Alexei Emelin

Alexei Emelin (born Alexei Valerievich Emelin on April 25, 1986) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Alexei was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft with the 84th overall.

Playing Career
Alexei spent a large portion of his career with HC Lada Togliatti in the Russian Superleague before signing with Ak Bars Kazan.

He was also a member of Russia's U18 and U20 national squads and he has also become a regular member of the senior national team, skating for both in EuroTour and the World Championships.

In a 2009 KHL game, Alexei sustained a face injury during a fight with Alexander Svitov. An orbital bone shattered and had to be rebuilt with metal plate. He has tried to avoid getting into fights since.

On May 17, 2011, Alexei signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2011–12 season.

He played his first regular-season NHL game on October 9, 2011 in a 5-1 victory against the Winnipeg Jets.

In addition, he scored his first regular-season NHL point, an assist on December 6, 2011 in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

On January 25, 2012, Alexei scored his first NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings. On June 30, 2012, he signed a two-year extension up until the end of the 2013–14 season.

During the lockout shortened 2012–13 NHL season, Alexei established himself as a key member of the Montreal Canadiens defensive core, often playing with fellow countryman Andrei Markov.

He scored 3 goals and 12 points in 38 games for the Canadiens and finished with a plus-two rating.

Alexei's season was derailed by an injury during a game against the Boston Bruins on April 6, 2013 when he collided with Bruins forward Milan Lucic, falling awkwardly and tearing a ligament in his left knee. As a result, he missed the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.

On October 31, 2013, Alexei signed a four-year contract extension up until the end of the 2017-2018 season.