Alexei Zhitnik, a defenseman known for his solid play and reliability on the ice, began his NHL career after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Zhitnik made his way to North America, where he quickly adapted to the fast-paced style of the NHL. His debut with the Kings came during the 1992-1993 season, where he played a role in helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals, although they ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens.
Zhitnik's tenure with the Kings lasted until 1995, when he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. It was with the Sabres that he spent the majority of his career, becoming a mainstay on their blue line. Known for his strong defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively, Zhitnik was a reliable presence for Buffalo. During his time with the Sabres, he played in the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, where the team faced off against the Dallas Stars. Despite a hard-fought series, the Sabres were defeated in six games.
Throughout his career, Zhitnik was recognized for his ability to log significant ice time and his effectiveness in both ends of the rink. His offensive contributions were notable, as he consistently put up points from the back end. Zhitnik's performance earned him a spot in the 1999 NHL All-Star Game, highlighting his status among the league's top defensemen at the time.
In 2005, Zhitnik signed with the New York Islanders as a free agent. His stay with the Islanders was relatively short, as he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in December 2006. Zhitnik's time with the Flyers was also brief, and he was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Thrashers in February 2007. With the Thrashers, Zhitnik played a role in helping the team secure its first-ever playoff berth during the 2006-2007 season. However, the Thrashers were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.
Zhitnik's NHL career concluded after the 2007-2008 season. Over the course of his time in the league, he played in over 1,000 regular-season games, amassing more than 400 points. His international career was also noteworthy, as he represented Russia in several international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics and the World Championships.
After leaving the NHL, Zhitnik continued to play professionally in Russia, joining the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
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