"Sergevrikov, goalkeeper of Avangard, does not dismiss the possibility of joining the NHL"
In the world of ice hockey, goalkeeper Nikita Serebryakov's future seems to be on the move. After spending the 2024/2025 season with Omsk "Avangard", Serebryakov has now signed a new contract with "Yastreb".
Serebryakov's contract with Avangard is set to expire, and with his expressed desire to play in the NHL, his focus appears to be shifting towards the North American league. However, the NHL transfer process for goalkeepers over 35, such as Serebryakov, is not solely dependent on age.
According to NHL regulations, Serebryakov, who has limited NHL games played, would likely qualify under Group 6 as an unrestricted free agent. This status allows him to negotiate and sign with any NHL club without draft pick compensation or matching rights involved. Even though Serebryakov is over 35, NHL rules do not prohibit such transfers, but standard procedures for player eligibility, work visas, and agreements with international leagues apply.
In his time with Avangard, Serebryakov proved to be a formidable force between the pipes. During the playoffs, he saved an impressive 94.1% of shots on his goal, and conceded an average of 1.88 goals per game.
Serebryakov's new contract with "Yastreb" was signed in June and is valid until 2030. This deal, however, does not necessarily mean the end of his NHL aspirations. Serebryakov has referenced Tim Thomas, a goalie who made a successful comeback to the NHL after the age of 35, as a possible example.
As of the latest information, Serebryakov's future club is "Yastreb". The details of his contract with the new club and any potential future moves towards the NHL have not been disclosed.
[1] NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) [2] NHL Free Agency and Transfer Process
Serebryakov's future in ice hockey may still involve a potential shift to the NHL, despite his new contract with Yastreb, given his expressed desire and the NHL regulations that enable him to sign with any NHL club without draft pick compensation or matching rights. However, his status as a goalkeeper over 35, with limited NHL games played, would likely qualify him as an unrestricted free agent under Group 6.
