Columbus Blue Jackets Player Profiles: Defense
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nikita Nikitin was born in Omsk, Russia. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2004 and played in the Russian Super League until he signed with the Blues in 2010. Nikitin scored his first NHL goal in February of 2011. He was traded in November of 2011 for Kris Russell to the Columbus Blue Jackets. During the shortened 2012-13 NHL season, Nikitin played 38 games and had 9 points.