7 Facts: Nikita Soshnikov

The New York Islanders Russian contingent grew by one on Monday, as Nikita Soshnikov was named to the team's 23-man roster.
Soshnikov signed a one-year deal on Sept. 21, as the winger was looking to return to the NHL after spending three seasons in the KHL. Get to know the Islanders new winger.

2. HE HAS PREVIOUS NHL/AHL EXPERIENCE

Soshnikov has 87 NHL games on his resume, 70 with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2015-18) and 17 with the St. Louis Blues (2018-19) accruing 16 points (8G, 8A) over that span. The bulk of his NHL experience came in the 2016-17 season with Toronto, where he appeared in 56 games.
Additionally, Soshnikov had 54 points (29G, 25A) in 88 American Hockey League games with the Toronto Marlies (2015-18) and San Antonio Rampage (2018-19).

3. HE BECAME A POINT PRODUCER IN THE KHL

Soshnikov recorded 127 points (55G, 72A) in 227 KHL games for Atlant Mytishchi, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, CSKA Moscow and Avangard Omsk.
The 28-year-old played in a top-six role upon returning to Russia in 2019-20, scoring 48 points in 58 games with Ufa, which tied for seventh overall in KHL scoring that season. He also played in the KHL All-Star Game that year.
After a midseason trade to Omsk last year, Soshnikov scored 15 points in 22 games and another eight points in 13 playoff games.

4. HE'S GOT SOME ISLANDERS CONNECTIONS

Soshnikov played under Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello during his three years in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. That connection was key to his signing with the Islanders. Soshnikov played on a line with Matt Martin with the Maple Leafs and crossed paths with Islanders Goaltending Coach Piero Greco when Greco was the goalie coach for the Marlies.
"Exceptional speed, exceptional shot, plays good defense and he's a penalty killer," Lamoriello said of Soshnikov. "We gave him an entry-level contract and with no promises whatsoever, and he's done extremely well in training camp, and we'll see where it takes us. He brings speed number one, and he is not afraid, he competes."
Soshnikov has also crossed paths with Ilya Sorokin on the Russian national team and has played against Romanov in the KHL.

5. HE'S FAST AND TENACIOUS

Soshnikov's calling cards are his speed and his tenacious forechecking ability. He's known as a good skater and Matt Martin called him a "high motor guy" who "hounds the puck." Head Coach Lane Lambert echoed that sentiment and wants to see Soshnikov utilize his speed and battle for pucks.
Soshnikov turned some heads with a snipe on Vitek Vanecek in the Islanders preseason game against the New Jersey Devils, so if he's in a position to use his shot, it's also an asset.

6. HE'LL WEAR NUMBER 41

Soshnikov has worn number 41 during training camp. The number was last worn by Dmytro Timashov for one game in the 2020-21 season. Forty-one was previously worn by Jaroslav Halak from 2014-18.

7. HIS BROTHER PLAYS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Sosknikov's brother, Artyom Soshnikov, has played the past six seasons in Kazakhstan. He's currently in his second season with HK Aktobe.