Alexandre
<BR>Volchkov Name: Alexandre Volchkov
<BR>Position: RW
<BR>Shoots: Left
<BR>Height: 6-1
<BR>Weight: 200 lbs
<BR>Birthdate: 1977-09-25
<BR>Hometown: Moscow, Russia
<BR>Acquired: Trade with Washington, 1999-00
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<BR>History
<BR>Volchkov is a complete mystery. He obviously has all the tools to be an elite player, and he was considered a possibility to go first overall in the 1996 draft. But his offensive production has been less than expected since turning pro. He was assigned to Cincinnati (IHL) at the end of last season and re-teamed with former Barrie Colt teammate Jan Bulis in hopes that he could jump start his career. His father moved in with him during training camp and provided a steadying influence. Alexandre responded with a dominating performance and was a difficult last cut by the Capitals.
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<BR>Talent Analysis
<BR>Alexandre has every skill needed to be a star. He is lightning quick and can move in and out of traffic. He has a powerful shot that has pinpoint accuracy. He\'s also not afraid to stand in front of the net and fight for rebounds. Like most offensive players, he is not great defensively. But the Capitals would gladly overlook that if he could produce 20-30 goals per season. His work ethic has been questioned, and the stories of his laziness and bad attitude have plagued him for his entire career.
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<BR>Future
<BR>If Alexandre can use 1999-00 as a season to build on, his career may be back on track. Most experts have already given up on him, but it seems he is determined to prove them wrong. A strong season in the AHL will earn him a long look at training camp in 2000. The Capitals desperately need another elite scorer to take the heat off of Peter Bondra. It would seem to be all or nothing for Alex, either he will be a star player and a first line winger, or he will not make it at all.
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