Alex Burmistrov

History

2008-09: Played for Ak Bars in the Russian junior league, scoring 25 goals with 25 assists in 34 games. Also appeared in one KHL game with Ak Bars. Scored 4 goals with 7 assists for second-place Russia squad at the 2009 World Under-18 Championships.

2009-10: Moved to North America to play for the Barrie Colts of the OHL. In 62 games for the Colts, Burmistrov netted 22 goals and added 43 assists for 65 points. Had a strong playoff performance for Colts, helping to lead that club to the OHL finals. Burmistrov scored 8 goals and chipped in 8 assists for 16 points in 17 postseason games. Played for Team Russia at the World Under-20 Junior Championships, scoring 3 goals with 1 assist in six games. Played for Team Orr at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game.

Talent Analysis

Burmistrov's main atributes are his speed and his playmaking ability.  He is probably one of the more electrifying players in his age group, having the ability to create offesnive opportunites when none might be obvious.  Burmistov's lack of size could hinder him at the pro level, but he passed his first test in North America by turning in a successful season in the OHL.

Future

Despite his diminutive stature, Burmistrov opened eyes at the Thrashers' prospect camp and GM Rick Dudley is definitely excited about his talent. While there is talk of him beginning the season in Atlanta, and he will be in camp with the Thrashers after returning to Russia to train for the summer, the more likely scenario is him returning to juniors for his second season in the OHL. Long-term, he is capable of being one of those special players capable of putting up big numbers and constantly creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.