| Born: | June 22, 1970 | Draft: | 1998 Canadiens, 132nd Overall |
| Hometown: | Shelekhov, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | Position: | Right Wing |
| Known For: | ECHL All-Star Game MVP | Shoots: | Left |
| National Team: | Russia | Current Status: | Retired |
Andrei Bashkirov (born June 22, 1970) is a former Russian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2000-2001 season. Drafted 32nd overall by the Canadiens in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Bashkirov was 28 years of age when his name was called upon. By then, he had experience in both the ECHL and International Hockey League (IHL), earning a reputation as a prominent point producer. As the ECHL All-Star Game MVP in 1997, Montreal took a gamble with a lower-tier pick in hopes he could translate his game to the NHL level.
In 1998-99, Bashkirov made his NHL debut, appearing in ten games. He failed to register a point and finished with a minus-3 rating before being demoted to the American Hockey League (AHL). He put up respectable numbers with the Fredericton Canadiens but was sent back to the IHL to play for the Fort Wayne Komets. After receiving two games with Montreal the following year, he spent the remainder of the season in the AHL where his production took off with 28 goals and 61 points in 78 games.
The Canadiens gave Bashkirov an extended look the following year, and he registered three assists in a career-high 18 games at the NHL level. His failure to score was his downfall, as he was demoted once again to the AHL. With his shortcomings proving he wasn’t capable of remaining in the NHL for long stints, Bashkirov opted to take his talents overseas. He signed with Lausanne HC of the Swiss National League, playing four seasons with the club and aiding them through two relegation rounds. Bashkirov retired at the end of the 2009-10 season after stops in Russia and Switzerland.
Andrei Bashkirov Statistics
Deeper Dive
Achievements
- ECHL All-Star Game MVP (1997)