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.