Avalanche Re-Sign Depth Goalie; Two Others Head Overseas

Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is already getting his off-season work started, even if this move one is pretty…minor.

Trent Miner, Colorado’s seventh round pick back in 2019, has been re-signed by the organization to a one-year contract that will run through the 2024-25 season. Miner had a bit of a breakout season with the Colorado Eagles, having spent most of his time as a professional playing at the ECHL.

The 23 year old goaltender went 9-6-1 in 18 games with the Eagles, posting a 2.10 goals against average and a .930 save percentage. Pretty small sample size, but impressive nonetheless. Those 18 games are the most he’s played at the AHL level since turning pro back in 2020. Towards the end of the playoff run for the Avalanche, Miner was rewarded by traveling with the team to Dallas as the emergency third goaltender for Game Five.

Ivan Prosvetov had previously been the third goaltender for the playoff run, but he’s been rumored to be heading overseas to the KHL. Prosvetov is set to become a group six unrestricted free agent this summer.

Speaking of the KHL, it appears another depth goaltender from the Avalanche will be spending next season in Russia, although he might not be property of Colorado for much longer.

Ivan Zhigalov, Colorado’s seventh round pick in 2022, has appeared on the roster for Dinamo Minsk of the KHL. According to their website, his contract runs until May 31, 2025. Last season was a tough one for Zhigalov, who was originally set to play in his home country of Belarus. That contract was terminated before the season even began, and he split time between the USHL and NAHL in 2023-24. Not exactly a great sign.

The Avalanche hold Zhigalov’s exclusive rights until June 1, 2024, but I’d be surprised if he gets an NHL contract with the team. He hasn’t really done anything to show he’s worthy of one, and there’s only so many you can give out, especially when it comes to goaltenders.

Zhigalov isn’t the only netminder headed overseas. Arvid Holm, who the Avalanche signed last summer as an unrestricted free agent, has signed a three year deal with Rogle of the SHL. Holm struggled with the Eagles, posting an .887 save percentage in his 12 games.

Right now, Colorado’s depth chart in net appears to be Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen, and Trent Miner. Expect at least one or two more goalies to be added to that group before the season starts.