Maxim Afinogenov Finds Himself in Atlanta

by Rafal Ladysz on Nov 14, 2009 11:51 AM EST Comment 20 comments

Atlanta Thrashers' Maxim Afinogenov reacts after scoring in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 in Atlanta. The goal was his second of the game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

2 months ago: Atlanta Thrashers' Maxim Afinogenov reacts after scoring in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 in Atlanta. The goal was his second of the game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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A few short months ago, it was uncertain if Maxim Afinogenov would maintain employment in the NHL. Nine seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, the last two of which were spent in head coach Lindy Ruff's doghouse mostly, and the Russian wasn't re-signed.

Afinogenov could make the jaws of viewers drop in a heartbeat by moving forward rapidly to score goals or create something for his line-mates. In his final two years with Buffalo though, those swift dashes often created more turnovers than potential scoring chances.

Groin injuries held him out of 60 games in that time frame and his play dropped continually. It was time for Max to move on. The offers didn't pour in for a winger whose reputation became that of an enigma. One offer eventually came on September 17 of this year just a few weeks before the regular season would start.

Atlanta welcomed him to their training camp for a tryout and he made the cut inking a one-year contract worth a meager $800, 000. Amusingly enough, Afinogenov's first goal in a Thrasher uniform came in Buffalo and it was a highlight reel display that fans had witnessed dozens of times when he was with the team.

I've made it a habit to follow the play of former Sabre representatives once they've found a home elsewhere. And Max's numbers have spoken wonders: 16 points in as many games; ahead of any Buffalo forward currently. I knew his window was closing in 2009 and that he'd be heading away but I also felt he wasn't as awful as his statistics were in those latter stages.

Sometimes, a simple change of scenery is the best spark a player can find. Last night, Afinogenov racked up four points including two terrific goals in a 7-0 rout over Los Angeles.

Watching Baby Bure perform today, you can tell he's regained his confidence and most importantly, is happy where he is. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm happy for Maxim Afinogenov too.

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good for Max

In a wide open system when he has little defensive responsibility he should thrive. I agree that a change in scenery helps sometimes and Atlanta fits Max well

Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale

by weswed51 on Nov 14, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Max was my favorite player...

Every player has droughts, and nagging injuries certainly can limit your abilities. Being in Lindy’s doghouse definitely puts the icing on the cake. I accepted that Max’s time in Buffalo was through. I’m happy that he’s found success with another team. He is so fun to watch. Sure he is a defensive liability, but when he’s on his game offensively it can be a risk worth taking. Good for him and for Atlanta.

by lassathrax on Nov 14, 2009 12:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well said, Rafal

I’ve watched a few Atlanta games this season and Max, indeed, looks happy and is playing well. We all knew he just needed a change of scenery, meaning a new coach who might give him a little more leeway to show his talents. He would have fit in well in Washington, too, under Bruce Boudreau.

by ccthemovieman on Nov 14, 2009 2:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Must be an echo in here

Because I keep hearing the same thing. Like everyone else, I’m glad to see him doing well. Same with Kotalik in New York, whose value I always thought was decidedly underrated given he was probably worth 5-6 points a season in shootouts.

That said, there’s not a single player in our starting 12 you could replace with Max or Kots to make the team as a whole better. So I’m quite happy with how things are going.

by HarryNeale'sGarden on Nov 14, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Very well put. My sentiments exactly.

by jj24 on Nov 14, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t get me wrong, I like the way our team is playing together so far. You just can’t ignore how great Afinogenov has looked with Atlanta.

by Rafal Ladysz on Nov 14, 2009 2:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

But is it that much of a worry? The type of “player we let get away” kind of thing?

I personally don’t think so. I don’t think anyone’s trying to “ignore” it.

by Afino on Nov 14, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good for Max

I’m sad he couldn’t do it in a Sabres uniform, and I don’t think I’d be as happy for him if we weren’t having so much success, but with that said, he clearly deserved another chance and is thriving in his role in Atlanta.

by cwel87 on Nov 14, 2009 2:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Max Is the Man

Max was always my favorite player growing up so I always followed him very closely. I wish he was still with the Sabres but I am glad he is finding success in Atlanta. I felt like over his last few years with the Sabres he took a lot of flak for things he had little control over. Obviously he didn’t want to be injured, and when he was back he played on the 3rd or 4th line with players who play a completely different style of hockey so naturally his production dropped. And of course anyone will play better next to guys like Kovalchuk and Antropov, but Max did much better when he got more ice time so its no surprise he is a point-a-game player again. He certainly is a defensive liability but no one can deny his skill on the attack, as seen in the two goals he scored last night. I know I won’t change many minds, but Max doesn’t get the respect he deserves. I mean the guy was booed in his return to Buffalo after spending almost 10 years here!! I don’ get it. I know I’m rambling but I’m glad to see Max back to his old form.

by Mixej2 on Nov 14, 2009 3:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Obviously by my handle I’m still a little biased when I say good for Max.

by Afino on Nov 14, 2009 4:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess we could trade Vanek for Max. ; )

by jj24 on Nov 14, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Crow recipes anyone?

I hated Max while he was here; even when he was doing “well.” Simply put – he was just not my kind of hockey player. And I still am a little peeved at the organization for not trading him when he had some value.

However, I can’t argue that he’s had a nice start in Atlanta. Like Rafal said, “Sometimes, a simple change of scenery is the best spark a player can find.”

I still think he’s a one trick pony, and I don’t think he’ll keep up this pace for the rest of the season. But, you never know. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy some crow…

by krytime on Nov 14, 2009 5:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

this article made it up on nhl.com

by Rafal Ladysz on Nov 14, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping it would

great article Rafal.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Nov 14, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks a lot Dave.

by Rafal Ladysz on Nov 14, 2009 9:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Thrashers actually look like a very solid team this year. If they stay healthy and get good efforts in net they could steal the division from Washington.

by lassathrax on Nov 15, 2009 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs