Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of russianprospects.com
- Name: Alexei Yemelin
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-04-25
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Togliatti, Russia
- Acquired: 3rd round (84th overall), 2004
- Playing In: Europe
Alexei Yemelin
Prospect Grade: 6.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
The hard-hitting defenseman came on strong late in the 2003-04 season in the High League (Russia 2), as well as with the Russian U18 National Team. Played in the Upper league as a 17-year-old, where he racked up the penalty minutes.
Has seen limited action in the Russian Super League with Lada this season. Also was a memeber of the World Junior U-20 Silver medal team.
2007-08: The Russian defenseman saw action in the Russian Super League, playing for AK Bars Kazan. In 56 games he recorded five assists and finished the regular season with 123 penalty minutes. He put up one assist in 10 playoff games with the club that season.
Yemelin's future is very much in the air. The club thought he was going to be a part of the club's AHL franchise, on a fast-track to the NHL. However, some drama with an agent, the Russian league, and mystery contracts has seen the blueliner languish in a square-peg-round-hole situation in Russia.
Talent Analysis
An aggressively physical stay at home defenseman, with a strong shot from the point and above average skating. Will need to bulk some to fill out his frame, improve his offensive production, and cut down on penalties. Hits and annoys the opposition.
Future
The club will make another attempt to bring Yemelin overseas to continue to develop his game, but he may have done irreparable damage to his pro prospects by staying in Russia. He runs the risk of being overshadowed by a suddenly deep blueline pool, and an atrophying of skills by languishing in the penalty box in Russia, where his physical style of game does not mesh with the refereeing. In addition, another factor that may preclude him from coming to North America is the money issue. Yemelin is highly prized in Russia and he will likely be able to make more money playing in the KHL than what he'll earn in Hamilton. It all comes down to whether Yemelin has the desire to play in North America.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: August, 17th 2009
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