A new era may be dawning for the Colorado Avalanche, and it begins in the crease. In a bold and emotional statement that sent a ripple of excitement through fans at Ball Arena, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar declared his unwavering confidence in young goaltender Ilya Nabokov, calling him “the future of this franchise.”
“This is the best we could hope for,” Bednar said, addressing media after a high-energy practice session earlier this week. “Ilya Nabokov has the poise, the athleticism, and the work ethic you want in a cornerstone goaltender. He’s not just here to back up — he’s here to build something.”
Who Is Ilya Nabokov?
A product of the KHL’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk system, Nabokov, 22, was drafted 86th overall by the Avalanche in the 2021 NHL Draft. After a dominant run in Russia, where he posted stellar numbers and led his team deep into the postseason, Nabokov made the jump to North America and has quickly impressed both teammates and coaches in camp and preseason action.
His performance in the preseason — including a 41-save shutout against the Minnesota Wild — has sparked growing speculation that he may challenge for the starting role sooner than expected.
Goaltending Questions Finally Answered?
The Avalanche, still glowing from their 2022 Stanley Cup win, have struggled with consistency in net in recent seasons. Injuries, streaky performances, and rotating starters have left fans and management alike yearning for a long-term solution between the pipes.
That solution, it seems, may have arrived.
“He’s cool under pressure, he reads the game at a veteran level, and he’s already gaining the respect of the locker room,” Bednar said. “We’re not handing him the job — he’s earning it. But everything we’re seeing tells us he’s the real deal.”
A Message to the Fans
Fans at Ball Arena responded with thunderous applause when Nabokov’s name was announced during a recent preseason game, signaling the start of what many hope will be a new golden era for Avalanche goaltending.
“Bednar saying he’s the new face in net? That’s all I needed to hear,” said longtime fan Carla Jenkins. “We’ve been waiting for a guy like this since Varlamov — maybe even Roy. If he’s got the goods, let’s ride.”
What’s Next?
While Alexandar Georgiev remains the incumbent starter, Bednar made it clear that Nabokov will be given every opportunity to compete for playing time — and possibly more.
“We’re going to manage him smartly,” Bednar said. “But if he keeps pushing the way he has, it’s only a matter of time. We’re not just thinking about this season — we’re thinking about the next five to ten years.”
As opening night approaches, all eyes will be on Ilya Nabokov. The pressure is high, but the potential is higher.
The Avalanche may have found their next star — and Ball Arena can feel it.
