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The New Jersey Devils Should Call The Winnipeg Jets About Alex Burmistrov

May 22, 2013, 12:48 PM ET [28 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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While New Jersey Devils GM, Lou Lamoriello, still has his own restricted free agents to take care of, there's a certain RFA on the Winnipeg Jets who he should keep his eye on.

Jets forward Alex Burmistrov, who oozes with potential, isn't too happy with his situation in Winnipeg and wants out of Winnipeg, according to Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Burmistrov is set to become an RFA but reportedly doesn't want to re-sign with the Jets. Before the KHL speculation begins it's worth noting that Burmistrov's agent, Mark Gandler, told Lawless that Burmistrov is not going to sign in the KHL.

Burmistrov, 21, hasn't seen eye-to-eye with Jets head coach, Claude Noel, and it's quite evident in how Burmistrov is used by Noel.

Despite having offensive talent and plenty of untapped potential, Burmistrov was primarily used as a bottom-six forward who played with mediocre linemates and wasn't used in any offensive situations.

Burmistrov wasn't among the 10 Jets players who played 50 or more minutes on the power play this season. Despite struggling to score at times, offensive dynamo's Olli Jokinen and Nik Antropov were continually used on the power play without giving Burmistrov an opportunity.

Even though Burmistrov was buried in the lineup, and even a healthy scratch at one point, he actually had a decent season. He was third on the Jets among all regulars in goals against per 20 minutes of 5 vs. 5. For every 20 minutes of 5 vs. 5, Burmistrov was only on for .596 goals against. So basically 1.5 goals per 60 minutes of 5 vs. 5 hockey. That's pretty impressive for a young player. Especially an enigmatic Russian, as some like to call him.

Burmistrov also had 10 points despite not playing in any offensive situations and being buried in the lineup. Next to no top-6 time, no power play, etc.

Burmistrov actually posted a picture of the free press article suggesting he wants out on his Instagram and posted "I haven't heard" in Russian, but regardless there's no doubt that a change of scenery would be good for him. And he just might get it.

Now, on to why the Devils should call about him.

For starters, he's versatile. He can play center or on the wing and is effective on both. He takes care of his own zone, has unbelievable hands, sees the ice well and can skate. He's played with Ilya Kovalchuk before during International competition and I'm sure he could fit right in on the Devils. He's also a good puck possession player as his 51.6% possession numbers (3rd on the Jets) would illustrate.

Another reason the Devils should go after him: he's young and loaded with potential. Right now he's actually a pretty good player even though he's being used in garbage situations. If a coach actually showed some confidence in him and used him like he's supposed to be used he could put up good numbers.

As I said, Burmistrov is loaded with talent and is only going to get better. He's also a forward, obviously. Those who follow the Devils know they don't have much in the way of potential top-6 forwards in their system so adding a 21-year-old with top-6 potential when his stock is low could be very beneficial.

Noel and Burmistrov don't see eye-to-eye and Noel's not going anywhere - at least right now. Why not move an asset who is not being utilized properly for someone who could help the team?

The Devils have plenty of depth forwards, defenseman and a pretty full cupboard when it comes to defense prospects. Would the Jets be interested in any of that? What about a young player like Jacob Josefson, who has potential but could also benefit from a change of scenery?

All of that remains to be seen. But Burmistrov is a player who could help the Devils now and in the future.

Lamoriello says that as a GM you're always looking to make the team better and if you have an opprtunity to make it better you have to take it.

It looks like an opportunity is sitting right in front of Lamoriello.

Now it's his job to make the call.

**

I posted a scouting report on potential top-10 pick, Bo Horvat, at TheHockeyGuys. You can view the report here.
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