Import Draft **UPDATED**

sure enough, Bob took 2 selections at today's CHL Import Draft.  And they're both named Nikita.

16th overall selection (which apparently was a trade with Prince Albert, I don't know what for though) is another Russian, Nikita Nesterov.  He's a 6' 185 lb. defenseman, eligible for the 2011 draft (born 1993).

55th overall selection is Nikita Kardashev.  Also a defenseman, 6'1" 185 lbs from Belarus.  Looks like perhaps he played with Sergei?  I found this tidbit on HFBoards (so grain of salt):

Nikita Kardashev – A late 92 born player, Kardashev had a couple of impressive performances and could be a diamond in the rough next season. A good skater with good reactions around the puck, he has good size and doesn’t take too many risks around the puck. He often gets it deep or moves it quickly when pressured. Kardashev was easily the top Belarussian defender and was relied on to QB the PP, shutdown top lines from opponents and manage the PK. Kardashev is a player to keep an eye on and monitor his development, he just could surprise.  (poster Chomsky)

So that's all the info I have on these guys.  And I haven't heard anything more about Alex returning, being traded, or returning to Russia, so no idea where that's headed.

**UPDATED**
from an email from the Americans:

Kennewick, WA - Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has selected two 17-year-old defensemen, Nikita Nesterov (16th overall) and Nikita Kardashev (55th overall) in today's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

Originally slated to have their first pick at #55, Tory traded the club's 4th round Bantam Draft pick in 2011 to the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for their 16th overall pick.  With the newly acquired position, the Americans were able to select Nesterov out of Chelyabinsk, Russia.  The 6'0 185-pound left defenseman played for Belle Medvedi Chelyabinsk and appeared in nine games, totaling five goals, seven points and a plus-2 rating.  Nesterov also played in two tournaments for Russia, collecting two goals, two points and 29 penalty minutes in a fourth-place finish at the U-18 World Junior Championships.

"With the graduation of (Jarrett) Toll and (Brett) Plouffe, my goal was to acquire a top defenseman in today's draft," said Tory.  "Nikita is a skilled player who can quarterback the power play.  As a 1993 birthday, Nikita can represent Russia at the upcoming 2011 World Junior Championships in Buffalo and will be eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft next summer."

Still holding their original 55th-overall pick, Tory then selected Nikita Kardashev from Minsk, Belarus.  The 6'1 185-poind right defenseman played for the Yunost Minsk Jr. team while also participating in the U18 World Junior Championships for Belarus this past April.

"(Kardashev) is a hard-nosed, stay-at-home defenseman," Tory continued.  "We wanted to address our depth on the blue line as well as balance out our age groups on our depth chart and I feel that we have accomplished both of those goals with our picks today.  We now have some options going into training camp in regards to our defense, over-age situation and import situation."

"(Sergei) Drozd will also be returning to the club to compete for one of two import spots and one of three over-age spots on the 2010-11 club," explained Tory.  "We are looking forward to a very competitive training camp and expect our players to be prepared for a very special and exciting season."

Of note, Nesterov is from the same organization that produced former Americans defenseman Nikita Korovokin.  Also, Kardashev is from the same organization as current Tri-City forward Sergei Drozd.