After racking up nearly 800 games of NHL experience over the last 13 years, it would appear as though the end may be near for 35-year-old Artem Anisimov, who has just been released from his PTO in Detroit.
Anisimov has accumulated 771 regular season NHL games, dating all the way back to the 2008-09 season, when he made his NHL debut. After beginning his career with the New York Rangers, who drafted him 54th overall in 2007, and playing 4 years with the Blueshirts, Anisimov spent some time in Columbus, Chicago and Ottawa before signing his PTO with the Red Wings this year.
Anisimov relied on a PTO last season as well, with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was injured in training camp and would eventually sign a PTO with the Flyers' AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms that led to a regular contract. He played 55 games with the Phantoms last season, scoring 19 goals and 36 points.
The Yaroslavl native registered a career high 45 points in 2016-17 as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, but was a 4-time 20-goal scorer over the course of his career. At 35, Anisimov may yet attempt to resume his pro career elsewhere, be it in the American Hockey League or overseas in Europe.
