Some prospects are fast. Some prospects generate fan excitement with sweet dishes and dangles. The next prospect on our rundown might not have a reputation for being a game-breaking player, but he’s already played National Hockey League games in his first season in the Calgary Flames organization.
The 19th-ranked prospect in the Flames system is Russian defenseman Alexander Yelesin.
How did we get here?
Originally from Yaroslavl, Russia, the 24-year-old Yelesin worked his way up through the Lokomotiv system. Never a huge offensive weapon – his best offensive season at any level of Russian hockey was 16 points as a 16-year-old – he nevertheless won accolades for his defensive presence and crushing body checks.