Alexander Georgiev, who previously played in net for the San Jose Sharks, is currently without an NHL team, as The Hockey News reported. The season began a month ago, and Georgiev remains outside the league, marking a significant change from his earlier career. His last known NHL tenure concluded with difficult performance figures, contributing to a cautious approach from potential teams.
Georgiev’s career trajectory included notable highs. He tied for the NHL lead with 40 wins during the 2022-23 season and then led the league outright with 38 victories the following season. During this period, he was considered a key player for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations and was an All-Star. However, his performance statistics began to decline, with his save percentage dropping to .897 in the 2023-24 season, followed by a further dip in the subsequent year.
Following these struggles, Georgiev was traded to the San Jose Sharks. The move was reportedly made with the hope that a change of environment would help him regain his form. However, his time with the Sharks did not provide the desired turnaround. Across 31 appearances for San Jose, he recorded a .875 save percentage and a 3.88 goals-against average, indicating continued challenges on the ice.
After his stint in San Jose, Georgiev had a brief period with Buffalo before eventually returning to Russia. He joined Spartak Moskva in the KHL, where his performance showed signs of improvement. During the regular season, he posted a 2.37 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage over 24 appearances. His playoff run with Spartak Moskva, while resulting in a 1-4 record in five appearances, still saw him maintain a .918 save percentage. These figures suggest that Georgiev retained his ability to stop pucks at a high level.
Despite this renewed performance in the KHL, the main question for NHL teams remains whether he can consistently deliver similar results in North America again. The end of his previous NHL engagements was perceived as unfavorable, leading to a reluctance among teams to sign him. With the NHL season already underway, the window of opportunity for Georgiev to secure a spot with a team continues to narrow.
