Columbus Blue Jackets goalie prospect Pyotr Andreyanov has signed a five-year deal with CSKA of Russia’s KHL, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. The deal will carry Andreyanov through his age-23 season in Russia’s top flight. Andreyanov was recently selected 20th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Notably, the deal includes an NHL release clause after the fourth season, according to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.
This move may come as a shock to many after Columbus selected Andreyanov about 20 spots earlier than many predicted. But sources available to ProHockeyRumors have indicated that the netminder’s plan to sign long-term in Russia was arranged before the draft took place, and comes with a clear intention to move to North America when the deal concludes. That’s excellent news for the Blue Jackets, who land another Russian phenom with this selection.
Andreyanov is lauded as one of Russia’s best goalies in recent memory. He posted a dazzling 23-6-6 record and .942 save percentage through 37 games in the MHL – Russia’s U21 league – this season. That performance gave mere decimals away from breaking the league’s save percentage record among draft-age goalies. That mark is currently held by New York’s Igor Shesterkin (.947).
Andreyanov earned that flashy season on the back of impressive athleticism. He was regarded by many as both the fastest and most controlled goaltender in the class, with an exceptional ability to track the puck and stay locked in between movements. He doesn’t get bogged down by traffic and shows the sly-grin determination to stop every chance that comes his way. Andreyanov is an exceptional goalie talent in many regards – and while his sharp and explosive movements can sometimes land him outside of his crease, there’s a shortlist of other Russians who would place above the CSKA Red Army netminder.
Columbus will add Andreyanov to an already stacked pipeline of goalie prospects. He’ll join compatriot Sergei Ivanov – a 2023 fifth-round pick – at the top of the Blue Jackets’ list. Ivanov posted a .911 save percentage with HK Sochi – often a bottom-ranked club in the KHL – this season. He had a much better save percentage of .943 in 38 KHL games last year. With Andreyanov and Ivanov in the system, the Blue Jackets could soon be relieved of their goalie concerns, once they convince top Russians to come overseas.
I am admittedly not well versed in either Columbus or Russian goaltenders but didn’t they just have one with similar accolades that they traded away? Hopefully this deal turns out better for them.
Tarasov had flashes of potential, but had plenty of chances to take the top job and just never really took the reigns.
Even as a backup in Florida, he might be playing beyond his skill level.
Both goalies are under 6’1. Well, they may have athleticism and the ability to track the puck. This could pose a problem in the NHL. Beyond Saros, there aren’t really any goalies that size that have had great success recently.
Wolf is doing fine.
Jet Greaves looks like he could be special and he’s 6′.
True
And there is bobo in Florida
Elite has Pyotr at 6’2”.
You’ve algo got Igor at 6’1” to add to the list above.
I am a fan of the 6’3” and up goalies, but admittedly don’t know if the numbers back it up, or if it is just a bias I have from being a fan of defensive minded, bigger physical players over smaller fast guys in a positions.
Columbus reached for Andreyanov, could have been picked in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Honestly I doubt that’s true. To us we all think that but it’s very rare you spend a first round pick on a goalie let alone one who’s such a reach if you don’t have intel that he’s getting taken somewhere before your next pick. Maybe a trade wasn’t available do they pounced. Like Brière trading up to get nesbitt. Makes no sense to me but he was their guy and he must’ve had some kind of idea that Nesbit was getting taken before PHI next pick.
Also I’ve heard Andreyanov is the best goalie in this class and those jr. numbers make a case for it.