Denis Arkhipov

A lanky center out of Kazan, Russia, Denis Arkhipov was a power forward with a nice scoring touch.

The Nashville Predators drafted Arkhipov with the 60th overall draft pick in 1998. He would come to Music City in 2000 and by his second season he impressed with a 20 goal, 42 point season. That season allowed the Predators to trade off Cliff Ronning and allow David Legwand more time to develop.

Unfortunately for the Predators, Arkhipov was unable to maintain or improve upon that strong second season. He would score a total of 20 times over the next two seasons.

Arkhipov was a very competitive forward though he lacked the strength to be an imposing force that was once predicted. He had good vision and speed, clicking well on "the Vowel line" with Vladimir Orszagh and Martin Erat.

Arkhipov retreated back to Russia during the lockout year of 2004-05 and stayed there for two years. He returned to the NHL as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006-07 for what proved to be one final NHL season.

Arkhipov continued to play in Russia through 2013. He helped Ak Bars Kazan win the Continental Cup championship in 2008.