By: Danny Whittaker
Alexander Svitov � Toronto Maple Leafs
Alexander Svitov has always seemed to out-muscle and out-score the competition. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, and a mean streak as big, Alexander really started turning heads as a 16-year-old in the Russian Super League. With a flair for being physical, the native of Omsk developed his two-way skills into what seems like the total package. With a dangerous wrist shot and powerful slap shot, he became a threat offensively for the Russian National team in many competitions. Svitov was about to arrive.
He might end up being the steal of the CFHL Season 1 Draft, as the big Russian center was still available to be snatched up by Toronto with the 19th overall pick. Maple Leafs GM Wade Taylor said of his good fortune, �The Toronto organization was excited to draft such a highly-skilled player so late in the 1st round.� Could he translate his success to North America?
So far, Svitov hasn�t disappointed. After fulfilling his military duties in Russia, he led Saint John in assists in his inaugural season for the Leafs� farm team with 41 while adding 20 goals for 61 points, good for fifth in team scoring. His mean streak knew no bounds as he also led the team in penalty minutes with 177. The parent club was no doubt impressed and rewarded Svitov with a late-season call-up in which he recorded 4 points (2 + 2) and 4 penalty minutes in 3 games.
This season, Svitov has exploded from the gate and at the time of this writing, leads the farm league in goals with 16 in just 14 games. He stands 8th in the league with 20 points, which is good for 3rd on the baby Leafs. When asked about the possibility of Svitov joining the big club later in the season, GM Taylor said, �Svitov is targeted to spend this season in the minors (with Saint John) and take a strong role with (Toronto) in Season 4. He will be an excellent compliment to (centers Brad) Boyes and (Joe) Thornton.� With the addition of Svitov, Toronto should have one of the league�s most lethal 1-2-3 punches at center for years to come.
As Season 3 unfolds, Svitov is once again one of the biggest fish in the pond. The Toronto Maple Leafs as well as the rest of the CFHL will have to wait to see if he can swim with the sharks next season. He seems to have the necessary tools to be a star in this League and only he knows if he can out-muscle someone else for a roster spot with Toronto in Season 4.
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