Yuri Alexandrov

Alexandrov could evenutally be a third-pairing defenseman as he is solid in most aspects but far from a game changer. His best skill is making a strong outlet pass as he possesses good vision to start the rush. He is a fluid skater but not a burner and does not use his body much. He posted seven points in 37 games between Omsk and St. Petersburg of the KHL.

In his North American pro debut, Alexandrov recorded 19 points in 66 games for AHL Providence. He's a skilled player who will need to continue to adjust to the rigors of North American hockey, but if he does, he could develop into a solid all-around blueliner, with some offensive upside. He'll enter training camp as one of a handful of young blueliners in the B's organization who will need to stand out in order to make a run at cracking the team's opening roster.

Alexandrov, the Bruins' second-round draft pick in 2006 (37th overall), is considered a mobile puck mover, but at this stage he will need to adjust to the physicality of the North American pro game, which will be a challenge as he continues to fill out his 6-1, 185-pound frame. Look for him to start 2010-11 with AHL Providence, but note that he does have enough upside on offense (he has power play potential) to be an option in keeper leagues.

The slightly built blueliner could develop into a solid player for the B's, capable of handling power play duty. Assuming he stays in North America, look for him to suit up for AHL Providence this coming season.

The Bruins have retained the rights to Alexandrov, a second round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, but he's now slowed by a shoulder injury and whether he makes it over to Beantown remains up in the air.

Alexandrov has played with Severstal Cherepovets in the Russian Hockey Super League. He's not expected in North America anytime soon, and most certainaly will need time at the minor league level to adjust to the smaller ice surface. He's one of the Bruins' better long term defensive prospects, but is still at least a couple of seasons away from landing in the NHL.

This 18-year-old Russian blueliner can skate and move the puck, and someday, he'll crack the 30-point mark (or more). That day is a long, long way away. He shouldn't even be on the radar of leagues who draft junior rosters... at least not yet.

Alexandrov is an intriguing player. At 17, he played a full season in the Russian Super league, a feat not normally done. And while he didn't put up many points, he played well and didn't make many mistakes. He has a good shot, and has solid speed and lateral movement. A nice safe pick, Alexandrov will be a solid, unspectacular two-way defenseman and that type of guy always warrants a spot on a lower rung of most fantasy teams.