Nikita Nesterov facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nikita Nesterov
Nesterov with the Tampa Bay Lightning in April 2015
Born	(1993-03-28) 28 March 1993 (age 32) Chelyabinsk, Russia
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	183 lb (83 kg; 13 st 1 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
KHL team Former teams	CSKA Moscow Traktor Chelyabinsk Tampa Bay Lightning Montreal Canadiens Calgary Flames
National team	Russia
NHL Draft	148th overall, 2011 Tampa Bay Lightning
Playing career	2011–present

Nikita Danilovich Nesterov, born on March 28, 1993, is a professional ice hockey player from Russia. He plays as a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect their team's goal. Currently, he plays for HC CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Nikita was chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft. This is where NHL teams pick young players to join their clubs. He has also played for other NHL teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames.

Nikita Nesterov: An Ice Hockey Star

Starting His Hockey Journey

Nikita Nesterov began his professional hockey journey in Russia. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. This meant the Lightning had the rights to sign him if he chose to play in North America.

Before that, he was also picked by Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL's own draft in 2010. He decided to play two seasons with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL first. On April 30, 2013, the Lightning officially signed him to a three-year contract.

Playing in the NHL

Nikita got his chance to play in the NHL on December 31, 2014. He was called up from the Syracuse Crunch, which is the Lightning's minor league team in the American Hockey League (AHL). He had been playing well with the Crunch, scoring goals and assists.

First NHL Games

Nikita made his NHL debut on the same day he was called up, playing against the Buffalo Sabres. He played for over 15 minutes in that game. A few months later, on April 16, 2015, he scored his first NHL playoff goal. This was a big moment for him in his first playoff game.

In October 2015, Nikita was suspended for two games by the NHL. This was because he committed a penalty called "boarding" against another player. Boarding is when a player hits an opponent into the boards from behind. He had to miss two games and lost some pay because of this.

Moving Teams

On September 26, 2016, the Lightning re-signed Nikita for another year. He had played in 57 games the previous season, scoring three goals and nine points. He had also played in nine playoff games.

On January 26, 2017, Nikita was traded from the Lightning to the Montreal Canadiens. This is common in hockey, as teams trade players to improve their rosters. He played 13 games for the Canadiens.

After his time in the NHL, Nikita decided to return to Russia. On July 6, 2017, it was announced that he would play for HC CSKA Moscow, a strong team in the KHL. He played there for three years.

In 2020, Nikita returned to the NHL, signing a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames. He played 38 games for them during a season that was affected by the pandemic. After that season, he went back to his former team, CSKA Moscow, in the KHL.

Playing for Russia

Nikita Nesterov has proudly represented his home country, Russia, in many international hockey tournaments. He has played in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the World Ice Hockey Championships.

Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing  Olympic Athletes from Russia
Olympic Games
Gold	2018 Pyeongchang
Representing  ROC
Olympic Games
Silver	2022 Beijing
Representing  Russia
World Championships
Bronze	2019 Slovakia
World Junior Championships
Silver	2012 Canada
Bronze	2013 Ufa
IIHF World U18 Championships
Bronze	2011 Germany

He was part of the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" team that won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. He also won a silver medal with the "Russian Olympic Committee" team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Life Off the Ice

Nikita Nesterov has a son named Kirill Nesterov. His son is named after Nikita's godfather, Kirill Kaprizov, who is also a well-known hockey player.

Career Statistics

International Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2010	Russia	WJC18	4th		7	2	0	2	29
2011	Russia	WJC18			7	2	2	4	29
2012	Russia	WJC			7	2	3	5	6
2013	Russia	WJC			7	0	4	4	2
2016	Russia	WCH	1		0	0	0	0
2018	OAR	OG			6	1	0	1	2
2018	Russia	WC	6th		8	2	1	3	2
2019	Russia	WC			9	0	1	1	4
2021	ROC	WC	5th		5	2	2	4	6
2022	ROC	OG			6	2	2	4	0
Junior totals					28	6	9	15	66
Senior totals					35	7	6	13	14

Awards and Honors

Nikita Nesterov has received several awards and honors throughout his career: