a short runway before the next round of contract questions arrives, and it also leaves Seattle with a reminder of how quickly a pursuit can become a public statement about fit, preference and what kind of player a team wants to attract. [Read more 🡒]
Atte Joki Is Giving Stars Fans An Early Development Test
The Stars prospect tournament roster is out, and one notable name is missing for a reason that has more to do with long-range development than training camp drama. Atte Joki is spending this season in Finland with HIFK, where he is under contract through spring 2028 and getting reps in Liiga instead of joining Dallas 22-player group. For a player still building his game, that can be a worthwhile tradeoff, especially since he is being used in a checking role on an HIFK club coached by Olli Jokinen.
Early returns have given Stars fans something to track from afar. Jokis underlying numbers are trending in the right direction in puck battles, passing accuracy and shot generation, which is the sort of progress Dallas wants to see from a young forward learning how to hold his own against pro competition. The catch is still obvious: his faceoff results remain a problem, and in a role that asks for reliability in small moments, that part of the game is not yet keeping pace with the rest. [Read more 🡒]