Prospect watch

PLAYER: Dmitry Afanasenkov.

POS: LW.

AGE: 22.

HT/WT: 6-2, 200.

HOMETOWN: Arkhangelsk, Russia.

WHAT'S UP: Afanasenkov is coming off a tough season in which he played just 41 games (mostly at AHL Springfield) because of a broken wrist and a torn meniscus in his left knee.

But Afanasenkov said his hard work during the summer kept his development from stalling, and he is ready to make the step to the NHL. Afanasenkov's offensive skills are not in question, and he almost turned around Saturday's loss to the Blue Jackets with a bullet shot that clanked off the post. He must prove, however, he can play better defense and be more aggressive on the puck.

"I don't think about expectations," Afanasenkov said. "I just work hard and that's it. We'll see after."