Danil Gushchin Bio
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin (born 6 February 2002) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 2020 NHL entry draft, he made his NHL debut in 2023 and has since developed into a skilled scoring forward at the minor professional level. Standing 173 cm tall and weighing 75 kg, Gushchin is recognized for his offensive instincts and consistent production in the AHL.
Early Life and Background
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin was born on 6 February 2002 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, and grew up in a country with a deep tradition of ice hockey. As a youth, he developed within two of Russia’s most prestigious junior programs, featuring for both HC Dynamo Moscow and HC CSKA Moscow. These formative years in Moscow exposed him to a high level of coaching and competition that helped shape his early game.
During his development in Russia, Gushchin built the offensive skill set that would later define his playing style, including quick hands, strong skating, and a reliable shot. His progression through these respected junior systems laid the foundation for his eventual transition to North American hockey.
Path to Hockey
Gushchin’s path to professional hockey led him to opt for a move to North America to play with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL). After spending two seasons in the USHL, his performance drew the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round, 76th overall, of the 2020 NHL entry draft. On 21 May 2021, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks.
Opting to continue his development in major junior hockey, Gushchin joined the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the 2021–22 season, having previously been selected 4th overall in the 2020 CHL Import Draft. His time with the IceDogs allowed him to adjust to the North American style of play and refine his two-way game before turning professional.
Danil Gushchin Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
In his first full professional season in 2022–23, Gushchin was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. He posted an impressive 22 goals and 45 points through 67 regular season games, establishing himself as one of the organization’s top forward prospects. His production earned him a mid-season NHL recall.
On 1 April 2023, Gushchin made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks in a 7–2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, scoring a goal in the contest. The debut marked a major milestone in his career and confirmed his readiness for top-level competition.
AHL Breakthrough with the San Jose Barracuda (2022–2025)
Throughout his tenure with the San Jose Barracuda, Gushchin established himself as a reliable scoring forward in the AHL. In 2022–23, his 22-goal, 45-point campaign was among the most productive rookie seasons in the team’s recent history. He continued to develop his playmaking and added strength on the puck.
In the 2024–25 season, Gushchin made the opening night roster for the San Jose Sharks and appeared in 12 NHL games, registering one assist. After his NHL stint, he was assigned back to the Barracuda, where he ranked third in team scoring and posted a career-high 28 goals and 51 points through 56 regular season games. He added one goal in four playoff games, continuing to demonstrate his scoring touch in pressure situations.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2025–Present)
On 25 July 2025, as a pending restricted free agent with the Sharks, Gushchin was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Oskar Olausson. The trade marked a new chapter in his career and placed him within one of the NHL’s most competitive organizations.
Gushchin now plays for the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, where he is expected to continue his development and push for NHL playing time. His offensive skill set makes him a strong candidate to contribute at the top level when opportunities arise.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a right winger listed at 173 cm and 75 kg, Gushchin plays a quick, skill-based game built on speed, hockey sense, and finishing ability. His ability to generate offense in tight spaces and contribute in all three zones has been a hallmark of his development. He has consistently produced at or near the top of his team’s scoring charts in the AHL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gushchin’s signature career moments is his NHL debut on 1 April 2023, when he scored a goal against the Arizona Coyotes in a 7–2 Sharks victory. He has also recorded career highs of 28 goals and 51 points in an AHL season, achievements that reflect his continued offensive growth at the professional level.
Danil Gushchin Career Wins
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin has built a strong offensive résumé across multiple leagues, including the USHL, OHL, AHL, and NHL. His consistent scoring has marked him as a reliable contributor at every level he has played.
AHL Highlights
In the AHL, Gushchin has recorded 22 goals and 45 points in 67 games during the 2022–23 season with the San Jose Barracuda, followed by a career-high 28 goals and 51 points in 56 games in 2024–25. He also contributed one goal in four playoff games during the 2024–25 postseason.
Other Wins & Performances
Gushchin made 12 NHL appearances with the San Jose Sharks in 2024–25, registering one assist. His development through the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the OHL with the Niagara IceDogs prepared him for consistent professional production.
Danil Gushchin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Danil Vadimovich Gushchin’s family background are limited, and verified information about his parents has not been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Danil Vadimovich Gushchin keeps his personal life largely private, and no public information about a spouse or children has been confirmed. He continues his professional hockey career in North America.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Danil Vadimovich Gushchin began the year on the San Jose Sharks’ opening night roster, appearing in 12 NHL games and recording one assist before being assigned to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. With the Barracuda, he posted career-best numbers of 28 goals and 51 points in 56 regular season games, ranking third in team scoring.
His strong AHL production continued into the postseason, where he added one goal in four playoff games. On 25 July 2025, his trade to the Colorado Avalanche organization in exchange for Oskar Olausson signaled a fresh opportunity within a Stanley Cup contender’s system.
Now aligned with the Colorado Eagles, Gushchin enters the next phase of his career positioned within a deep Avalanche forward pipeline. His offensive consistency and proven AHL production make him a candidate to compete for NHL roster opportunities in the seasons ahead.