Nikita Alexeev facts for kids
Nikita Sergeyevich Alexeev, sometimes called Alexeyev, was born on December 27, 1981. He is a Russian former professional ice hockey player who played as a forward. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was a very important player in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, picked 8th overall by the Lightning. He finished his career playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Severstal Cherepovets.
Quick facts for kids Nikita Alexeev |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born | December 27, 1981 Murmansk, Soviet Union |
||
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) | ||
| Weight | 227 lb (103 kg; 16 st 3 lb) | ||
| Position | Right Wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Tampa Bay Lightning Avangard Omsk Chicago Blackhawks Ak Bars Kazan Severstal Cherepovets |
||
| NHL Draft | 8th overall, 2000 Tampa Bay Lightning |
||
| Playing career | 2001–2013 | ||
Contents
Nikita Alexeev's Hockey Journey
Starting in North America
Nikita Alexeev began his hockey journey in North America in 1998. He joined the Erie Otters team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). This was a big step for him.
Joining the NHL
The Tampa Bay Lightning chose him as their 8th overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. This meant he was one of the top young players in the world. He made his first appearance in the NHL during the 2001-02 season. For the next two seasons, he played for both the Lightning and their minor league team, the Springfield Falcons.
Facing Challenges
In the 2003–04 season, Nikita had a serious shoulder injury. This injury meant he could not play for the rest of that season. It was tough for him, especially as the Lightning went on to win their first Stanley Cup that year.
Returning to the NHL
After playing a season in Russia, Nikita came back to the NHL for the 2006–07 season. He became a regular player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, after 63 games, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks did not offer him a new contract in 2007, making him a free agent.
Success in the KHL
Nikita then decided to return to Russia. He signed with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This move was very successful for him. He helped Ak Bars Kazan win the Gagarin Cup, which is the KHL championship, two times! He even scored the goal that won the cup in 2010. He played his last professional games with Severstal Cherepovets before ending his career in 2013.
Awards and Honours
| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| KHL | ||
| Gagarin Cup (Ak Bars Kazan) | 2009, 2010 | |
