Alex Burmistrov: Should he stay or should he go?
Decision time for Alexander Burmistrov is but a week or so away now. After the Thrashers finish with their October 26 game with the New York Rangers, they’ll have played nine games so far in the 2010-11 season. Assuming last June’s eighth overall draft pick plays in all four games between now and then, Burmistrov will have used up all of his time before this season counts against his free agent status. If he plays in game number ten October 29 against Buffalo, then it’s as if he was here all season.
So, the question is…with apologies to The Clash…will Burmistrov stay or will he go?
Will Alex stay in Atlanta and play beyond the ninth game, or will he go back to the OHL and play with the Barrie Colts? Keep in mind here, he isn’t eligible to go to Chicago given the AHL age requirements. Burmistrov will celebrate just his 19th birthday this Thursday.
With a good showing in preseason and in the first five regular season games, Alexander Burmistrov has possibly jumped into a full-time roster spot with the Thrashers (AP Photo/John Amis)
While Burmistrov has yet to collect his first NHL point, he has been a part in the high-successful fourth line along with Ben Eager and Chris Thorburn. He’s putting in fourteen and a half quality minutes per game, is a +2 overall and has shown serious improvement in his game each time out.
If you want to play the comparison game, the last time the Thrashers were faced with such a decision with a first round pick was just a year ago. Then it was Evander Kane. At this point in his young career he had already notched his first 2 goals…including a game-winner…and assists and was a +3 in after the first five games, averaging 13:35 TOI. In games six through nine he added another goal and assists as his ice time climbed to just over 15 minutes in those games.
Like Kane last year, Burmistrov has also won some points playing well on the PK unit, averaging 2:18 TOI while the team is shorthanded. Plus he has the ability/willingness to back-check very well.
The young rookie may still get out-muscled on some occasions, but he injects a great deal of speed and craftiness in this offense. He’s taken only one minor penalty, (interference), but has drawn multiple.
His work seems to have made an impression on coach Ramsay. Earlier in the week he told Chris Vivlamore, “In the Anaheim game, after we tied it, I put him out against [Corey] Perry, against [Ryan] Getzlaf and I put him out against [Joe] Thornton late in the San Jose game and he went out and won a little battle with this great big man. He has tremendous courage”.
If I had to venture a guess right now I would have to say if Burmistrov continues to play at the same level he has throughout preseason and the first five games, then he should win himself a full time gig in the Thrashers’ lineup. To me, his hustle, tenacity and ability to improve steadily has more than earned him the benefit of any doubt there may be between keeping him and sending him down.
Plus…how ya gonna split up arguably the best, most consistent line the Thrashers have skated out there so far, huh?
Where should Alexander Burmistrov find himself after nine games played in the NHL?
- Atlanta: He's more than proved himself (70%, 151 Votes)
- Barrie: He still needs more time in the juniors (12%, 25 Votes)
- Ask me sometime next week (18%, 40 Votes)
Total Voters: 216
Loading ...Some may say Burmistrov would benefit more playing top-line minus in the OHL as opposed to lower-line minutes in the NHL. But if he’s shown he can hold his own at this level, how much good would all that extra ice time down there honestly do him.
Seriously, I think he’s proved all he can in the juniors.
Concerned his size and inexperience could lead to injury at this level? OK, so noted and logged. However, I did some intense, extensive, exhausting, research recently and found that injuries also occur in the juniors.
Feel free to use that exclusive bit of info as you wish, wherever you may.
The only real issue that might come with deciding to keep Alex around past next week is what may happen upon the return of Patrice Cormier, who is currently nursing a broken foot suffered in training camp while blocking a shot. With fourteen forwards already on the squad, and the team’s stated desire to eventually trim back to just one extra forward and defenseman for healthy scratches, someone would have to be dropped to make room for Cormier.
Just prior to the season, speculation was that Alexander would fill his place on the roster, getting his nine-game look-see, and then head to Barrie when Cormier was cleared to play. But that logic seems to have been skewed just a bit with the way Burmistrov has responded to his opportunity.
If indeed Burmistrov is still around when Cormier is healthy enough to return, the decision could then become whether to send Cormier to the AHL or expand the forward roster back to 14. If Dudley and Co. choose the latter, I would assume Nigel Dawes could loose some games to last winter’s captain of Canada’s world junior squad, providing some company in the press box for Eric Boulton. Or simply replacing him there.
Lastly, and on a side note, Patrice Cormier seems to be clear of his legal issues following last winter’s on-ice hit from behind on Michael Tam. On Tuesday he entered a guilty plea to a charge of assault causing bodily harm. He then received an unconditional discharge from the courts.
Prior to the untimely foot injury last month, that was the only real cloud hovering over Cormier. Now, it could be Burmistrov “hovering around” Thrasherville past next week that may keep him from an NHL roster spot.
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89 comments Add your comment
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2010
11:27 am
The bad attitude that Bergfors brought here and through the contract negotiations is wearing on Thrasher management. I think he is not long for this team if he keeps getting scratched.
I don’t get that sense at all… from everything I’ve heard, he’s been good through all of this.
http://bluelandblog.com/2010/10/19/bergfors-a-work-in-progrss/
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2010
11:28 am
Never would have predicted at the beginning of the season that Burmistrov and Stewart would get regular ice time and Bergfors would be a healthy scratch.
James Brown
October 20th, 2010
11:31 am
Something is going on with Bergfors and Ramsey………………maybe he will catch fire like Slater did last year after he sat upstairs for a while.
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
11:33 am
If we’re only carrying 13 forwards, how can Ramsey sit both Bergfors & Boults?
JB
October 20th, 2010
11:43 am
Something is going on with Bergfors and Ramsey………………maybe he will catch fire like Slater did last year after he sat upstairs for a while.
^THIS
Rawhide
October 20th, 2010
11:52 am
five_hole – I believe at this time we do have 14 forwards:
Antropov, Bergfors, Boulton, Burmistrov, Dawes, Eager, Kane, Ladd, Little, Modin, Peverley, Slater, Stewart and Thorburn.
It was 13 prior to Slater’s return, Valabik went down to make room on the roster & get the defense to just 7.
I believe Dudley/Ramsay made a comment to C-Viv last week that they preferred to go with 13 forwards and not 14. If so, a move will need to be made. Sorry, I should have been more clear about that in the post.
TrueBlue
October 20th, 2010
11:59 am
Ya know, everyone talked all summer about Bergfors amazing offensive production…Yet, reading the Blueland Blog, we can see he really didn’t produce the way people around here talk. I am a bit surprised that he is being scratched so regularly though. A bit strange to me. A game or so to get his head back in the game should have been enough,
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
12:00 pm
Thanks Rawhide.
If Dudley and Co. choose the latter, I would assume Nigel Dawes could loose some games to last winter’s captain of Canada’s world junior squad, providing some company in the press box for Eric Boulton.
So, in order to get down to 13 forwards, you think it would be more likely for Dawes, Boults or Bergfors to be sent down? Seems to me the odd man out is Boulton. He doesn’t seem to have a place on this squad.
Rawhide
October 20th, 2010
12:06 pm
five_hole – Yeah, I agree. If they made a move right now to trim back to 13, I would think Boults is out. They have iced a nice set of lines w/o him thus far. His biggest asset with us in the past was his enforcer role. But we’ve got guys that can do that for us and be an offensive threat, (see also, Ben Eager).
As for Cormier, I would gather he heads to Chicago and plays there. Then later in the season, he is called up if someone is injured or to provide some extra depth down the …fingers crossed…playoff stretch.
Monkey
October 20th, 2010
12:29 pm
Keep the Kid! Build the team thru youth…not washed up veterans.
Brendan
October 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
Can we count Byfuglien as a forward? I’m still waiting for that change to be made.
FormerIslesFan
October 20th, 2010
1:16 pm
From my perspective, it’s pretty simple. Burmy should stay. I think his development here, based on the role he is playing and how he is handling it, is going to be better than anything that the “O” could give him.
I’m also of the opinion that when Cormier is ready to play, he will be assigned to the Wolves and given a chance to get his feet (foot?) back under him. I cannot imagine that he is ready to jump directly to the NHL after missing all of camp and pre-season with an injury. Take it a little slow with him and have him ready for the second half push.
BW
October 20th, 2010
1:16 pm
Like the Braves found out with J-Hey…the Thrashers don’t have enough goodwill to demote a player that is positively impacting the team.
Red Light
October 20th, 2010
1:59 pm
Sabres lines for tonight’s game per John Vogl
Roy-Vanek-Stafford
Connolly-McCormick-Hecht
Gaustad-Gerbe-Kaleta
Niedermayer-Grier-Ennis
Nice and interesting article from Bucky Gleason on former Sabres d-man Jay McKee, now a volunteer coach at Niagara!
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/columns/bucky-gleason/article225034.ece
Hoof Arted
October 20th, 2010
3:11 pm
There was this nasty foul odor downtown today. I thought the sewers had backed up.
But then I realized it was just the normal crowd of Buffaslug fans gathering near CNN Center.
Diego from Lilburn
October 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
I say he stays. He’s got the hustle down. Can you imagine him and Kane together? They could exhaust some opposing lines in quick fashion.
Red Light, can you take all our Hat Trick guesses and just make it the “Guess Who Gets the 2nd Hat Trick” Contest?
Joe Friday
October 20th, 2010
4:22 pm
I don’t know if it’s any attitude of if it’s just Bergfors’ game doesn’t equate to what they’re building here. He’s not a Ramsay guy and he’s not a Dudley guy. it’s why he got the back of the hand when it was contract time, one year, take it or leave it. Ramsay never talked about this guy, but gushes about Cormier (can’t wait to see him skate full time for us this year, I think he’s going to be the real deal and will fit this system to a T).
To us, we think “we need scorers, put Bergfors in there” but they have a plan and they’re sticking to it. He’s not a banger, he’s more of a floater, cherry picker like a Kovy or Max, so he doesn’t fit in the system. I really think Ramsay would rather have Stewart in there and Dawes in there than Bergfors.
World Be Free
October 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Side note-one of may favorite little nasty guys signed with Nashville – Steve Begin. If we did not sign Dawes, I would have signed Begin. Physical player and no visor. You can’t be a tough guy and wear a visor.
R. Stroz
October 20th, 2010
4:30 pm
Traffic is moving at snails, or a slugs, pace going toward Philips Arena. There is a foul stench emanating from numerous cars, which smell like buffalo chips.
Russ
October 20th, 2010
4:44 pm
Let’s see if the Thrashers can keep shots against under 30 tonight. Mason has been very good so far and carried the team to a win in San Jose, but the shots being allowed is not a long term recipe for success. GO THRASHERS!!!!!
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
6:34 pm
Giving my karma to the Thrashers.
Zoomo
October 20th, 2010
7:43 pm
Watching via the internet from a hotel room in Marayland. They need some more jump in the 2nd period.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:09 pm
Kari Lehtonen has returned to Philips Arena! What? Chris? Chris who? Chris Mason. Swear the sieve looks just like that other untalented bum. Team with one win comes into Atlanta then promptly slams three goals past this loser! Guy looks like he is playing with fly swatter not stick. Hey Thrashers. I do not give a **** what you do on road but it is imperative to win, or at least tie, on home ice. That is what playoff teams do. Hell, that is what above average teams do! Know what losers do? Stink up home ice! Very uninspired disappointing exhibition. Very much so. Ashamed to max. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:15 pm
Is there some clause in contracts that Thrashers MUST perform like shet on home ice? Just saying. Man this sucks big time! Horrible display from team I want so damn much to embrace. Will maintain distance now. Total crap! STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:16 pm
Is Moose still available? Sigh. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:19 pm
Thrashers may be average. No more than that. I had such high hopes. No more. No offense. No defense. No goaltender. No coaching. Hardly recipe for success! STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:40 pm
Forty minutes of stink it up hockey. No damn way to build enthusiastic fan base! Great way to discourage one. No Thrasher has displayed any fire, grit or heart. That is the demoralizing part. So very sad. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:43 pm
Crash the net. Crash the net! CRASH THE DAMN NET! Know what Thrashers need to do? Three guesses. STENDEK
Thrashers27
October 20th, 2010
9:05 pm
Sopel’s gotta go. He may be willing to block a puck with his face, but otherwise, he’s not gonna help us. I wouldn’t cry if Dawes was bumped out either.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
9:14 pm
At least the sorry bestards did not get shut out on home ice! ONLY halfway positive thing about that choke job. Nauseating! STENDEK
Nate
October 20th, 2010
10:25 pm
That effort was so pathetic I left after the second period. I had better things to do tonight than watch a bunch of pansies that call themselves professional athletes skate up and down the ice in a haze. What a bunch of $#(*&$#(*&!!!!!!!!!!
stendek
October 20th, 2010
10:31 pm
Get a refund Nate? You were certainly entitled to one! You shelled out good money to watch two NHL teams compete not one. Sorry pal. I feel your pain. New season same old losers! STENDEK
R. Stroz
October 20th, 2010
10:38 pm
Wow, that was a crapfest.
The Rammer
October 20th, 2010
10:59 pm
The boys pooped their pants tonight.
Brendan
October 20th, 2010
11:14 pm
Well, that was a waste of an evening. The Sabres fans sure had fun!
Russ, I think the Sabres were credited with 42 shots on goal. I think Atlanta had 18. I’m not a math major, but I think that means they doubled up on us. “Psst! Brendan? They quadrupled up on us, it was, 4-1.” Right you are, anonymous poster.
Truthfully, I think the Thrashers were the beneficiaries of a non-goal by Buffalo in the 3rd period on a wrap-around. That sure looked like it was over the goal line. But, hey … they reviewed it … and didn’t find it to be a goal. Yay! Toronto helped us out, tonight. Someone had to. I’m hard pressed to name a Thrasher ready to play, tonight. Maybe Burmistrov. I lost count of how many times the Thrashers overskated the puck, and/or flatout turned the puck over. And two bench-minors, in one game, AT HOME??? Folks, that happens in collegiate hockey. It “could” happen in the AHL. But at the NHL-level, there’s almost nothing more embarrassing, for a Coach, then bench-minors. Honestly, maybe they need to work on that in practice.
Ramsay: “Gather ’round, boys.”
Players: “What are going to work on today, Coach?”
Ramsay: “Making successful line changes.”
Well, it was just one game. One of 82. There will be 76 more. Starting Friday, vs. Steven Stamkos (on pace for 60 goals) and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Maybe, with some luck, they’ll start Dan Ellis. Seriously, I think Tampa Bay is going to be a playoff team. I know, it’s early, and even Toronto and the Islanders look GOOD at this juncture, but with Simon Gagne, St. Louis, Lecavalier, Hedman, Stamkos, etc., this team is deep enough for a playoff-run. Their new ownership has made a different. They’ve changed the whole ATMOSPHERE of the lockerroom. Good for them. With Len Barrie and Oren Koules, they were a FANTASY LEAGUE team gone haywire. Much different, now. Hopefully, the Thrashers will have new ownership in the Spring.
Tom
October 20th, 2010
11:30 pm
My impressions of the game – The boys tried to be too fancy. Lots of dekes and moves and Center Ice highlight film passes that never quite made it. And the fact that they had only 18 shots just backs me up.
Hockey games are won by putting pucks to the net and then crashing the net. Instead nobody back checked, Hainsey and Sopel were left on an island without water, and everyone else acted like it was fan appreciation day and time to show our fanciest moves.
Ramsey has to show the boys film of the Caps game and how puck control, shots to the net, and intense play will win games.
Rawhide
October 21st, 2010
12:12 am
What’s the Thrashers new ad slogan this year? “A brutally good time”?
Yeah, well…that’s exactly what the Buffalo Sabres had last night in Thrasherville…a brutally good time.
R. Stroz
October 24th, 2010
11:00 am
LAST!
Rawhide
October 24th, 2010
4:53 pm
R. Stroz – Nope.