SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2026/01/03: Ilya Nabokov (30) of Metallurg Hockey Club seen in action during the Hockey match, Kontinental Hockey League 2025/2026 between Shanghai Dragons China and Metallurg Magnitogorsk at the SKA Arena. (Final score; Shanghai Dragons 3:7 Metallurg Magnitogorsk). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Seven writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2026. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.

Name: Ilya Nabokov

Age: 23

Position: G

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 181 lbs

Likely 2026-27 Team: Colorado Eagles

2025 Rank: #1

Final Rank: #1

High Rank: #1 (Multiple)

Low Rank: #3 (Ryan, Ezra)

2025-26 Statistics:

Metallurg Magnitogorsk – 38 GP, 2.74 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO (22-7-5)

We have finally arrived at the #1 Colorado Avalanche prospect under 25 years of age; returning to defend his #1 status in 2025 is goaltender Ilya Nabokov.

It’s been an interesting journey and case study getting to know the players in the Avalanche system. Along the way, we’ve discussed players with a clear path to the NHL, some whose path could materialize down the road, and others who will need a miracle to earn a debut.

Make no mistake, Ilya Nabokov will play in the NHL, as he’s been promised. These promises have been enough to get him to North America for a debut season with the Colorado Eagles, for now.

I’m anxious to get an up-close look at Ilya Nabokov this year

Probably Colorado’s most interesting goalie prospect in quite a while pic.twitter.com/3RCueRsakJ
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano) August 28, 2026

Now the question is, are the promises enough to immediately slot Nabokov over Trent Miner as the starter in Loveland? Miner has already proven to be among the better AHL netminders and has had appearances in the NHL, including an NHL shutout.

It’s likely the two split time, but I’d imagine that wouldn’t sit well with Nabokov, who left behind legitimate success (KHL MVP, KHL ROY, Gagarin Cup Champion, KHL Playoff MVP) when he left the KHL.

The key to success and winning the gig, I think, will come at training camp and in the early stages of the regular season. If Ilya can showcase his aggressive and athletic talents at camp against the best of the best, it will be hard to keep him out of the starter’s crease in Loveland.

As far as Nabokov playing NHL hockey, after Scott Wedgewood’s deal comes to an end, he appears to be the natural fill-in to back up MacKenzie Blackwood and a potential starter in Colorado one day.

Nabokov has the tools and the mindset of a proven champion netminder. The question remains: will his game translate to the North American game? I’m optimistic.

Trent Miner

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