There are so many variables that will go into deciding what production Alexander Burmistrov will give the Winnipeg Jets this season.
Burmistrov is in a unique situation, having departed the Jets as a 21 year old for the KHL. In 120 games with the Jets from 2011 until 2013, Burmistrov had 17 goals and 38 points. With Ak Bars Kazan, he had a pair of ten goal seasons with his best year coming in 2013-14, with 32 points in 54 games.
What the Jets get out of Burmistrov offensively will likely be decided by his line mates. There are many combinations being tossed around with him, and head coach Paul Maurice has admitted as much.
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The stats show Burmistrov was one of the better possession players in his first two seasons in Winnipeg, albeit not often matched up against the opponents best players. As well, Burmistrov’s role as a penalty killer will prove a lot of his value to the Jets, especially with the departure of Michael Frolik (who when brought aboard, if memory serves correct, was there to help off-set some of the hurt on the PK of losing Burmistrov).
But there are so many factors that will determine Burmistrov’s production that are completely unknown at this point. How much did his dissatisfaction with the organization under Claude Noel hinder his production in the first go around in Winnipeg and how much of an impact will Maurice have on him as a player?
And did Burmistrov grow as a player in his two years in Russia? It seems impossible that Burmistrov is only 23 (24 when the season gets into full swing). But the Jets are getting a rare opportunity to redevelop a player that they couldn’t the first go around.
Puck Prose