Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.RussianProspects.com
- Name: Alexander Vasyunov
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 189 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-04-22
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Yaroslavl, Russia
- Acquired: 2nd round, (58th overall), 2006
- Playing In: Pro
Alexander Vasyunov
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2004-05: Vasyunov spent the 2004-05 season with Lokomotiv's junior team, where he had a decent year, scoring 10 goals and two assists in 28 games
2005-06: Vasyunov put up even more impressive numbers with Yaroslavl’s junior team in 05-06, scoring 29 goals and six assists in only 29 games. He also contributed for Team Russia at many international competitions, including the February U18 Five Nations Tournament where he scored three goals in four games and was named best forward of the event. His strong play earned him a look with Lokomotiv's senior team for a pair of games, and also got him selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 2006 NHL Draft.
2006-07: Vasyunov was given an opportunity to make an impact with HC Lokomotiv, but was unable to adjust to the speed of the Super League game. He only suited up for 17 games and was held completely off the scoresheet. Another aspect of Vasyunov’s season that was again only marginally successful was his performance at the World Junior Championship. There, the expectations were even higher of the young forward, as he has enjoyed a long and impressive track record. He scored two goals in six games at the tournament. Vasyunov did create a lot of room for his linemates and was consistently a threat on the ice, but his overall play at the tournament was sub-par.
2007-08: Vasyunov again toiled for his hometown club in Yaroslavl, with HC Lokomotiv, where he had a very good campaign. Before the season started, he played in the Canada/Russia Super Series, where he was one of the better performers on the team in the four games in which he skated. He kept improving all year long, becoming a valuable member for his team, scoring four goals in 22 games. These might not sound as impressive numbers, but HC Lokomotiv's head coach Kari Heikkila conceded to let youngsters play a fringe role in the lineup. The best showing from him was in the playoffs, where he was on fire, scoring two consecutive game-winning goals in the semifinals series against former Malkin's club HC Metallurg, being hard to contain for their defenseman mostly because of his burning speed. Vasyunov's team eventually reached the finals, but was beaten in five games by HC Salavat. He was tought to be an important part of Russian national team at the WJC, but a shoulder injury kept him at home.
2008-09: Vasyunov made some waves in his North American pro debut for Lowell, but didn't start the year there. After a slow start with his team in Yaroslavl (KHL), Vasyunov and the Devils decided that it was in wat time to cross the pond, and in late October, he made his pro debut. Though the 20 year-old was quite streaky, he still managed 15 goals and 13 assists in 69 games. Those 15 markers were good enough to tie for fourth best on the club and was tops amongst Lowell rookies. His +3 rating was quite solid as well.
Talent Analysis
A quick winger who is a promising sniper, Vasyunov does not possess very technical skating skills, but is quick enough with above average speed. He has strong overall puck handling skills, but is not stable with the puck – sometimes he controls it very well, but other times he loses it.
Vasyunov doesn’t see the ice very well. He has the instincts and the ability to drive to the net, but doesn’t have strong positioning or the knack to develop plays quite yet. He possesses a pure sniper’s touch around the net, but he often takes the game too much onto himself and doesn’t use his line mates as much as he should. He possesses a very good arsenal of shots with an above average wrist shot, though he still needs to improve on it.
He doesn’t contribute defensively much. Vasyunov is quite weak physically, but is getting better in this area as he continues to grow. He tries to avoid contact and stays away from traffic. Unfortunately, he has chronic back problems, which Could cause some concerns in the future. He has a wealth of potential but needs to improve his stability.
Future
Vasyunov knows how to put the puck in the net, and his upside is that of a top six, scoring forward. His defensive play leaves much to be desired, but he won't earn his paycheck on his defensive play. He will likely benefit with another full season, and maybe half another year in the AHL, but now that he has turned pro, his development appears to be right where the Devils had hoped it would be at this point in his career.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 31st 2009
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