Player Profile: Maxim Afinogenov

Name: Maxim Afinogenov
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 6ft.
Weight: 191 lbs
Birth date: September 4, 1979
Age: 27 (will be 28 when season starts)
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
acquired: drafted by Buffalo in third round (69th overall) in 1997 entry draft

Background

Afinogenov played four seasons with HC Moscow Dynamo before coming stateside and playing for the Rochester Americans in the 1999-2000 season.  He did not stay in Rochester long as he played 65 games with the Buffalo Sabres that season and he had 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points.

Scouting Report

Max has become known in the league for his explosive speed.  If Max has the puck you can feel the electricity in the Arena as the Fans anticipate what will come next.  He is also very creative offensively and has the ability to confuse defensemen.  Despite this electricity it is easy to get Afinogenov off of his game.  He takes many dumb penalties in retaliation to what the opposition does to him.

Performance

2006-2007 56GP-23G-38A-61P-66PIM and a plus 19

Future

The possiblities are endless for Afinogenov.  It is often said that he can be as good as he wants to be if he just plays smart.  Afinogenov will face a stern test in the 2007-2008 season after the departure of Captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere.  Afinogenov will probably be paired with Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy once again this season.  Afinogenov has one of the richest contracts on the team besides Vanek and Roy and is signed for one more season beyond this season.  His play this season will determine how the Sabres choose to handle his situation next off season.