Ilya Nikulin

Ilya Nikulin
Born March 12, 1982
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 211 lb (96 kg; 15 st 1 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Left
KHL team
Former teams 		Ak Bars Kazan
RSL
Dynamo Moscow
National team  Russia
NHL Draft 31st overall, 2000
Atlanta Thrashers
Playing career 2000–present

Ilya Vladimirovich Nikulin (Russian: Илья Владимирович Никулин; born March 12, 1982 in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Nikulin was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round, 31st overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Later that year, Nikulin began his professional career in the Russian Superleague (RSL) with Dynamo Moscow. He played with Dynamo for five seasons. In 2005, he joined Ak Bars Kazan. His five-year contract with Kazan included allowing him to leave for the NHL. However, after negotiations in 2008 and 2009, Nikulin did not sign a contract with the Thrashers.[1]

Nikulin has played for Team Russia. He competed at the 1999 under-18 Championship, earned a silver medal at the 2000 World Junior Championship, a bronze at the 2007 World Championship, a silver at the 2010 World Championship and a gold at the 2008, 2009 and 2012 IIHF World Championships.[2] He was selected to the 2010 Russian Olympic team.[3]

Nikulin is good friends with Alexander Ovechkin, with whom he played four seasons with during his tenure with Dynamo Moscow. He is also the godfather of Nikulin's son.[4]

International statistics

Year Team Event Place   GP G A Pts PIM
1999 Russia WJC18 6th 7 0 1 1 0
2000 Russia WJC18 2nd 6 1 1 2 10
Junior int'l totals 13 1 2 3 10
2006 Russia WC 5th 7 1 5 6 8
2007 Russia WC 3rd 9 2 0 2 4
2008 Russia WC 1st 9 0 1 1 0
2009 Russia WC 1st 9 1 3 4 4
2010 Russia Oly 6th 4 0 1 1 2
2010 Russia WC 2nd 9 0 2 2 2
2011 Russia WC 4th 9 3 1 4 2
2012 Russia WC 1st 10 2 4 6 8
Senior int'l totals 66 9 17 26 30

References

  1. ↑ "Ilya Nikulin: NHL is my Childhood Dream". 7 November 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  2. ↑ "Ilya Nikulin". Atlanta Thrashers. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  3. ↑ "Russia passes on Kovalev, names team". Toronto Sun. 25 December 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  4. ↑ "Ilya Nikulin (Atlanta Thrashers): I really wanted to go to Atlanta". Soviet Sports Press. 14 August 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2009.

External links