It seems ashamed that Alexei Emelin is still in Russia playing for HC Ak Bars of the RSL where he is getting less ice time than he did when he played for Lada last year. HC Ak Bars use to be a solid team over the last 2-3 years but has fallen on hard times, winning only 13 games after playing 32 games ( RSL STANDINGS).
Emelin’s development would have been better served by signing with the Montreal Canadiens (Canadiens lose battle for Emelin) and getting acclimatized to the the AHL or more likely the NHL style of play as well as the smaller ice surface. It would have also given him a chance to get use to the lifestyle and language issues that many Russian players have to adjust to when they come to North America.
There is no question that Alexei Emelin is the most NHL ready defenseman (along with Ryan O’Bryne) in the Habs prospect pool, it’s just a question whether he will be signed before the new Russian laws are passed in the new year regarding closing the loophole for the two week job vacancy notice that allowed Russian players to break their contracts. I believe it will come into effect as of January 1st, 2008. There is also the lack of a tranfer agreement between the RIHF and the NHL which will complicate the whole situation. Only time will tell if Bob Gainey can get Alexei Emelin out of Russia and sign him to a NHL entry contract before June 1st, 2008 otherwise he will return to the 2008 NHL draft pool where any NHL team could select him.