Max Miller
The San Jose Sharks are adding another goalie prospect to their system as 2024 NHL Draft 7th-round pick Yaroslav Korostelyov is reportedly leaving Russia.
Jeremy Garrett of Hockey News Hub first reported this news on Saturday morning, and SJHN’s Sheng Peng later confirmed it,
Korostelyov terminated his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the VHL, Russia’s second tier of hockey. Think of the VHL as the American Hockey League of the KHL. Korostelyov played one game in the VHL last season while also suiting up for 20 games in the MHL, Russia’s top Junior league (U20).
The San Jose Sharks prospect had a 14-5-0 record in the MHL and was strong all season for SKA. His performances gave him a .917 save % and a 2.22 GAA. Korostelyov would lose his only VHL game last season, a 6-1 loss. The new Sharks netminder gave up five goals on 31 shots before being pulled at the 33-minute mark of the game.
It is not yet clear how the Sharks will use their newest goalie prospect. He could be a candidate to fill the backup spot behind free agent signing Eric Comrie with the San Jose Barracuda. The Sharks also have goalie Matt Davis in the system, who will likely compete for the same role. Given Korostelyov hasn’t played in North America before, he could start the season in the ECHL with the San Jose Sharks ECHL affiliate, the Wichita Thunder. 27-year-old Kyle Keyser is also within the organization’s goalie union.
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