Age: 23
Date of birth: February 26, 1986
Place of birth: Riga, USSR (now Latvia)
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 198
Shoots: R
Salary: $ 575,000
NHL Seasons: 1-R
Drafted by Boston in 2004 (2/64).
Acquired in a trade with Boston in 2009.
ASSETS: Can provide a bundle of energy, lay on the body and play at both ends of the ice. Owns a rambunctious style of play that rubs off on his teammates. Can also score at lower levels.
FLAWS: Isn't strong enough to flourish with his gritty style at the highest level. Needs to prove he can translate junior and minor-pro offensive success into NHL production.
