Arizona Coyotes: Grading Alex Burmistrov’s First 15 Games

The Arizona Coyotes said the decision was unanimous when they had the opportunity to claim Alex Burmistrov on waivers from the Winnipeg Jets last month. They were hopeful that a change of scenery could help elevate his game.

Fifteen games later and the Arizona Coyotes have a decent sample size to examine. So what’s the verdict? Let’s examine the facts.

Inconsistent Offense

Alex Burmistrov looked every bit like the 8th overall pick he was during his first few games with the Coyotes. Over his first six contests he posted six points (1G, 5A) and brought a lot of speed and creativity. His production was a breath of fresh air to a team that had been struggling offensively without Max Domi.

The shine wore off, however, and Burmistrov has since posted only one point (an assist off an inadvertent blocked shot) in his last nine games. This despite recieving similar ice time and top unit powerplay duties.

His shot totals are also a concern.

Through 15 games, he has only registered 18 shots on goal. Much like Anthony Duclair found out, that won’t get you far in terms of goal scoring.

He Doesn’t Drive Possession

While the offensive abilities are certainly there, albeit inconsistent, Burmistrov brings little to the table defensively.

In 15 games, Burmistrov has only topped 50% in CF% four times. Seven other games he was below 40%. Two of those he didn’t reach 20%. In simple terms, he rarely generates enough offense to compensate for his poor defense. In fact, he is usually on the ice for far more scoring changes against than for.

To make matters worse, his face-off percentage currently sits at 41.37%, lowest on the team.

In a Dave Tippett system, these numbers won’t keep you around long.

Final Grade

Alex Burmistrov has come exactly as advertised.

He can definitely provide an offensive spark here and there but he can’t play in his own zone. At the end of the season, the Coyotes will need to make a decision whether or not they want to bring him back.

Personally, I think they should move on.

Burmistrov has an established track record of mediocrity playing in a bottom six role, so his only chance for success is playing in the top six. I just can’t see that happening with the Coyotes after this year, especially with Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak, and Clayton Keller already in the system.

Next: Clayton Keller Will be in the NHL Next Season

Claiming a player off waivers is often like buying a lottery ticket.

The Coyotes didn’t win this time around, but it never hurts to try your luck every once in a while.