Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.theahl.com
- Name: Pavel Valentenko
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 218 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-10-20
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Moscow, Russia
- Acquired: Trade with Montreal, 2009
- Playing In: Pro
Pavel Valentenko
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
The young defenseman 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.
January 2007 feature on Valentenko.
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.
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.
Future
Valentenko has an excellent chance of earning an NHL roster spot this coming Fall. In his last year of his entry level contract, it is unlikely that Valentenko will continue to play in the Rangers system should he not make the NHL this season.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 28th 2011
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