Kirill Safronov

Kirill Safronov (born February 26, 1981) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Playing career
Safronov was selected in the first round, 19th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Drafted from the Russian Superleague's SKA Saint Petersburg, Safronov made his North American debut with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the 1999–00 season. After one season with the Remparts, he joined the Coyotes' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Falcons.

Safronov appeared in one game with the Coyotes during the 2001–02 season before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers (along with Ruslan Zainullin and a draft pick) in exchange for Darcy Hordichuk and two draft picks. Safronov appeared in two games with the Thrashers in 2001–02 and 32 more in 2002–03 season before being traded to the Nashville Predators (along with Simon Gamache) for Ben Simon and Tomáš Klouček. He spent the remainder of the season with the Predators' AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Safronov returned to Russia during the 2004–05 NHL lockout and has played there since.

Awards

 * Awarded the Raymond Lagacé Trophy (QMJHL defensive rookie of the year) in 2000.