Forward Alexander Burmistrov will sign with the Vancouver Canucks, on a one year, $900,000 contract. Burmistrov, 25, was not qualified by the Arizona Coyotes, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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Alexander Burmistrov Signs with the Vancouver Canucks
Burmistrov was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers back in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. After a 20 point rookie year in Atlanta, the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg. Burmistrov continued to improve, his point total rising to 28 the following year.
Then, in 2012-13, after a tough start to the year, Burmistrov was sent down to the St. John’s IceCaps of the AHL. Burmistrov did not like the way he was treated and left the NHL entirely that offseason. He signed with Ak Bars Kazan, where he would lead the team in scoring with 38 points.
The following year, Burmistrov’s role began to diminish. Ak Bars brought in Justin Azevedo, Oscar Moller, and Sergei Kostitsyn, among others, pushing him down the lineup. He finished the year with 26 points. He came back to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets the following year, recording 21 points in 81 games.
This year, Burmistrov struggled mightily in Winnipeg. The 25-year-old scored only two assists, in 23 games with the Jets, being placed on waivers on January 2. Burmistrov found a second gear in the desert, tallying 14 points in 26 games with Arizona.
It was not enough to stick around, however, as the Coyotes did not tender a qualifying offer to the Russian. Regardless, Burmistrov showed in the second half of the year with the Coyotes that he can be a solid piece on an NHL team. As a bottom six player, Burmistrov can provide skill and versatility, as he can play center.
The native of Kazan, Russia does struggle in his own zone and needs to be sheltered to be effective. Burmistrov proved his worth with the Coyotes, and the <TEAM> have decided to take a shot at the former eighth overall selection.
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