Alexander Burmistrov accuses Jets management of ‘never’ believing in him

The most recent Winnipeg Jets exile had some harsh words for his former team this week.

Alexander Burmistrov joined the Arizona Coyotes two weeks ago after the Winnipeg Jets placed him on waivers. The 25-year-old Russian winger had been with the organization since the team — then called the Atlanta Thrashers — drafted him in 2010 with the 8th overall pick.

His return to Winnipeg came this week when the Jets hosted the Coyotes. Burmistrov finished with an assist in Arizona’s 6-3 loss, but the real headlines will come from a quote he gave to Sportsnet’s Sean Reynolds.

Whether the Winnipeg side of that story is true or not may never be known, but his new team has expressed confidence in his abilities since he joined the Coyotes. According to Arizona GM John Chayka, the front office was fully behind his acquisition.

“[Burmistrov’s] a guy our scouts for a long time have identified as someone they think has got more potential than what he’s shown. (Claiming him) was unanimous across the board with our scouts, which is actually fairly rare.”

His usage through three games by Coyotes coach Dave Tippett supports his perception that he’s welcomed in Arizona. He played 18 minutes in his debut, 20 minutes in Winnipeg, and over 16 minutes on the road against a tough Minnesota team. During his time in Winnipeg this season, Burmistrov’s ice time hovered around 11 minutes per game.

So far, it’s working. Burmistrov’s two points in three games with the Coyotes is a higher pace than at any point this season with Winnipeg.