Might be wrong but I think he can be a UFA after next season. Do you sign him to a year and see how he progresses at a 5th-6th D price or do you try signing him to 4-5 years at what Im guessing would have to be top 4 money, say $16.5M over 5 ? Id lock him up.
I was a bit worried that Malone being a giant tool last night would cause Emelin to lose his edge for awhile, but was glad to see him come back a few shifts later with another nice hit.
I never cease to be amazed by how sound Emelin's hitting is. It's not just about size and strength, it's a skill -- and Emelin is quite amazing at it. That's why he even occasionally causes people trying to hit him to keel over (including the aforementioned Malone in an earlier game).
I'd lock this guy up for at least two more years. You could the progression and adjustment to the North-American style of hockey in game. If this team had more competent coaches, he would've seen PP time over guys like Weber and Campoli too. We never had the chance to see his playmaking skills at work on the PP (what he was known best for in the KHL).
His hits are as sexy as I remember, and besides that he's really holding his own out there defensively..I mean playing with Markov a lot certainly helps things, but he looks comfortable out there.
His hits are as sexy as I remember, and besides that he's really holding his own out there defensively..I mean playing with Markov a lot certainly helps things, but he looks comfortable out there.
The Iron Curtain duo looks like it would be terrific as a 2nd pairing behind 26-76.
Can anyone tell me why he's wearing the full cage? Did he get an injury in the KHL or is he just tired of getting face-washed after his clean hits?
You can see the injury if you want too, just go watch the intra-squad game highlights, somebody clears the zone and it ends up right on his face, Emelin drops on the ice and they score on a 2 on 1 situation.
Man why can't any coach give Emelin some power play time?? He has a way better slapper and is a better passer than Bouillon.
If I remember correctly, not 100% certain.... but Emelin's jaw/cheek bone was crushed (hit by a puck) years ago. He underwent surgery and there's an implant (jaw/cheekbone). At least that is how I remember one of the commentators explaining why Emelin refuses to fight when challenged after he hits players.
I could have been watching the game on RDS and my French is a little rusty. ))) So, I'm sure others will get to the bottom of why he's wearing the cage.
I am very impressed by Emelin so far this season. His hits are perfect, always well timed, powerful, and he's constantly separating the opponents from the puck. Not only that, but he hits all the damn time!
I've been sceptical about him, I was more in favor of letting Diaz get more ice time, but wow... Both have grown into their respective roles and have been very good for in those two games.
If I remember correctly, not 100% certain.... but Emelin's jaw/cheek bone was crushed (hit by a puck) years ago. He underwent surgery and there's an implant (jaw/cheekbone). At least that is how I remember one of the commentators explaining why Emelin refuses to fight when challenged after he hits players.
I could have been watching the game on RDS and my French is a little rusty. ))) So, I'm sure others will get to the bottom of why he's wearing the cage.
He was punched by Alexandr Svitov a few years ago. I don't remember if it was a sucker punch or an actual fight, but Svitov is dangerous and he's huge.
Better make sure Staubitz is on the ice all the time.
