The Colorado Avalanche announced that they’ve traded forward to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for top talented star.
Veteran star, 23, was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round (76th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut during the 2022–23 season in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. Since then, he’s played in a total of 18 NHL games, including 12 appearances last season. Top star began the year on the Sharks’ opening night roster and suited up for all nine games in October before being reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL). He was recalled twice more—once for a game in November against the Vancouver Canucks, and again in April for the team’s final two regular-season matchups. His lone NHL point last season was an assist in a 5–4 overtime win over the Utah Mammoth.
The Yekaterinburg, Russia native played 56 games with the Barracuda in the regular season, recording 51 points (28 goals, 23 assists). He ranked third on the team in points and second in goals. In the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, he scored once in four appearances.
Gushchin joins the Avalanche as a 5-foot-8, 165-pound forward known for his energy and two-way game. Despite his smaller stature, he plays with noticeable edge and physicality. He excels on the backcheck, almost resembling a third defenseman during transitions, and has a high hockey IQ—using deception on passes or shots before accelerating into open space.
As noted, Gushchin was acquired in exchange for Oskar Olausson, a Swedish forward who was drafted 28th overall by Colorado in 2021. Olausson spent three years in the Avalanche system, appearing in four NHL games. He notched 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 61 games this past season with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
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