Alexandar Georgiyevich Georgiev is a Bulgarian-born Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Born in Ruse, Bulgaria, on 10 February 1996, Georgiev moved to Russia as an infant and grew up in the Moscow region. He is widely recognized as the first Bulgarian-born player to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL), having carved out a successful career despite going undrafted. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 180 pounds (82 kg), Georgiev plays the goaltender position and catches left. His professional journey spans multiple continents, including successful stints in Finland, the NHL, and now Russia, where he returned to play in his native country in late 2025.
Alexandar Georgiev Early Life and Background
Alexandar Georgiev was born in Ruse, Bulgaria, on 10 February 1996. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Russia, settling in the Moscow region. Georgiev holds dual citizenship in both Bulgaria and Russia, maintaining connections to both of his home countries throughout his life. He began playing hockey in Moscow, joining the local Penguins youth program in the capital city. His early development in the sport took place entirely in Russia, where he honed his skills as a goaltender while growing up in the Moscow area.
As a teenager, Georgiev moved to Voskresensk to further his development with Khimik Voskresensk, a well-known developmental club in Russian hockey. The structured environment and competitive hockey culture in Russia provided him with a solid foundation. Recognizing the need to expand his horizons and test himself against different styles of play, Georgiev later made the significant decision to move to Finland, where he would take the next major step in his hockey career.
Alexandar Georgiev Path to Professional Hockey
Georgiev made the transition to Finnish hockey in his late teens, joining TPS of the Liiga, Finland’s top professional hockey league. He made his Liiga debut during the 2014–15 season, marking the beginning of his professional career. His two seasons with TPS proved to be instrumental in his development, as he showcased considerable talent and potential between the pipes. The Liiga’s competitive nature and high level of play helped prepare him for the next stage of his journey toward North American hockey.
Despite posting standout numbers during his time with TPS, Georgiev went undrafted through the 2017 NHL entry draft. Rather than viewing this setback as a career-defining limitation, he used it as motivation to pursue his ambition of playing in the world’s top hockey league. Georgiev attended the New York Rangers’ developmental camp, where he impressed coaching staff and management with his performances. His strong showing earned him an invitation to training camp and ultimately led to his first professional contract in North America.
Alexandar Georgiev Career
New York Rangers (2017–2022)
On 18 July 2017, Georgiev signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers, marking his official entry into the NHL. He worked his way up through the Rangers’ system, splitting time between the NHL club and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Georgiev made his NHL debut on 22 February 2018, stopping 38 shots in a 3–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Just nine days later, on 3 March 2018, he earned his first NHL victory, turning aside 35 shots in a 3–2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
During the 2018–19 season, Georgiev established himself as a reliable NHL goaltender. On 21 November 2018, he recorded his first career shutout, blanking the New York Islanders 5–0. On 10 February 2019, he turned in a remarkable performance, making a career-high 55 saves in a 4–1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. That effort placed him second in Rangers history for most saves in a single game and set a new record for the most saves in a regulation game. He continued to be a key contributor for the Rangers through the 2021–22 season, compiling solid numbers and gaining valuable experience as an NHL starter.
Colorado Avalanche (2022–2024)
On 7 July 2022, the New York Rangers traded Georgiev’s negotiating rights to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for draft picks. Just three days later, on 10 July 2022, Georgiev signed a three-year, $10.2 million contract with the Avalanche, solidifying his status as a legitimate NHL starter. The move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he flourished in Colorado’s system.
Georgiev’s first season with the Avalanche in 2022–23 was exceptional. He led the entire NHL in wins with 40, demonstrating his durability and consistency as a number-one goaltender. He followed this performance with another strong campaign in 2023–24, recording 38 wins and continuing to serve as Colorado’s primary goaltender. His two seasons with the Avalanche represented the peak of his NHL career, establishing him as one of the league’s most reliable netminders during that span.
San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres (2024–2025)
On 9 December 2024, the Avalanche traded Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith, and draft picks. The trade marked a new chapter in his career, moving him to a Sharks team in a rebuilding phase. However, his time with the Sharks was brief. On 12 September 2025, Georgiev signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Less than three months later, on 23 November 2025, the Sabres placed him on waivers for the purpose of contract termination. The swift decline in his NHL standing prompted him to look elsewhere for playing opportunities.
Spartak Moscow (2025–Present)
On 25 November 2025, Georgiev signed a two-year contract with Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The signing marked a significant homecoming, as it represented his first professional hockey opportunity in Russia despite being born in Bulgaria and growing up in the Moscow region. Playing for Spartak Moscow allows Georgiev to compete in one of Europe’s top hockey leagues while remaining close to his roots. His contract runs through 2027, providing him with stability as he continues his professional career in his home country.
Playing Style and Strengths
Georgiev is known for his athleticism and quick reflexes in the crease. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he possesses the size necessary to cover significant net area while maintaining the mobility to challenge shooters effectively. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to make high-volume saves in pressure situations, as evidenced by his 55-save performance against Toronto. His calm demeanor and positional awareness have allowed him to log heavy workloads, including leading the NHL in wins twice during his time with Colorado.
Notable Achievements and Records
Georgiev holds the distinction of being the first Bulgarian-born player to play in the NHL, a historic milestone that opened doors for future players from Bulgaria. He ranks second in New York Rangers history for most saves in a single game with 55, achieved against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His 40-win season with Colorado in 2022–23 and 38-win follow-up campaign cemented his reputation as one of the league’s workhorse goaltenders. The transition back to Europe and signing with Spartak Moscow represents both a new chapter and a return to his roots in Russian hockey.
Alexandar Georgiev Career Statistics
Georgiev has compiled impressive statistics across his professional career spanning multiple leagues. His NHL career includes over 200 appearances, highlighted by two seasons of 38 or more wins. His most productive years came with the Colorado Avalanche, where he established himself as a legitimate number-one goaltender capable of carrying significant workloads. Prior to his NHL experience, he developed his craft in Finland’s Liiga with TPS, where he played professionally from 2014 to 2017.
NHL Highlights
In the NHL, Georgiev’s standout seasons came with the Colorado Avalanche. He led the league in wins during the 2022–23 season with 40 victories and followed with 38 wins in 2023–24. His best single-game performance occurred on 10 February 2019, when he made 55 saves for the New York Rangers against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a performance that remains one of the most impressive in franchise history. He recorded his first career shutout on 21 November 2018, a 5–0 blanking of the New York Islanders.
International and European Career
Before entering the NHL, Georgiev established himself in Finland’s Liiga with TPS from 2014 to 2017. His performances there caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his opportunity with the New York Rangers. Since returning to Europe in November 2025, he has played for Spartak Moscow in the KHL, representing Russia internationally while competing at a high level in his home region.
Alexandar Georgiev Family
Background and Dual Citizenship
Georgiev was born in Ruse, Bulgaria, to a family that relocated to Russia shortly after his birth. He holds dual citizenship in both Bulgaria and Russia, allowing him to represent either country internationally. Despite spending his formative years and developing his hockey career in Russia, he has maintained strong ties to Bulgaria as the country of his birth. His journey from Bulgaria to Russia and eventually to professional hockey in Finland and North America exemplifies his adaptability and international background.
Personal Life
Georgiev resides with his focus primarily on his hockey career following his recent move back to Russia. He maintains a public profile through his Instagram account, though he keeps details of his personal life relatively private. His professional trajectory has taken him across multiple countries and continents, reflecting the global nature of elite hockey careers. At 30 years old as of 2026, Georgiev continues to pursue excellence in his sport while building on his legacy as a pioneer for Bulgarian hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a dramatic turning point in Georgiev’s career. After beginning the year with the Buffalo Sabres following his trade from San Jose, he was placed on waivers and saw his NHL tenure come to an abrupt end in November 2025. The quick succession of transactions underscored the volatility of professional hockey careers, even for established players. His signing with Spartak Moscow on 25 November 2025 represented both a fresh start and a return to familiar territory, as he joined a KHL club in the city where he grew up.
With Spartak Moscow, Georgiev has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a top goaltender in European hockey while playing before fans in his adopted home country. The two-year contract provides stability as he adjusts to the KHL and demonstrates his abilities in a new league environment. His experience in the NHL, particularly his two seasons leading the league in wins, gives him a strong foundation to contribute immediately to Spartak’s success. The 2025–26 season with Spartak represents a new chapter as Georgiev looks to add to his accomplishments while playing professional hockey in Russia for the first time in his career.