Affy back to Russia

Not a big deal but just interesting. Former Lightning underachiever Dmitry Afanasenkov apparently has signed a contract to play in Russia next season for Moscow's Dynamo team.

I always liked Affy but the guy just never could harness that incredible talent into a coherent package. I mean, he could stick handle and skate, but he just wasn't a finisher. And when he got the chance to play with Brad Richards, he tanked. Having said that, Affy's 11 goals last season and 21 points with Tampa Bay and the Flyers were career highs.

Nice guy, tried hard and really cared. I guess the thing I'll remember about him most was how, after he got caught, he admitted to using a too-big curve on his stick ... and then said he would do it again.

Comments

[Lightning rod]

The potential has to be there , in order for a player to have a chance to make it in the NHL, and any other sport for that matter.

All you have to do is go back 5 yrs. to the top 20 draft picks, and see who is on an active NHL roster. I just picked 5 yrs. as sufficiently long to make my point; but I bet that the answer is not much better than 50%.

The rest of the equation, I believe, is character, drive, and mental toughness. To me, you don't have to look much further than Capt. Dave and Marty, to see that potential and talent are just part of being a successful NHL hockey player. Dave's potential, as measured by his hockey skills, was lacking in some areas. He's skating ability for one; but we all know the rest of his story. Marty was to small; but all he needed was a chance. We all now know his story.

Affy appears to be just one of the ones with the potential, and I could see that he had that. I liked him, and I wish him success and that he makes it elsewhere. However in the end here, something was lacking. Maybe he can find it, he's still young enough. The odds are not good for him now.

[Tim A]

Poor Affy, absolutely had a knack for being on the ice at the wrong time. At times Affy looked so good and had more moves than Ex-lax, but his major problem was he couldn't get his head and butt wired together long enough to make a decent play. I thought he was going to snap out of his inability to finish last season but it never happened, he ended up at like a -25 plus/minus between TB and Philly. Its like his skates and his hands and his brain were all on a different sheet of music. However he is a great guy and I wish him well back in Mother Russia, Good luck Affy, and watch those CURVES that life often gives you!!!

[SarasotaBill]

Affy with an illegal stick? That in itself is funny. But to hear him say he'd do it again is hysterical. Great story!!

Stories like this make me check myself a bit. Affy got the chance of a lifetime and fell on his face. I was as critical of him as anyone. Sometimes it happens, but I don't remember him getting busted for an illegal stick. Doesn't matter. The fact he said he'd do it again is funny as hell to me.

Being critical of guys who don't quite cut the mustard is easy for an armchair GM like me. Make no mistake, even if you make it for a game or 2 in the NHL, you are a bit of a freak. You don't make it this far, if even for a cup of coffee, without some degree of talent. Only the best of the best stick. But to hear a story like this brings the personal, and human element into the picture.

Affy didn't quite cut it here. Nor in Philly. As a UFA, he decided to go back to the hood to play. He wasn't flooded with offers. Good news is, he's got a job that will likely pay him well. Good for him.

By the way. Do they have stick restrictions there?

Funny stuff. Best to you Affy!!

[Joe]

Afanasenkov, for some unclear reason, never played up to his abilities in a Lightning uniform although there were times when he looked like he was ready to blossom as a player. I saw a few more of those flashes at the end of last year when he excelled as a fourth line player in a handful of games with the Flyers. But, he probably did not show them enough to warrant another contract.

There is something special about this guy and it seems that a number of Bolts fans picked up on it. Here's to hoping that he gets another chance in the NHL.