In a few years, Joonas Nattinen could develop into a solid 2nd/3rd line two way center with size that the Habs have been so dearly looking for.
Below are excerpts from Hockey's Future article highlighting the progression of the Canadiens' Russian prospects. You can read the other evaluations of the other Habs' European prospects by clicking on the above title.
Alexander Avtsin, RW – Moscow Dynamo (KHL)
6'2 198 lbs
Acquired: 4th round, 109th overall, 2009
The highly gifted Avtsin picked apart the competition in the Russian junior hockey league last year, the MHL. The 2009 draft pick attempted to make the transition to the KHL's Moscow Dynamo this year, but was ultimately taken out of commission by injury. A broken wrist has since healed, allowing the 19-year-old to prepare for play with the Russian junior national team in mid April.
As a teenager, Avtsin skated in 30 games in with Dynamo and held his own. He had three goals and six assists. Avtsin's agent claims the winger has his sights set on an NHL job. Though talented and possessing the upside of a top-six forward, Avtsin has room to grow away from the offensive game.
Maxim Trunev, RW – Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)
5'11 176 lbs
Acquired: 5th round, 138th overall, 2008
Trunev had an unremarkable 2009-10 season. He divided his time with Severstal and Almaz Cherepovets of the MHL. While producing well at the MHL level with 24 points in 14 games, Trunev's numbers in the KHL with Severstal have remained more or less the same as a year ago. An offensively oriented player, Trunev scored three goals and two assists. His five points in 30 games tied his total from 2008-09. Though talented, Trunev's ability to produce is crucial to his prospect status. The 19-year-old's contract concludes at the end of the month.
Alexei Yemelin, D – AK Bars Kazan (KHL)
6'0 187 lbs
Acquired: 3rd round, 84th overall, 2004
Yemelin re-signed with the KHL's Kazan AK Bars this offseason. He played out the first of two years under his new contract in 2009-10. Yemelin reprised his role as a gritty defensive defenseman. He is not a risk taker, playing a simple game and bringing an edge, though not physically overpowering. Yemelin is not one to produce much offensively, with an average seasonal point total in the single digits. This year, Yemelin recorded a goal and six assists. He also was credited with a total of 50 penalty minutes – a career low. Historically, Yemelin has been known to accumulate high penalty minute totals, but he is not an extraordinarily undisciplined player by NHL playing standards.
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