Isles Acquire Alexandrov's Rights

Trade Details:

New York Islanders Acquire The Rights To Yuri Alexandrov From The Boston Bruins In-Exchange For Future Considerations

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New York Islanders Acquire:

Photo From: LINK D. Yuri Alexandrov Age: 23 Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $850,000 Expires: 2012 (RFA) Important Facts: -Two-Way Contract Clause (AHL Salary: $62,500)

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Boston Bruins Acquire:

Future Considerations

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Analysis:

The New York Islanders have acquired the rights to twenty-three year old defenseman, Yuri Alexandrov from the Boston Bruins in-exchange for future considerations. The trade caught many, including myself, by surprise because of its timing. With both clubs still playing and the trade deadline passed, it would seem as though this trade would be unable to be completed until the off-season, but what has been pointed out to me this afternoon is that any trade can take place after the deadline, but no player involved is eligible to play in the post-season. 

Yuri Alexandrov had an interesting tenure with the Boston Bruins after being drafted in the 2nd round (37th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft. Despite heavy pressure from Bruins management, Alexandrov was very hesitant to come to North America. He spent four years in the KHL before finally signing a contract with the Bruins prior to the 2010-11 season. His first season in North America was spent entirely with the Providence Bruins in the AHL. In sixty-six games he put up six goals and thirteen assists for nineteen points and had a minus-six +/-. He did face some challenges during that year mainly with positioning in his own end. Physically he was overmatched in front of his net and in the corners. Due to the rough spots exposed in his game during his season with the Providence Bruins, the Boston Bruins told him that he'd most likely be spending another season in the American Hockey League which prompted him to bolt back to the KHL for this current season. After a 'so-so' regular season split between SKA St. Petersburg and Avangard Omsk, he has excelled in the playoffs with Avangard. In seven games, he has one goal and four assists for five points and a plus-four rating. 

At almost twenty-four years old, Alexandrov still has a lot he needs to learn to reach his full potential. However if he can, he has some skills already that would make him a solid top-four defenseman. His skating is average, but his transition with and without the puck is very slick. His 'bread and butter' are both his puck-moving ability and his hockey sense. He's excellent at making the first pass and will regularly create odd man rushes because of it. Then once he's in the offensive zone he does a great job at distributing the puck and will frequently make impressive 'threading the needle' type passes. Due to that, he's a very good power play quarterback. In-regards to his hockey sense, it has been a huge part of his game. At a young age he was thrust into the top Russian league (now the KHL) and was forced to compensate for his lack of size (especially up against grown men) with a keen knowledge of his position and the game in general. Although that may not have been noticeable in his first AHL season, I think a large reason for the lack of success was his comfort level. For most of that season he was the only Russian on the team and for a player that only speaks Russian and was already very nervous about the transition, its a very uncomfortable situation. With the Islanders he may be able to find the comfort he wants as next season the Isles will have Kirill Kabanov, Kirill Petrov (hopefully), and possibly Evgeni Nabokov in their system, along with Andrei Pedan in juniors. He will have more than enough Russian presence surrounding him to feel at ease. 

The Boston Bruins acquired only future considerations, which usually means nothing. They wanted to clear out a roster spot and with very little chance of Alexandrov re-joining their club, he was the obvious choice to move. 

Alexandrov has some nice potential, and to get him for nothing is very positive for Garth Snow. If the Isles can convince him to come over to North America next season, this deal could turn out very well for their club.