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Trade Rumours Start Now: Burmistrov Jersey a Collector's Item?

March 11, 2013, 2:18 PM ET [32 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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There is no denying that things are starting to shake up a bit with the Jets. The trade of Mahacek to the Columbus system and now word from the great guy at Arctic Ice Hockey that Arturs Kulda is coming back from the KHL to join the Jets. For some that is a more than a welcome relief, even in theory, from the recent work of Grant Clitsome.

But don’t let the controversy, or excitement stop there. It’s time to speculate on who the first Winnipeg Jes to be traded will be and after yesterday’s game against the Devils many are thinking it might be Alexander Burmistrov.

It’s not that the kid can’t play or that he doesn’t provide something to the team but he may not fit with what the coach wants. It’s either Burmistrov or Noel right?

Go back a bit, around April and you can read this piece after the first wave of Burmistrov to the KHL hysteria broke Edmonton Media Tampering? I’m particularly fond of this piece because David Staples had to go on a total rampage via Twitter at me for questioning his work. Then Adler sent an email to chew me out. Meanwhile all the local media in Winnipeg had basically put their claims, and sham job reporting to rest, with some simple calls. I guess Staples and Adler don’t feel the need to do that, however I digress.

More was made of Burmistrov and the KHL in Late July with another apparent KHL club interested in the talented Russian.

With it all being said and done the Jets now reach a critical juncture with Burmistrov- does he fit in their future plans? It’s a simple question but dependent upon more than a few things.

1. How will Burmistrov respond to his benching? If he rises up above it, accepts that he needs to change the way the coaches require then it’s just a small event in his development.

2. Is Burmistrov still interested in playing in the NHL? He accepted a start to this year in the AHL, which surprised a few observers, but is his heart longing for the familiarity of Russia?

3. Can Noel and Burmistrov find some harmony? It’s not secret that when Noel needs attendance in his dog house Burmistrov is usually the first to pay a visit and this has many fans wondering why other players are not their with greater frequency and fairness.

4. What is Burmistrov’s value to other NHL teams? He’s an RFA this year and just might be more valuable to the Jets in a trade than with the club, all depending on the return of course.

It’s a tricky situation as more often than not Burmistrov is one of the most dynamic players on the ice and clearly a fan favourite due to his style of play and effort. Yet, he seems to end up the odd-man on a short bench far too often too suggest he always has the coach’s blessing for his free-wheeling play. In an NHL where systems play is paramount to dictate transition and offense, Burmistrov may not be willing to adjust his play, or worse, follow the coach’s instructions on how to play.

It’s the latter part the generated some very ‘free speech’ about the young Russian’s character today on TSN 1290 radio. This is where the issue gets murky, who said he has an attitude or character problem? Plenty of rumours and hearsay commentary can be found over the course of the past 18 months but nothing concrete. That includes the speculation about why the coach didn’t provide a clear reason for his recent benching.

The risk here is that Burmistrov and Noel are oil and water- they just don’t mix. More importantly does the one with the power risks pushing the player right out of the NHL. It’s why simple logic says there is a good chance Burmistrov is trade bait.

Make your offers, prepare your deals because this one won’t go away until the player is dealt or re-signed in the off season. It’d be a shame to lose him though for nothing and that’s what the Jets risk doing if they don’t handle this situation carefully.

In full disclosure though I’m on the side of the player here but I’m biased. He played Shinny with my son.
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