To make his staying with the club official, the Thrashers had to sign Alexander Burmistrov to a contract by 3:00 today. They accomplished that last night, signing the eighteen year old Russian to an entry level deal. While some Thrashers fans questioned Burmistrov’s staying with the club, his hard work throughout the preseason and his dedication to working out and putting on weight apparently made an impression on general manager Rick Dudley.

According to league rules, Burmistrov may play in nine NHL games this season before it activates the first year of his contract. This is a good chance for him to get acquainted with the team, and if at the end of those nine games he needs to return to his OHL team he can. Jim Slater might be healed up by then, and this is a no-risk roster move for the team.

Due to age restrictions, Burmistrov cannot be demoted to the Thrashers’ AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves.