Emelin has an appetite for contact. While he doesn't pile up penalty minutes, he can often be found taking on opposing attackers in either defensive corner or just outside the Montreal Canadiens' goal crease.

The Canadiens waited seven years for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound defenseman to join them after Montreal selected him in the third round (No. 84) of the 2004 NHL Draft.

When Emelin debuted with the Canadiens, he was 25 and had gained plenty of pro experience in three seasons with Lada Togliatti of the Russian Superleague and four with AK Bars Kazan, a Kontinental Hockey League team. In 2009 and 2010, he won the Gagarin Cup with Kazan.

Emelin initially signed a one-year contract with the Canadiens on May 17, 2011. He led Montreal with 236 hits in 67 games in 2011-12 and then signed a two-year contract.

Late in 2012-13 he tore a knee ligament in a collision with hulking wing Milan Lucic, then of the Boston Bruins, and missed the rest of the season.

After recovering, Emelin would pick up where he left off; he missed 23 games during the 2013-14 season but still led the Canadiens with 189 hits.