Sergei Andronov

History

2008-09: Sergei Andronov is another overage player who has been overlooked in the last couple of drafts, but that has seen his stock raising in the second half of the season because of his very good WJC and KHL season, in which he scored eight goals, who might not seem a big number, but that actually is very good for youngsters in Russia, and Andronov has also played in a defense-first team. After the WJC in Canada, at which he helped Nemchinov's team earning the bronze medal with eight points in seven games, scoring a goal in the semi-finals too.

2009-10: Andronov began the season with Tolyatti Lada and accumulated 5 goals, 9 assists for 14 points in 33 games. He was traded to CSKA Moscow, where he appeared in 19 games and scored 5 goals, 3 assists for 8 points.

2010-11: Andronov saw limited ice time with the veteran CSKA Moscow club in Russia's KHL. In 53 games he averaged under 11 minutes of ice time per game, mostly in a checking role, and was -9 with 5 goals, 2 assists and 14 PMs. CSKA Moscow finished last in the Bobrov Division; missing the KHL playoffs. He had a bit more offensive success playing for CSKA's U22 team in the MHL. In seven regular season games he scored 3 goals with 2 assists and 29 PMs. In the playoffs he scored 6 goals with 5 assists in 16 games as CSKA captured the MHL championship.

2011-12: Andronov was limited to 29 games with CSKA Moscow in his fifth pro season. He scored 1 goal with 3 assists and was minus-two with 4 penalty minutes.  He skated in all five games in the first round series against SKA St. Petersburg and was minus-one with 1 goal. Andronov signed a one-year contract with the Blues AHL affiliate Peoria in August 2012. 

 

Talent Analysis

Andronov is a skilled player with smooth hands that has good skating speed and acceleration. His puck handling skills allow him to carry play into the offensive zone to create score opportunities and the Russian has a nose for the net. He's not considered a great finisher and the big winger likes to play a perimeter game. The versatile winger can play all the forward positions but needs to improve his physicality and defensive awareness to play at the NHL level.

 

Future

Andronov will play his first year in North America at the AHL level and adjust to the speed and style of the game. He might get the opportunity to play in the NHL if the lockout ends in time for a season but it won't hurt his development to stay with Peoria for this season.