Alexander Burmistrov Profile

  • Skating
    7
  • Stickhandling
    10
  • Defensive play
    7
  • Scoring
    7
  • Hockey sense
    10
  • Size
    5

Grade: 8C

History

2008-09: Alexander Burmistrov started making a name for himself as one of the top players in the Ak Bars Kazan junior system. He enjoyed a very successful season with Ak Bars’ junior farm team and – more importantly – skated in a number of important international tournaments with team Russia 91. He had more than one point a game at the Ivan Hlinka in August 2008 then played second line hockey at the U18 WJC, scoring eleven points in seven games. He also made his debut in the KHL. He was then drafted by the Barrie Colts of the OHL in the CHL Import Draft and reported soon after.

2009-10: Burmistrov experienced an exciting first OHL season. His technique sound play had great attentions from scouts and at the end of the year he was touted as one of the best centers available for the NHL Entry Draft, even if the infamous Russian Factor will make him drop a bit. He showcased both playmaking abilities and goalscoring skills, getting an impressive 65 points in the regular season, adding 16 in as many playoffs games. He was also a member of WJC Team Russia, in which he scored three goals and four points in six games.

Talent Analysis

Alexander Burmistrov is a playmaking center with a big bag of tricks and the confidence needed to use them. Labeled as “glamour player” by the controversial Russian coach Vladimir Plyuschev, he can make things happen with his excellent puck control abilities and a great reading of the ice. Burmistrov is a very intelligent player which enjoys a lot having the puck on the blade and releasing some of his creative passes. He can find team mates all over the ice and rarely makes mistakes. He improved a lot his goalscoring skills throughout his first season in the OHL even if he can improve his shot, both in power and release. One of Burmistrov’s great feats is his very good defensive play. While he’s not a specialist he can cover well players in the own zone as well as passing lanes. His only obvious gap is size. While he has a decent strength for his 160 lbs he needs to fill his frame before moving on with his pro career. But he’s still young and has plenty of time to work in the gym.

Future

Alexander Burmistrov has all the tools to become a first line player in the NHL. He just needs to work a bit on his frame and consistency, and a further year in the juniors might be a good chance to further improve. He’ll be one of the top centers available at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Quotes

One of the things I noticed about Burmistrov right away is he's from this new age of Russian hockey players. They were very dour in their approach to the game but now they seem very excited about the game and that's how he looks. When he jumped on the ice you see the passion for the game.
Barrie Colts coach Marty Williamson on September 25, 2009 @ NHL.com
Burmistrov is very imaginative in his plays. His skill level is obvious. He has a high skill level, loves to make players around him better, he's a think pass-first kind of player. He's one of those kind of guys that really makes everybody better on the ice.
Barrie Colts coach Marty Williamson on September 25, 2009 @ NHL.com
The physical part of the game was no problem for Burmistrov. The U.S. was banging around bodies pretty good, but it didn't seem to bother him at all
Barrie Colts coach Marty Williamson on September 25, 2009 @ NHL.com

Burmistrov Watch

  • September 21, 2010
    Burmistrov plays first NHL preseason game. No points, 2 PIMs and 19:38 TOI.
  • October 5, 2010
    Burmistrov signed to a 3-yr ELC deal by the Atlanta Thrashers

Videos