Georgi Romanov

Georgi Romanov Bio

Georgi Romanov is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League while playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Yekaterinburg native began his professional career in 2018 and has steadily climbed the minor league ranks before earning his first NHL call-up with the San Jose Sharks in April 2024. Standing at six feet five inches, Romanov brings considerable size to the goaltending position, a trait that has helped him compete at the highest levels of North American hockey.

Early Life and Background

Georgi Romanov was born on December 15, 1999, in Yekaterinburg, Russia. He grew up in the industrial city known for producing notable hockey talent, including several players who went on to successful North American careers. Romanov began playing hockey at a young age in his hometown, developing the foundational skills that would later support his ascent through Russia’s junior and professional leagues.

Path to Professional Hockey

Romanov began his organized hockey career in Russia’s developmental systems, playing primarily in the Junior Hockey League (MHL), which serves as the top tier of junior hockey in Russia. From 2016 to 2020, he appeared in 86 games with Avto Yekaterinburg and Omskie Yastreby during the MHL regular season. His performance during these developmental years demonstrated strong fundamentals, as he recorded a .938 save percentage, a 1.88 goals against average, and went 37–22–11 over that span.

Following his junior career, Romanov transitioned to the Supreme Hockey League (VHL), Russia’s second-highest level of professional hockey. He spent four seasons in the VHL, primarily with Gornyak Uchaly and Gornyak-UGMK, compiling a .916 save percentage, a 2.58 goals against average, and a 28–33–10 record. This extended period in Russia’s minor leagues provided Romanov with valuable professional experience and refined his technique against experienced shooters.

Georgi Romanov Career

Early Career (2018–2022)

Romanov’s professional journey began in 2018 when he started playing regularly in the VHL. During the 2020–21 VHL season, he appeared in nine regular season games for Gornyak Uchaly, posting a .933 save percentage, a 2.18 goals against average, and a 4–4–0 record. The following season saw him take on an increased workload, as he appeared in a career-high 39 games for Gornyak-UGMK during the 2021–22 campaign, posting a .919 save percentage, a 2.47 goals against average, and going 16–15–5.

KHL and Draft Journey

On December 24, 2022, Romanov made his lone appearance in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. In that game, a shootout loss to Barys Astana, Romanov entered during the shootout segment and saved three of the four attempts he faced. Though the appearance was brief, it represented his debut in one of Europe’s top professional hockey leagues. Romanov went undrafted during his eligible years, a fact that made his eventual path to the NHL a testament to persistence and continued development.

North American Breakthrough (2023–2024)

Romanov signed his first North American contract on May 3, 2023, when he agreed to a two-year, entry-level deal with the San Jose Sharks. Upon arriving in North America, he split the 2023–24 season between the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder and the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. With Wichita, he posted a 3–3–1 record, an .870 save percentage, and a 4.00 goals against average. His stronger performance came with San Jose Barracuda, where he went 9–9–8 with a .904 save percentage and a 3.14 goals against average.

Romanov received his first NHL recall on April 14, 2024. He made his NHL debut the following day, entering the game after starter Devan Cooley surrendered eight goals to the Edmonton Oilers. Romanov saved 16 of 17 shots in his NHL debut during a 9–2 loss. Over his two appearances during the 2023–24 NHL season, he recorded an impressive .967 save percentage and a 1.01 goals against average, demonstrating his ability to compete at the sport’s highest level.

San Jose Sharks (2024–2025)

Romanov remained with the San Jose Sharks organization for the 2024–25 season. He appeared in eight games for the Sharks, with six of those being starts. Despite getting an opportunity at the NHL level, Romanov went unsigned through the 2025 offseason, creating uncertainty about his future in the league.

St. Louis Blues Era (2025–Present)

Romanov joined the New Jersey Devils on a professional tryout agreement on September 5, 2025, attempting to earn a contract through training camp. While with the Devils, he demonstrated sufficient ability to attract interest from another NHL organization. He subsequently signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues on October 8, 2025, securing his place in the league for the current season. Romanov was assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds, the Blues’ AHL affiliate, where he continues to develop while awaiting his next NHL opportunity.

Playing Style and Strengths

Standing at six feet five inches, Romanov uses his significant frame to occupy the net and challenge shooters effectively. His size allows him to cover more of the net, reducing the angles opponents can exploit. Left-handed in his catching glove, Romanov has developed his positioning and rebound control through his years in Russia’s professional leagues, showing particular comfort in high-traffic areas of the crease.

Notable Events and Milestones

Romanov’s NHL debut on April 15, 2024, against the Edmonton Oilers marked his arrival at the sport’s highest level. Despite the team outcome being a loss, his personal performance with a .941 save percentage in that game demonstrated his capability to stop NHL-caliber shots. His career path from undrafted free agent to NHL contributor represents a significant achievement in his professional journey.

Georgi Romanov Career Statistics

Throughout his professional career spanning multiple leagues in Russia and North America, Romanov has accumulated substantial experience at various competition levels. His statistics reflect a consistent ability to make saves at an above-average rate across different leagues and competition levels.

Professional Highlights

Romanov’s most productive professional seasons came during his time in the VHL, where he appeared in nearly 80 total games across four seasons. His best statistical season came with Gornyak Uchaly during the 2020–21 campaign, when he posted a .933 save percentage in nine appearances. In North America, his best performance came during the 2023–24 AHL season with San Jose Barracuda, where he appeared in 26 games with a .904 save percentage.

International League Performance

At the NHL level, Romanov has appeared in ten total games between his time with the San Jose Sharks and his brief tryout with the New Jersey Devils organization. His career NHL save percentage of .903 across these appearances demonstrates his ability to translate his game to the world’s top hockey league. In the AHL, he has been a reliable contributor with a career .904 save percentage across multiple seasons.

Georgi Romanov Family

Family Background

Romanov was born and raised in Yekaterinburg, Russia, by his parents in the city known for its strong hockey culture. While detailed information about his family members remains private, Romanov has spoken publicly about the support he received during his development years in Russia.

Personal Life

Georgi Romanov is married. During the time Romanov and his wife lived in Yekaterinburg before his move to North America, his wife maintained a presence as a food blogger in the Russian city. The couple navigated a significant life change when Romanov signed with the San Jose Sharks organization in 2023, requiring relocation to a new continent and major lifestyle adjustments. Romanov has spoken about the challenges of balancing professional hockey commitments with family life while pursuing his NHL dreams.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represents a new chapter in Romanov’s career following his October signing with the St. Louis Blues organization. After going unsigned through much of the offseason and a brief professional tryout with the New Jersey Devils, Romanov found his landing spot with the Blues. This move provides him with a clear organizational home and an opportunity to work toward regular NHL consideration.

Assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL, Romanov has integrated into the Blues’ developmental system. The Thunderbirds serve as St. Louis’s primary minor league affiliate, providing Romanov with quality competition and a pathway back to NHL ice. Working with the Blues’ goaltending coaches, Romanov continues to refine aspects of his game that could earn him more regular NHL appearances.

The outlook for Romanov’s season centers on establishing himself as a reliable option in the AHL while positioning himself for NHL opportunities. His career path has shown that persistence pays off in professional hockey, and his ability to sign with the Blues after an uncertain offseason demonstrates continued value to NHL organizations. With proper performance in Springfield, Romanov could see another NHL call-up during the 2025–26 season.