The Atlanta Thrashers are keeping 18-year-old forward Alexander Burmistrov.

The eighth overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in June will play in his tenth game of the season, kicking in the first year of his three year entry-level contract and all but securing a spot in Atlanta’s lineup for the duration of the season.

Though he’s produced just one assist in nine games, Burmistrov has shown enough to Thrasheres head coach Craig Ramsay.

“It always will be an evaluation but based on his play, to me, he’s shown that he’s ready to play in the National Hockey League,” Ramsay told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The Barrie Colts lose their import in Burmistrov, who played just one season in the Ontario Hockey League. He amassed 22 goals and 65 points in 62 games last year.

Aaron Vickers is the managing editor of Future Considerations and can be found on Twitter. For all the latest Future Considerations news and posts, follow FC’s Official Twitter Feed, on YouTube and on Facebook!