Nikita Alexeev facts for kids

Nikita Sergeyevich Alexeev (born December 27, 1981) is a former professional ice hockey player from Russia. He played as a forward. Nikita played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was picked very early in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, as the 8th player overall, by the Lightning. Later in his career, he played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.

Nikita's Hockey Journey

Nikita Alexeev started his hockey journey in North America in 1998. He joined the Erie Otters team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), which is a major junior league for young players.

In 2000, he was chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning as the 8th overall pick in the NHL Draft. This was a big moment for him! He made his debut in the NHL during the 2001-02 season. For the next two seasons, he split his time between the Lightning and their minor league team, the Springfield Falcons, in the AHL.

During the 2003-04 season, Nikita had a serious shoulder injury. This meant he couldn't play for the rest of that season. It was tough, especially since the Lightning went on to win their first Stanley Cup that year.

After recovering, Nikita played one season back in Russia. Then, in the 2006-07 season, he returned to the NHL and became a regular player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, he was later traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. After that season, the Blackhawks decided not to sign him again, making him a free agent.

Nikita then returned to Russia to play in the KHL. He signed with Ak Bars Kazan. With Ak Bars, Nikita achieved great success, winning the Gagarin Cup (the KHL championship) two times! He even scored the winning goal in the 2010 Gagarin Cup final. He finished his career playing for Severstal Cherepovets.

Awards and Honours