Vitaly Vishnevski

Vitaly Viktorovich Vishnevski (also Vishnevsky; born March 18, 1980) is a Ukrainian & Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Playing career
After playing in the Russian Super League for Torpedo Yaroslavl, Vishnevski was drafted 5th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He came to North America to start the 1999–00 season playing for the Ducks affiliate the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League. He also made his NHL debut playing in 31 games for the Ducks.

Vishnesvki established himself as a mainstay on the Duck defense, known for his punishing checks. In the 2002–03 season he helped the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup finals. Playing in all their playoff games in their eventual defeat to the New Jersey Devils. Vitaly scored a career high 16 points (6 goals and 10 assists) in the 2003–04 NHL season. Vishnevski returned to Russia to play for Khimik Voskresensk during the 2004–05 NHL lockout.

In the 2005–06 NHL season, Vishnevski continued to play for the Ducks where they made their way to the conference finals before losing to the Edmonton Oilers. On August 17, 2006 Vishnevski was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers for Karl Stewart and a 2nd round pick prior to the 2006–07 NHL season.

Vitaly played in 52 games with the Thrashers before he was traded to the Nashville Predators for Éric Bélanger on February 10, 2007. Vishnevski left the Predators at seasons end and was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Devils to a three year contract on July 10, 2007. After one season of play, with the Devils, he was waived on August 22, 2008. Vishnevski cleared waivers and decided to go play in the newly formed KHL with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on August 26, 2008.

International play
Played for Russia in:


 * 1998 World Junior Championships (Silver Medal)
 * 1999 World Junior Championships (Gold Medal)
 * 1999 World Championships
 * 2001 World Championships
 * 2004 World Cup
 * 2006 Winter Olympics
 * 2009 World Championships