NY Islanders prosppect Dmitri Gamzin ranked on top-25 goalie prospects list

When the NY Islanders addressed their goaltending depth within the prospect pool at the 2024 NHL Draft, they may have found a diamond in the rough in fourth-round pick Dmitri Gamzin.

Gamzin, 23, who plays his professional hockey for CSKA Moskva in the KHL, was sensational between the pipes last season and finds himself ranked No. 13 on Daily Faceoff’s Top 25 NHL Affiliated Goalie Prospects list.

Gamzin ranked No. 13

After beginning last season as the backup to Spencer Martin, Gamzin quickly took over the role of starter. Relegated to the backup, Martin soon left CSKA, signing a contract with the NY Rangers.

“Gamzin is quick, has good size and is extremely competitive,” says Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. “I think he’ll be a decent NHL backup, but his deal runs until 2028, so you’ll have to be a bit patient with him.”

While Ellis sees Gamzin as an NHL backup, Gamzin and the Islanders may have their sights set a bit higher. Playing for the same organization in Russia, Sorokin finished his career with CSKA, posting a 1.50 GAA, .935 SV%, and nine shutouts. Last season, Gamzin had similar numbers: a 1.49 GAA, .938 SV%, and eight shutouts. But the Isles won’t be able to put the two alongside each other for at least two years, with Gamzin’s contract running through 2028.

Despite Gamzin’s success, his coach has not guaranteed him the starting role this season, as he’ll need to battle it out with 31-year-old Alexander Samonov. 

"Dmitry is young enough that we can’t simply declare him the undisputed number one,” said CSKA head coach Igor Nikitin, according to rambler.ua (translated from Russian). Our goal isn't to designate a starter; our goal is to play well and improve our level of performance, which will lead to wins. The goaltending group is like a small team within the team; on one hand, Alexander helps Dmitry, but on the other, there is healthy competition between them—which is exactly how it should be.”

Gamzin has a bright future ahead of himself. If he continues on the path he’s on, he could one day find himself as Ilya Sorokin’s successor. 

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