Russian defenseman who played in the NHL and KHL, known for his speed and two-way play.
Igor Ozhiganov is a Russian professional ice hockey defenseman known for his skills on the blue line, having played in both the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Currently playing for HC Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, Ozhiganov has established himself as a seasoned defenseman with a strong work ethic and impressive puck-handling skills.
Ozhiganov began his junior hockey career within the CSKA Moscow organization, making his professional debut during the 2010-2011 season with two games in the KHL. He went on to play for CSKA, Amur Khabarovsk, and Sibir Novosibirsk, solidifying his position as a reliable defenseman in the KHL.
In August 2017, Ozhiganov met with Mike Babcock and Lou Lamoriello of the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite being undrafted. He eventually signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs in May 2018. After attending training camp, Ozhiganov made the opening night roster for the 2018-2019 season and scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins in a 4-2 home win.
Although he established himself as a regular on the blue line, Ozhiganov eventually fell out of favor with head coach Mike Babcock, sitting as a healthy scratch for 12 of the final 19 contests, including all seven playoff games against the Boston Bruins. He finished the season with 7 points in 53 games.
In May 2019, Ozhiganov's KHL rights were traded by CSKA to Ak Bars Kazan in exchange for Jiri Sekac. As an impending free agent, Ozhiganov's departure from the Maple Leafs was confirmed, and he signed a two-year contract to return to the KHL with Ak Bars. This move reunited him with head coach Dmitri Kvartalnov, formerly of CSKA.
In the 2019-2020 season, Ozhiganov made 19 appearances with Ak Bars, posting 8 points before the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season.
Ozhiganov's journey from the KHL to the NHL and back again serves as an inspiration to aspiring hockey players from Russia and around the world. His dedication to his craft and ability to adapt to new environments have made him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
As the KHL continues to grow in popularity, Ozhiganov's experiences and achievements will likely influence the next generation of Russian hockey players, paving the way for more talent to emerge from the region.
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