The third Belorussian to be drafted by the Montreal Canadiens after his brother, Andrei Kostitsyn and Mikhail Grabovski. He was also the second of the three to all leave under less than ideal circumstances. Sergei Kostitsyn never truly broke out as a Hab, but his talent was readily apparent and he had a hand in some great moments. Sergei set up Alex Kovalev’s tying goal in the comeback from 5-0 against the New York Rangers on February 19, 2008. He also scored the first goal for the team in the playoffs against the Bruins, just 34 seconds into game 1, then bookended the series with the last goal, with 8 seconds left in game 7. Kostitsyn’s Habs career was a tumultuous one, filled with highs and lows, although he’s produced far more highs than lows in his new gig with the Nashville Predators.
Total Habs Stats
| Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
| 155 | 24 | 44 | 68 | 123 |
Alexei Emelin was drafted by the Canadiens in the third round way back in 2004, but it took them 7 years to convince him to join the club. The hard-hitting defenseman took awhile to adjust to the North American game, but as soon as he did he began living up to his reputation as one of the best hitters anywhere in hockey. Not only was he a good hitter though, he was a clean hitter. Rumours about his dirty play seemed to be false, perhaps a result of the KHL not being a physical league, and players there unable to stand up to Emelin’s power game. He didn’t play the full season last year, missing time as a healthy scratch early and injuries later, but since he’s still with the club and signed to a two year extension, I believe he qualifies.
Total Habs Stats
| Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
| 67 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 30 |
So Habs fans, who wore number 74 better?
| Sergei Kostitsyn | 26 |
| Alexei Emelin | 87 |
