ALEXEI  ZHITNIK
Team:  San Jose
Position: Defence
Number: 44
Height/Weight: 5'11", 204
Shoots: Left
Born: Kiev,Ukraine
Age: 27
Salary: $2,500,000
All-Star: None

NNHL CAREER STATS
GP
G
A
Pts
+/-
PIM
1998/99 Pitt / SJ
80
8
32
40
-12
70
1999/00 San Jose
78
4
24
28
0
76
Totals
158
12
56
68
-12
146
Playoffs  
10
0
6
6
-8
6

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1998/99
Chosen by Pittsburgh (2nd round, 14th overall) in 1998 NNHL entry draft.....Traded to San Jose with C Pierre Turgeon and a first-round draft pick for RW Jaromir Jagr.....NNHL Player of the Week Jan. 14-20 (2-2-4-6).
1998/99
Set career high in plus/minus (0).

SCOUTING REPORT
Last season: Zhitnik's point totals dropped off from his rookie season despite an abundance of power play time. Although his plus/minus improved, Zhitnik's tendency to make glaring defensive mistakes became appartent in the playoffs when he was a -8 in six games while picking up just one assist.
Scouting report: A tough smooth skating rearguard with a booming shot, he was hindered by a slow healing shoulder injury last fall but it was hardly an excuse for the frequent defensive miscues which plagued him throughout the season and wildly erratic shooting. His undisciplined play and bad decisions have become a serious concern for Sharks' management.
What to expect in 2000/01: Zhitnik's point total dropped off from his rookie season and could drop even more as his power play time is likely to decrease with the Sharks' addition of Alexander Karpovtsev, Bryan McCabe and the emergence of Dmitri Yushkevich. Zhitnik should hold on to a spot on the third pairing, though. Zhitnik's main purpose is to put up points and if he doesn't do it this year he may be on his way out as the Sharks look to improve on the blueline.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.6

-Notes are combined from the Ultimate Sports Hockey, SLAM! Sports Forecaster and The Hockey News Ultimate Pool Guide. These fine publications are available at your local convenience store.