Montreal Canadiens Drive for 25: Alex Galchenyuk The Great

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Born: 12th of February, 1994 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 205 lbs
His parents are named Inna and Alexander, and both are of Belarusian heritage
Played for the Sarnia Sting before being drafted and scored 83 points in 68 games his first year with them when he earned OHL 1st All-Rookie award.
Also played for the U.S. at the World Juniors, totalling 8 points in 7 games
His dad played professional hockey for the Milwaukee Admirals when he was born. From age 4 onwards, they moved around to Russia, Italy, and Germany to follow his dad’s career. They only moved back to the United States when Alex was 15 years old.
It makes sense, therefore, that Alex speaks English, Russian, as well as Italian.
Drafted in the 1st rd of the 2012 draft, 3rd overall behind only Nail Yakupov and Ryan Murray.
The same year, was selected 25th overall in the KHL which apparently rubbed his dad the wrong way. He wanted him drafted in the 1st rd by the Dinamo Minsk.
His first NHL goal was against Scott Clemmensen of the Florida Panthers.
Salary $925,000 with same Cap Hit
Twitter handle @AGally94

Watching the goal above just never gets old. There’s something about overtime goals that amplifies their beauty. We’d like to thank Alex Galchenyuk for that highlight, it fits perfectly into our article.

INJURY MAKES HIM A HAB

More from A Winning Habit

If it wasn’t for a knee injury he suffered in 2011-12, when he missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury, managing only 2 games with the Sarnia Sting, there’s a chance he would not be with the Habs. Edmonton may of selected him ahead of Yakupov. When he was selected, Bob Mackenzie hit the nail on the head twice when he noted that it’s incredible he was selected that high despite suffering a major knee injury and being out the majority of the season, and speaks of how much more multi-dimensional Alex Galchenyuk is in comparison to Nail Yakupov:

Craig Button added that fans should

"“Not underestimate the depth of his competitive spirit”"

Boy was he right. If there’s one thing that’s kept Alex in the lineup through the ups and the downs, it’s his competitive spirit and ability to be responsible on both ends of the ice. He mentions in the video that his dad would always tell him “Rabota” in Russian, which means work hard. Well, it certainly paid off. His reaction to being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens?

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