Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #1 Ilya Nabokov

The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Six writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2025. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked (plus one Honorable Mention).

Name: Ilya Nabokov

Age: 22

Position: Goaltender

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 179 lbs

Likely 2025-26 Team: Metallurg Magnitogorsk (LOAN)

2024 Rank: #6th

Final Rank: #1

High Rank: #1 (ALL)

Low Rank: #1

2024-25 Statistics:

We have come to the end of our T25U25 adventure, and the finale highlights the 22-year-old Russian net-minder Ilya Nabokov. Being a netminder and the unanimous top U25 player is quite an honour around here, and I think we’ve nailed it. Nabokov has shown plenty of ability and skill in the KHL, and the Colorado Avalanche responded by committing to the smaller but very athletic tender via a 2-year $1.95M entry-level contract back in May. Let’s talk about how he earned that commitment and what could be on the horizon for Ilya.

It’s no secret that the Colorado Avalanche also invested in ‘their guy’ in MacKenzie Blackwood, who was traded to the Avalanche on December 9, 2024, and subsequently extended with a 5-year $26.25M contract. That said, Nabokov’s immediate future likely isn’t as a starter, and the backup role might be wide open by this time next season, as current G2 Scott Wedgewood’s contract is in its last year. That feels like a cost-saving move for the Avalanche, who’d be wise to save their pennies in a time frame where they need to think of extending the likes of Cale Makar. It would also be smart to get Nabokov rolling under a veteran like Blackwood, who could help usher in Nabokov’s days as an NHL starter. I would not be at all surprised if Nabokov is, in fact, the Starting goalie for the Colorado Avalanche one day.

If indeed the backup role is up for grabs this time next year, we should get our first honest look at Ilya Nabokov in North America and in burgundy and blue. That’s exciting, just like watching Ilya Nabokov. KHL hockey is typically much looser defensively than NHL hockey, and thus, Kovalenko has been presented plenty of opportunities in terms of essential and flashy saves. He can get from side to side very effectively and has extremely impressive hand-eye coordination. Most importantly, he has already won some massive games in the professional ranks, albeit in the KHL.

I think it’s often understated how seriously the KHL is taken in Russia, and to lead your team to the Gagarin Cup as a netminder is nothing to scoff at. Add to that rookie of the year and playoff MVP, and you begin to understand why fans are anxious to see what the kid can do. He has accomplished most of what he can in the KHL, and so I do not doubt that he wants to play NHL hockey after this last run in Russia with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

In an era that the Avalanche lack many prospects to gawk at, it’s at a minimum nice to know Nabokov is likely the real deal!

Let us know what you thought of our T25U25 special in the comments!

2025 Top 25 Under 25

#25 Louka Cloutier

#24 Ivan Yunin

#23 Nikita Ishimnikov

#22 Chris Romaine

#21 Nolan Roed

#20 Linus Funck

#19 Max Curran

#18 Jake Fisher

#17 Saige Weinstein