After a long wait for Sergei Ivanov to become a Blue Jacket, the Russian goaltender has finally signed his entry-level contract with Columbus. Before we launch the confetti, though, it seems it will still be another year before we see Ivanov play a game in Nationwide Arena.
Sergei signed ✅
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 8, 2026
We've signed G Sergei Ivanov to a two-year, entry level contract through the 2027-28 season!
📝 https://t.co/G0gopy5HLf
CBJ x @OHHeartofitAll pic.twitter.com/130hFusn89
Reports indicate that Ivanov will play one final season in Russia, again with St. Petersburg. He played 29 games in the KHL in the regular season, posting a .928 save percentage with a 2.50 goals against average.
The 22-year-old was originally drafted 138th overall in 2022, and has played four seasons in Russia since then. He has also played on three different teams over the last three years after being loaned to Sochi last year and Vladivostok the year before.
Although the ELC is technically for two years, the first one will be used up this year, as the Blue Jackets are loaning him back to St. Petersburg. Although you may be used to the contract just sliding back a year, this will not be the case due to Ivanov's age.
So to recap. #CBJ signed Sergei Ivanov to a 2-year ELC that covers 2026-27 and 2027-28. Because he is 22, the first year is burned regardless of where he plays. He is expected to play 2026-27 in Russia. This is standard for older players signing their ELC/secure rights etc. https://t.co/wTr8m2OEBX
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) July 8, 2026
We haven't been quiet about our high hopes for Ivanov over the next several seasons, and we can at least breathe a little easier knowing that he will almost certainly be a Blue Jacket for the 2027-28 season barring anything crazy.
Although Ivanov is on the smaller size for a pro goalie at just six feet tall, he has consistently proven himself in arguably the second-best hockey league in the world, and the sample size will only get larger after this upcoming season, where he should be in a position to get even more playing time.
Height is also becoming less of an important factor for goalies over recent years, with many smaller netminders succeeding at the NHL level, of course including our very own Jet Greaves.
Ivanov has undoubtedly been one of the Blue Jackets' top prospects over the last several years, and his timeline is finally set in stone, even if it's still a year away. This move is one that should set up the Blue Jackets with a phenomenal goalie room, locking down a very important position.
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