6'2" 223 lbs
2011-12 Stats 67GP- 3G- 4A- 7Pts
The Cost
After completing his first full season in the NHL with a salary of $984,200, the hard hitting Russian blue liner earned a significant raise signing a two-year $2 million contract.
If Emelin continues to deliver crushing hits while improving his all around defensive play, then he will certainly be worth every penny of his new deal.
Performance
Emelin established himself as one of the league's hardest hitters after finishing the 2011-12 season 15th in the league in hits — and fourth among defenseman — with 267.
Along with his physical play, Emelin displayed a willingness to sacrifice his body in other ways, blocking 88 shots, good for fourth on the Canadiens.
His style is more defensive but his hard shot can help the team produce from the back end. However, in order to do so he'll need to take more than the 67 shots on net as he did last year.
The Fit
Much like the physical Mike Komisarek complemented Andrei Markov's game well, Emelin will likely see time with his fellow countryman on the team's second defensive unit.
Where do you think Emelin's fits in? Will he be able to continue his hard hitting ways in his sophomore season?
Check out other player profiles:
Carey Price
Andrei Markov
Raphael Diaz
Francis Bouillon
Ryan White
Travis Moen
Brandon Prust
Colby Armstrong
Lars Eller
Rene Bourque
Tomas Plekanec
David Desharnais
Josh Gorges
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Sean is a freelance writer currently contributing to HabsAddict.com. He is also a regular blogger and frequent panelist on the Habs post game show at MontrealHockeyTalk.com You can follow Sean on Twitter
(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)
1 comments:
Sean, i think he is as good as we all hoped and as advertised, i had thought he would struggle to get up to speed but he impressed right from start of season.
And with he and Markov likely headed for KHL after Saturday, they both should be abe to dominate a slightly weaker league.
Many see him as a 2nd pairing guy but i think he and Gorges are perfect mates for Subban-Markov and Yemelin is a fine 1st or 2nd pairing guy.
don
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