Artem Anisimov

Artem Alekseevich Anisimov (; born 24 May 1988) is a Russian professional ice hockey centre. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. He has played for the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Anisimov played two seasons with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Superleague (RSL) and two with their junior team. During his time with them, e played in 49 games, scoring 2 goals and recording 9 assists. 

He was drafted 54th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2006 NHL entry draft. On 2 August 2007, Anisimov signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers. He was sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack and spent the first two seasons playing for them. He had a successful couple of years in Hartford and was named to the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic on 23 January 2009.

On 1 February, the Rangers called Anisimov up to join the team. On 3 February, Anisimov made his NHL debut in a 2–1 shootout loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. After he game, the Rangers sent him back down. On 8 October, Anisimov recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Aleš Kotalík goal in a 4–3 win against the Washington Capitals. On 11 October, Anisimov scored his first NHL goal against Jean-Sébastien Giguère in a 3–0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. On 8 July 2011, Anisimov signed a two-year, $3.75 million contract to remain with the Rangers.

On July 23, 2012, the Rangers traded Anisimov along with Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, and a 2013 first-round draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Rick Nash, Steven Delisle and a 2013 conditional third-round pick. On 26 June 2013, he signed a $3.28 million; three-year contract extension to stay with the Blue Jackets. He played three seasons with the team.

On 30 June 2015, the Blue Jackets traded Anisimov along with Jeremy Morin, Marko Daňo and Corey Tropp to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Brandon Saad, Alex Broadhurst and Michael Paliotta. On 1 July, Anisimov signed a five-year, $22.75 million contract to stay with the Blackhawks. He helped the Blackhawks make it to the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs but they lost in the first round to the St. Louis Blues four games to three. On 15 November 2017, Anisimov recorded his first NHL hat-trick in a 6–3 win over the New York Rangers.

On 16 July 2019, the Blackhawks traded Anisimov to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Zack Smith. On 29 March 2021, the Senator waived Anisimov after he had been struggling with injuries.

On 20 October 2021, Anisimov returned to Russia and signed a contract to return to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He played 27 games, scoring 8 goals and recording 11 assists.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1988 births
Category:Living people
Category:Chicago Blackhawks players
Category:Columbus Blue Jackets players
Category:Hartford Wolf Pack players
Category:Lehigh Valley Phantoms players
Category:New York Rangers players
Category:Ottawa Senators players
Category:Russian ice hockey centres