What happened: Mikhail Gulyayev signed a two-year extension with Avangard Omsk, keeping him in the KHL through the 2027-28 season. The deal pushes his earliest possible arrival with the Colorado Avalanche to the 2028-29 NHL season.

Why it matters: The move delays one of Colorado's longer-term defensive prospects at a time when NHL clubs value entry-level contributors for roster flexibility. It also extends uncertainty around how the Avalanche will fold their 2023 first-round pick into the organization.

What to watch: Watch whether Colorado comments on the extension or adjusts its prospect timeline. Gulyayev's development in Russia will remain the key checkpoint before any NHL move.