Like many other Hab fans, I have waited patiently for the arrival of Alexei Yemelin. To my surprise, the Canadiens managed to lure the talented Russian defenceman to Montreal this year. I was happy to hear about this development because I was beginning to lose hope that we would ever see him in a Canadiens sweater given the fact that he kept signing new contracts in the KHL. With that said, what role can we expect Yemelin to play with the Habs this year?
With the top 4 (Markov, Gorges, Gill, Subban) essenstially a lock, the early expectation for Yemelin is to try and make the team as a member of the bottom pairing and playing beside Spacek. However, that being said, it doesn't mean that Yemelin cannot have an impact with the Habs this year. His skillset: big, tough, hard-hitting, and good skating has a many fans salivating over his potential. The one fear I have for Yemelin this year will be how he handles the toughness and intimidation of the NHL.
This year will let us know whether he can put those skills together and turn into a credible top 4 defenceman. If he can, the Habs will have a solid d-core for the next few years as the defence transitions from being led by Markov to one being led by Subban, Yemelin, Tinordi, Gorges, etc. The Habs have nothing to lose this year with Yemelin because the expectation of most fans was that he was a lost prospect along the lines of Korneev and Perezhogin.
Balk
My vision for the Habs D
At the begining of the year, the Habs could start with these combos.
Markov - Gorges
Gill - Subban
Spacek - Yemelin
If Yemelin proves he can play in the top 4, the could move him onto a pair with Markov. This would give the Habs good depth and the ability to roll the three pairs with no fear.
Markov - Yemelin
Gill - Subban
Spacek - Gorges
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