Pavel Valentenko
| Birthday: 1987-10-20 | Position: D |
| Eligible for draft: 2006 | Shoots: Left |
| Drafted: | Height: 6-2 |
| Acquired: Trade with Montreal, 2009 | Weight: 218 lbs. |
Probability of Success
- F
History
Pavel Valentenko has good size standing 6’2 202 lbs. He spent his early career in the Neftekhimik system. Drafted 5th round (159th overall), 2006
2006-07: Russian WJC team.
2007-08: The Russian born defenseman recorded 16 points (1+15) in 57 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL), and found himself 58 penalty minutes in the process.
2008-09: Valentenko attended Montreal's training camp and appeared in four games with the Canadiens' AHL affiliate before signing a three-year contract with KHL Moscow Dynamo and returning to Russia. He appeared in just 8 games for Dynamo before suffering a serious back injury. In 4 games with Hamilton he had 2 assists and was -1 with 2 PMs. In 8 KHL games he had 1 assist and 8 PMs. The Rangers obtained the rights to Valentenko from Montreal in a multi-player deal that included Scott Gomez and Christopher Higgins in June 2009.
2009-10: Valentenko appeared in just seven games for Dynamo Moscow after suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery. He was scoreless with 2 PMs and had an even plus/minus and did not play in the KHL playoffs.
2010-11: Valentenko returned to North America and was arguably the top defensemen for the Rangers' AHL affiliate Connecticut. Valentenko scored 5 goals with 12 assists and had 38 PMs in 79 games. His +21 plus/minus tied forward Evgeny Grachev for the team high. After finishing third in the Atlantic Division in the regular season Hartford dropped a six-game first round series to Portland. Valentenko appeared in all six games and was scoreless and -1 with 12 PMs.
2011-12: Valentenko returned to Rangers' AHL affiliate Connecticut for a second season. Overshadowed by offensive defenseman Tim Erixon, acquired by the Rangers the previous June, Valentenko scored 5 goals with 16 assists in 60 games and his plus-12 plus/minus was the top mark on the Whale among players to appear in 30 or more games. In nine AHL playoff games he was plus-two with 3 assists. Valentenko signed a contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL in May 2012 and received a qualifying offer from the Rangers in June.
Talent Analysis
Valentenko has an excellent shot, combined with crease clearing abilities. He is an excellent defensive player, very responsible in his own zone and a good puck distributor.
