Career
Emelin was drafted by the Canadiens in the third round, 84th overall, of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Emelin spent a large portion of his career with Lada Togliatti in the Russian Superleague (RSL) before signing with Ak Bars Kazan. In a Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) game in 2009, Emelin sustained a face injury during a fight with Alexander Svitov.
An orbital bone shattered and had to be rebuilt with metal plate.
He has tried to avoid getting into fights ever since the incident. On 17 May 2011, the Emelin signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2011-2012 season.
He played his first regular season National Hockey League game on 9 October 2011, in a 5–1 victory against the Winnipeg Jets. In addition, he scored his first regular season National Hockey League point, an assist, on 6 December 2011, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
On 25 January 2012, he scored his first National Hockey League goal against the Detroit Red Wings.
On 30 June 2012, Emelin signed a two-year extension up until the end of the 2013-2014 season. He scored three goals and 12 points in 38 games for the Canadiens and finished with a plus-minus rating of +2. His season, however, was derailed by an injury during a game against the Boston Bruins on 6 April 2013, when Emelin collided with Bruins forward Milan Lucic, falling awkwardly and tearing a ligament in his left knee.
As a result, Emelin missed the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.
On 31 October 2013, he signed a four-year contract extension with Montreal, lasting through the 2017-2018 season.