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Flames Top 25 Under 25: #21 - Alexander Yelesin

There’s a lot of defenceman in front of Yelesin as he begins his trek to the NHL.

France v Russia - International Friendly Ice Hockey Photo by Aude Alcover/Icon Sport via Getty Images

#21: Alexander Yelesin

Position: Defence

Age: 23

Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Signed on May 10, 2019

Last Year Ranking: N/A

Yelesin Votes

MGMacGillivray MarkParkinson14 MadelineCampbell Gordie.Taylor Readers
MGMacGillivray MarkParkinson14 MadelineCampbell Gordie.Taylor Readers
22 20 N/A 19 23

Twenty three isn’t old by any stretch of the imagination, but when you’re 23 and haven’t set foot in the AHL AND are behind a good stable of NHL or NHL ready defenceman, you’ve got an uphill battle ahead of you. That’s the scenario for Alexander Yelesin.

Yelesin spent last season with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the KHL and played in 55 games in Russia. It was his second go around with the team and he set career high’s in assists (6) and points (10), which is the best point totals he’s had since 2012-13 when was playing as a 16 year old Lokomotiv Yaroslavl U17 (7G, 9A).

By signing with the Flames in May there’s a very good chance he’ll spend 2019-20 in Stockton and he should get some decent minutes. Oliver Kylington and Juuso Valimaki should be in Calgary, or elsewhere, full time, which will free up some roster spots. The Flames like the kid enough to have inked him to a two year ELC, but like every other ELC it’s a low risk, potential high reward deal.

Poll

What do you think of Yelesin’s final ranking?

This poll is closed

  • 39%
    Too High
    (26 votes)
  • 12%
    Too Low
    (8 votes)
  • 48%
    Just Right
    (32 votes)
66 votes total Vote Now