Danil Gushchin Bio
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger who is under contract with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL) and currently plays for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL). Selected 76th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut in April 2023. A skilled forward listed at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) and 165 lb (75 kg), Gushchin is known for his offensive instincts and quick goal-scoring ability in both junior and professional leagues.
Danil Gushchin Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Gushchin developed as a youth in Moscow, skating for both HC Dynamo Moscow and HC CSKA Moscow junior programs before opting to move to North America to join the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL). After his second season with the Lumberjacks, the San Jose Sharks selected him 76th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, and he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club on 21 May 2021.
Following his signing, Gushchin was previously selected fourth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2020 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft, and he joined the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) club for the 2021–22 season. He spent the year developing in major junior hockey, refining his offensive game and adapting to the North American style of play.
San Jose Sharks Era (2022–2025)
In his first full professional season in 2022–23, Gushchin was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, where he produced an impressive 22 goals and 45 points across 67 regular-season games. He was recalled by San Jose and made his NHL debut on 1 April 2023, scoring a goal in a 7–2 win over the Arizona Coyotes.
During the 2024–25 season, Gushchin made the Sharks’ opening-night roster and appeared in 12 NHL games, recording one assist, before being assigned back to the Barracuda. With the Barracuda, he ranked third in team scoring and set a career high with 28 goals and 51 points in 56 regular-season contests, adding one goal in four playoff games.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2025–Present)
On 25 July 2025, with Gushchin a pending restricted free agent, the San Jose Sharks traded him to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Oskar Olausson. The move positioned Gushchin within the Avalanche organization and gave him a new path to NHL playing time.
Following the trade, Gushchin joined the Colorado Eagles, Colorado’s AHL affiliate, where he has continued to play a scoring role. The Avalanche organization views him as a developing offensive winger capable of contributing at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gushchin is recognized for his quick hands, sharp shooting, and ability to create offense in tight spaces along the boards and around the net. Listed at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) and 165 lb (75 kg), he relies on agility, lower-body strength, and hockey sense to compensate for his smaller frame. A left shot who plays right wing, he brings a versatile offensive skill set that fits well in modern, puck-possession systems.
Danil Gushchin Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin was born on 6 February 2002 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, though he developed as a youth in Moscow within the junior programs of HC Dynamo Moscow and HC CSKA Moscow. Publicly available information about his parents and immediate family has not been widely disclosed, and details of his personal life beyond his playing career remain largely private.
2025 Season Performance
Gushchin’s 2024–25 campaign was split between the NHL and AHL, beginning with 12 games and one assist for the San Jose Sharks before a return to the San Jose Barracuda. With the Barracuda, he produced a career-best 28 goals and 51 points in 56 regular-season games, finishing third in team scoring and adding one goal in four playoff contests.
His strong play in the AHL was followed by a July 2025 trade to the Colorado Avalanche, where he was assigned to the Colorado Eagles. Within the Avalanche system, Gushchin is positioned as an emerging offensive winger with a clear opportunity to push for NHL games during the 2025–26 season.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Gushchin in 2025 is tied to his continued production at the AHL level and his ability to translate that scoring touch into NHL opportunities with the Avalanche. His blend of skill, speed, and finishing ability makes him a notable prospect to watch within the Colorado organization.