Trunev was brought up in the Cherepovets hockey system and first came to the attention of international scouts for his play at the 2006 Mac's Midget tournament in Canada where he was voted to the first team all star. Various scouting organizations pegged him as a possible 4th or 5th round draft choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He was eventually selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 5th round with the 138th overall pick (previously acquired from the Calgary Flames). Trunev was selected 3rd overall by the Portland Winter Hawks of the WHL in the 2008 CHL Import Draft. Trunev was picked up by the Tri-City Americans after Portland dropped him from its protected list.