Nikita Alexeev

Nikita Alexeev (born December 27, 1981) is a Russian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He most recently played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Playing career
Alexeev came to North America in 1998 to play for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning 8th overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He has played only two seasons in the NHL thus far, playing in 81 games, scoring 8 goals and adding 6 assists for 14 points. Early in the 2003–04 season, Alexeev suffered a major shoulder injury which caused him to miss the rest of the season. Alexeev has played his last two seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL). At the start of the 2006–07 season, he returned to the main roster and was a regular in the Lightning lineup. However, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline. The Blackhawks chose not to offer Alexeev a contract in 2007, making him a free agent. Alexeev has since signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

International play
Played for Russia in:
 * 1997 World Junior Championships