Alexei Emelin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexei Emelin
Emelin with the Montreal Canadiens in 2015
Born	(1986-04-25) 25 April 1986 (age 39) Tolyatti, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
KHL team Former teams	Free agent Lada Togliatti Ak Bars Kazan Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators Avangard Omsk Dinamo Minsk Spartak Moscow
National team	Russia
NHL Draft	84th overall, 2004 Montreal Canadiens
Playing career	2003–present

Alexei Emelin (born 25 April 1986) is a Russian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defence player. He was chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Emelin has also played for the Nashville Predators in the NHL.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting Out in Russia

Alexei Emelin began his hockey journey with HC Lada Togliatti in Russia. He also played for Ak Bars Kazan. He was a member of Russia's national teams for players under 18 and under 20. Later, he joined the senior Russian national team. He played in many international tournaments, including the World Championships.

In 2009, during a game in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Emelin had a face injury. He had surgery to fix it. After that, he tried to avoid getting into fights during games.

Time with the Montreal Canadiens

Emelin playing for Russia in 2011

On 17 May 2011, Emelin signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. This was his chance to play in the NHL. His first NHL game was on 9 October 2011, where his team won against the Winnipeg Jets. He got his first NHL point, an assist, on 6 December 2011. On 25 January 2012, he scored his first NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings.

In 2012, Emelin signed a new contract to stay with the Canadiens. During the 2012–13 season, he became a very important player for the team's defence. He often played alongside his fellow countryman, Andrei Markov.

Emelin with the Montreal Canadiens in 2012

He scored three goals and had 12 points in 38 games that season. However, his season ended early because of an injury. He tore a ligament in his left knee during a game in April 2013. This meant he missed the rest of the season and the playoffs. In October 2013, he signed another contract extension with Montreal, which lasted until the 2017–18 season.

Moving to Nashville and Back to Russia

After playing six seasons with the Canadiens, Emelin was chosen by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. Soon after, on 1 July 2017, the Golden Knights traded him to the Nashville Predators. He played 76 games for the Predators in his one season with them. He also played in 10 playoff games.

In September 2018, Emelin returned to the KHL. He signed a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk. After four seasons with Avangard Omsk, he moved to HC Dinamo Minsk in July 2022. He was even chosen as the team captain for Dinamo Minsk. In December 2022, Emelin moved again to HC Spartak Moscow for the rest of that season.

Career Statistics Summary

Regular Season and Playoffs Totals

International Play

Medal record
Representing  Russia
World Championships
Gold	2012 Finland/Sweden
Silver	2010 Germany
Bronze	2007 Russia
Bronze	2016 Russia
World Junior Championships
Silver	2005 United States
Silver	2006 Canada
World U18 Championships
Gold	2004 Belarus

Awards and Honors

Alexei Emelin has won several awards during his career: