Denis Arkhipov

Denis Arkhipov (in Russian: Денис Аpхипoв) (b. May 19, 1979, in Kazan, Russia, U.S.S.R.) is a professional centre who plays in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Playing Career
Arkhipov began playing pro hockey with the Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Superleague. His good play there earned him to be drafted to the NHL by the Nashville Predators, 60th overall of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debuts on January 8th 2001, collecting at the same time his very first point in the league at the same time, an assist on a goal scored by Richard Lintner against Bob Essensa. Two days later, he beat Tommy Salo on a feed by Scott Hartnell to score his first goal in the league. He also assisted on Marian Cisar's goal on that night.

In the 2001-02 NHL season he played in all 82 games with a career high 42 points. He led the Predators in goals, game winning goals (6) and shooting percentage (16.9%). That year he centered the "Vowel Line" which also included, Vladimir Orszagh on right wing, and Martin Erat at left wing. They were called the "Vowel Line" because their last names were often difficult for many announcers to pronounce and all start with vowels.

Arkhipov played the 2004-05 NHL lockout season in the Russian Super League, and remained there for the 2005-06 season before signing as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 6, 2006.

Records
Youngest player in Predator's franchise history to score 20 goals.

International play
Arkhipov won with Russia the 1999 World Junior Championships. He also played for his country in the 2003 IIHF World Championships in Finland.