Honest question - Svitov

[Disgruntled70sHab]

I see he's a 6'3" 200-poundish, lefty. There's been a lot of talk generated around this guy and, honestly, I don't know his story from Gaston's. What's impressing you guys about Svitov? Just curious. Thanks.

Cheers.

[BadCompany]

Svitov is an immensely talented, solid, potential power forward type, drafted 3rd over all a couple of years back (after a couple of kids named Kovalchouk and Spezza). He has all the tools, and has been compared to Bobby Holik. He's big, he can skate, he can handle the puck, score, agitate, play defense, you name it.

Wrap that all up in an enigma though, and surround it by a mystery. Controversy seems to follow this guy around, and his attitude has been questioned big time. At the World Juniors a few years back, he was involved in a now infamous spitting incident, versus Team Canada, and I think he was suspended for the final, championship game. That raised the hackles of quite a few people.

The year after, he, along with Stanislav Chistov, were involved in a bitter, ugly, international political battle, which at one point saw both of them thrown in a military prison. Their Russian team didn't want to release them to North America, and declared them AWOL from their military obligations. As a result, they were arrested for desertion. Took a full year to sort that out, and Svitov barely played.

Finally over in North America, he played most of last year with Tampa Bay, but is currently on the outs with coach John Tortorella, who doesn't like Svitov's attitude and/or work ethic. Most recently, Tortorella told the media that Svitov can "rot in the AHL." (those were his exact words, I believe).

He is definetely an intriguing player. Given that he is currently playing for Hamilton (loaned there by Tampa) Montreal brass should have a very good read on his character and dressing room presence. They should be able to tell whether or not he is a cancer, in other words. Talent wise, I would take him in a heartbeat, but like I said, he brings baggage with him. Whether that baggage was piled on him because of his own actions, or whether he is a victim of circumstance, could make all the difference between whether or not he would be a good pickup...

And here's the big Svitov for Hainsey debate we had not too long ago, just in case you missed it...

habsrus.proboards4.com/index.cgi?board=Trades&action=display&n=1&thread=70

[madhabfan II]

If you look at our roster and think "What do we need most right now?" 9 people out of 10 would most likely say a big, strong centerman with good speed, excellent offensive instincts, and one who could put his share of pucks in the net and do a fantastic job of shadowing, and getting under the skin of the other teams top forwards. Well, Alexander Svitov fits this description to a 'T'.

I'd say he had a slightly below average game last night, but I'd still love to have this guy on our team.

[hab1fan]

Svitov does have a temper. In last night's game versus Syracuse, he was assessed a penalty and then as he skated back to the bench (not the panalty box), he turned to the ref arguing the call and threw his helmet on the ice. This got him another 2 minute penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. At the end of the period he tried to litterly corner the ref who would have none of that and skated away from him, pointing for Svitov to leave the ice rink.

He played very "chippy" all night and didn't seem to be following any game plan but his own. I think I would steer clear of him unless Jarvis openly speaks on his behalf.

[Kareem]

I'm a big fan of Svitov. He has the potential to be a Selke candidate while still posting great offensive numbers. He plays a nasty physical game, he has a mean streak. He has smooth skating and good stickhandling, he can beat anyone one on one in many ways. He can score goals as well as set up some for his teammates. He will defend his teammates. I think he does have an attitude problem, I think he was the one who spit on a canadian in the WJC.

The thing about Svitov is that he needs to work on his intensity level, sometimes he takes nights off. He will probably be a late bloomer because all of his life he has been used on 3rd or 4th lines playing very little even though he is one of the most talented players in the world, both defensively and offensively. He has also missed a year of hockey and he shys away from showing off his moves on offense, but when he does, you can see his creativity. I think this is due to bad coaching and TB's lack of a farm will not help his developpement.


Personnally, I would definetly trade for him, Hossa and a 1st might interest TB.

[stjrandy]

I think that Svitov is really bad news which I would welcome on the Habs. I'm a little tired of the team sweet attitude.

[habruti]

I think that Bulis, Svitov and Perezhogin would make quite a third line...