NHL Prospects: The future of Russia’s Blueline

Alexander Romanov

Montreal Canadiens assistant general manager Trevor Timmins may have said it best when he said that Alexander Romanov is like “an Alexei Emelin with a ton of energy“. Romanov was a surprise second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Canadiens. Not too many people had heard about him before his high draft selection, but that has changed.

Romanov has spent the 2018-2019 season playing in the KHL as an 18-year old. He is a physical defender who is not known for his offensive contributions but this should not deter you from his game. Romanov is a strong two-way player and is able to contribute offensively although his stats might not show it.

He has a strong hockey IQ and is able to read the game very well. Although Romanov is only 5-foot-11, he uses his body to his advantage and can consistently be seen checking and putting up the body.

In the professional level, Romanov probably will not be recording a lot of points, but his hockey smarts and physicality should be enough to give him a strong reputation around the league. When you think of him, do not think of a big physical fourth-line player that is only really good for playing 10 minutes a night and will not do much besides hitting the opposition. That is not the kind of player that Romanov is.

He is the kind of player that can be relied upon in important situations. Romanov reads the game very well and can help create chances while also being able to break off chances for the opposition.  He might not be the dynamic playmaking defenceman that many Russians are hoping for, but he is the kind of player who can do it all defensively and will surprise you offensively as well.