7th year Russian-born left wing Maxim Kitsyn(48) has had plenty enough of the North American minor league system and leaves for home after three seasons of playing mostly in the ECHL with some AHL visits.
Signed after his first full campaign of pro hockey in his country, splitting time in the KHL and lower VHL, he came over on a three-year entry deal but failed to catch on at the higher level despite putting up big numbers in junior hockey for the second half of a season with Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors.
His limited time in the OHL came after Los Angeles Kings selected him in the 6th round of the 2010 draft (#158 overall).
The fairly big 6’2″ 195 lbs. forward plays an aggressive style but seemed to have difficulties elevating his game at the higher levels.
He did however come away from last season tying his career best 26 goals with a new high 29 assists, 55 points and an outstanding +37 rating, first on Manchester Monarchs, second in the league.
The 24-year old returns to Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, where he spent 8 games before he embarked on his journey from the last few years.