CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 11: Nikolai Knyzhov #71 of the San Jose Sharks participates in warm-ups before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on March 11, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Last season, Russian Defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov was called up to the Sharks just days before the NHL season was postponed. This year he finally has his chance to prove himself at the NHL level.
The 22-year old undrafted rookie is no stranger to American hockey, playing for the Phoenix Firebirds at just 15-years old.
From there, he worked his way up through various leagues in North America.