Rus: Enver Lisin QA

One of the fastest skaters available in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Enver Lisin was predicted by some to be a flash in the pan, a player who possesses immense natural talent, but who would be unable to put the package together and elevate his game to the next level. It is great to see the critics be proven wrong, with the young player effectively holding his own in the Super League (Russia 1) all season, despite intense competition on an NHL filled Ak Bars (Kazan) roster. The young forward was not only able to secure a roster spot, but he also became part of Kazan's game plan and saw some action on the club's top lines throughout the season.

RussianProspects.com correspondent Evgeny Belashchenko was able to catch up with the talented young forward.

RP: You signed with Ak Bars during the off-season and seem to be having a lot of success with the club...

E. Lisin: Yes, I played in all the games except three. The rest I spent on Kazan's fourth line. Sometimes I was paired up with better linemates. Since the club's goal this season is to get strictly first place, and we have eight NHLers, I get less ice time. Still, I am still very happy to be playing with such great players. We have Lecavalier, Kovalev, Kovalchuk, Richards, Kasparaitis – I can learn a lot from them and it's great to practice and play with them.

RP: Can you feel the pressure on the team regarding the fact that this is the 1000th anniversary of Kazan and the city wants the team to win the championship as part of the celebration?

E. Lisin: The guys are used to it by now. Like on any other team, we are told we need to win. Sometimes after losses there are some very serious meetings, but other than that things are like on any team. We ourselves feel the responsibility and would like to win the gold for the city on the year of its great anniversary.

RP: Did you expect to play on Russia's national team at the U20 WJC?

E. Lisin: I don't know – I went to the tournament in Sweden, where I played with Pestunov and Makarov. I played well and scored three goals. I expected to play with Pestunov. I suspected that I may play with Ovechkin, but I didn't know for sure.

RP: Have you spoken to any Phoenix Coyotes officials since the draft?

E. Lisin: No, the last time I spoke to them was at the draft and that's it.

RP: How much longer is your current contract with Kazan?

E. Lisin: My contract ends this season. The club and my agent are currently negotiating a new contract, but I haven't made the final decision yet.