2017 NHL Draft: Sharks select Alexander Chmelevski in sixth round

Sharks make a trade with the Devils to acquire a second California native.

The Sharks trade two seventh round picks (205th, 214th overall) for the Devil’s sixth round, 185th overall, pick to draft Alexander “Sasha” Chmelevski from the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL.

Chmelevski was born in Huntington Beach, California, but holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ukraine. He has played in the USDP, with the Under 17 Team in 2016 and the Under 18 Team in 2017. In 92 career games in the OHL, the center has totaled 62 points.

His defensive play needs some development, but his offense is explosive. Chmelevski is a power play asset and his face-off record is at 55.5% according to OHL Writers. With rankings putting him anywhere between 54 and 152, it’s very likely he would have been taken before the Sharks’ 205th overall pick.

Not just a force to be reckoned with on the ice, Chmelevski was named the OHL Scholastic Athlete of the Year.

Chmelevski will likely return to the Ottawa 67’s next season.

Alexander Chmelevski Career Stats (via EliteProspects)

Date of Birth: June 9, 1999
Place of Birth: Huntington Beach, California
Shoots: Right
Position: Center
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 187 lbs