Player's Profile
- Name: Andrei Plekhanov
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-07-12
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
- Acquired: Selected 96th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by Columbus
- Playing In: Pro
Andrei Plekhanov
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Matt MacInnis
History
Plekhanov is an interesting case. He remains in Columbus’ top 20 based almost entirely on his fairly strong performance during the six-game Russia-Canada Challenge, when he represented the touring Russian squad. He was a surprise pick in the top 100 last draft, and most experts felt he was taken due to his strong play the previous season. He spent much of his draft year injured. This year has been a strange one for Plekhanov. After playing some games very early on with the Neftekhimik junior team, he was loaned to Molot Prikamye, but he did not play a single game for them, most likely due to the team’s severe financial crisis. Further complicating the matter is the fact that his rights were officially transferred to the Sarnia Sting (OHL) in November. It is unknown what he will be doing at this point. He has played two RSL games with Neftekhimik.
Talent Analysis
Plekhanov comes with extremely high praise from former Neftekhimik (and current Moscow Dynamo) coach Krikunov, who has reportedly referred to him as “the future NHL star.” Plekhanov does not possess great size at 6’1, 187 lbs, but has a blend of defensive smarts and offensive skills. He’s effective with his stick and is physical enough to stand up to opposing power forwards.
Future
Theoretically the skills are in Plekhanov to be a top four NHL defenseman, but his injury last season and disappearing act this year, make him nearly impossible to gauge.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: April, 10th 2008
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