Russian Kontinental Hockey League team Traktor Chelyabinsk has signed 32-year-old forward Nikita Soshnikov to a contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. The club announced the agreement on its official Telegram channel.
Soshnikov joined the Chelyabinsk team as a free agent. He became available after his previous team, Admiral Vladivostok, terminated his contract by mutual agreement of both parties in August.
In early August, Traktor signed Soshnikov to a short-term trial contract to assess his form during pre-season preparations. Trial arrangements are standard evaluation periods in professional hockey that allow clubs to examine a player's physical condition before offering a full roster spot.
Following the tryout, Traktor general manager Alexei Volkov expressed dissatisfaction with what he saw on the ice. Volkov stated publicly that he did not like the forward's performance, adding that the club expected more from an experienced veteran.
Despite the public criticism from the general manager, Traktor decided to go ahead with a full contract for Soshnikov through the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
KHL Career and Return to Chelyabinsk
Last season, Soshnikov played 31 games for Admiral Vladivostok, registering 13 points from five goals and eight assists. Admiral is based in the Russian port city of Vladivostok in the Far East and competes alongside Traktor in the Kontinental Hockey League.
In ice hockey scoring records, total points are calculated by adding together the individual goals a player scores and the assists they provide to teammates on scoring plays.
The move marks a return to Chelyabinsk for Soshnikov, who previously played for Traktor between 2022 and 2024. Across his entire career in the KHL, the Russian forward has recorded 252 points, including 111 goals and 141 assists, in 466 total matches. Traktor Chelyabinsk plays its home games in the Ural city of Chelyabinsk, one of Russia's traditional hockey hotspots.
Throughout his KHL career, Soshnikov has played for several major Russian hockey clubs. In addition to Traktor and Admiral, his resume includes spells with Atlant Moscow Oblast, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, CSKA Moscow, Avangard Omsk, and Sibir Novosibirsk.
North American Stint in the NHL
Earlier in his career, Soshnikov spent time in North America competing in the National Hockey League, the highest level of professional hockey in North America. He made 90 career appearances in the NHL, accumulating 16 points on eight goals and eight assists.
During his stint in North America, the winger represented three different NHL franchises: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the St. Louis Blues, and the New York Islanders.
Having finalized his contract following his trial period, Soshnikov now rejoins Traktor for his second spell with the Chelyabinsk club as they compete in the 2026-27 KHL season.
