Alexander Burmistrov returns to Winnipeg in two-year contract

There’s probably a good reason why the Winnipeg Jets let Michael Frolik walk in unrestricted free agency. It’s because they likely knew wayward forward Alexander Burmistrov would return from AK Bars Kazan in the KHL on a two-year deal worth $3.1 million.

The 23-year-old Russian bolted the Jets in 2012 for the KHL. But according to the Winnipeg Sun, things changed with Burmistrov. He didn't mesh well with former coach Claude Noel. Now Paul Maurice is in charge of Winnipeg's bench.

Burmistrov was the No. 8 overall pick of the Jets/Atlanta Thrashers in 2010.

Burmistrov, who has 23 goals and 58 points in 194 NHL games, figures to be in the mix to compete for a spot on the third or fourth line, depending on how things sort out in free agency.

But his ability to play both centre and wing makes him an intriguing option.

Said Arctic Ice Hockey:

Burmistrov should be able to fill in the defensive role of Frolik, but he has less of an offensive right now. Burmistrov could end up scoring more at the NHL level, which would be really good news for the Jets.

That’s the point of free agency if you lose a guy – replace him with someone else.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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