It has been nearly ten years since Alexander Burmistrov last wore a Winnipeg Jets uniform. Bet you didn’t expect to hear that name again.
He was the final first-round pick made by the Atlanta Thrashers, who selected him eighth overall in 2010 before the franchise relocated to Winnipeg.
Burmistrov spent two seasons with the Jets before leaving for the KHL, where he played for Ak Bars Kazan in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He returned to Winnipeg and appeared in 81 games during the 2015-16 season, followed by another 23 the next year. The Jets placed him on waivers in January 2017, and he was claimed by Arizona, where he finished the season.
He began the following campaign with Vancouver, appearing in 24 games before returning to Ak Bars Kazan. After spending the next seven seasons in the KHL, it was reasonable to assume he would finish his career there.
But the 34-year-old had other ideas. It was reported today that the man affectionately known as “Burmi” is returning to North America for the 2026-27 season to play for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones. The news was first reported by an account covering the ECHL and subsequently confirmed by Tony Androckitis, who covers the AHL. The Cyclones have now confirmed the signing.
And now we have a reason to link to one of the funniest videos when he was initially pissed off that he had been called for elbowing, , until he reviewed the penalty from the sin bin.
Saw the news earlier today and now Cincinnati has confirmed that former Jets forward Alexander Burmistrov has signed in the ECHL for the upcoming season.
Which gives me a reason to use one of the best Jets 2.0 videos of all-time. Still makes me laugh. https://t.co/aOCO3B42oa pic.twitter.com/zbYnAukzDQ
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) August 21, 2026
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