Kirill Safronov

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Kirill Safronov (born February 26, 1981, in Leningrad, U.S.S.R.) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenseman. He was drafted in the first round, 19th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Drafted from the Russian Superleague's SKA St. Petersburg, Safronov made his North American debut with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL in the 1999-2000 season. After one season with the Remparts, he joined the Coyotes' American Hockey League 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 Zaynullin and a draft pick) in exchange for Darcy Hordichuk and two draft picks. Safronov appeared in two games with the Thrasers 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 Tomas Kloucek. 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.