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Kris Russell

Born:May 2, 1987Draft:2005 Blue Jackets #67 Overall
Hometown:Red Deer, ABPosition:Defence
Known For:2x WHL Top DefencemanShoots:Left
National Team:CanadaCurrent Team:

Kris Russell (born May 2, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted in the third round, 67th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons with the team before moving on to the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. He has also played for TPS and Oulun Kärpät in the Finnish Liiga.

Russell was a top defenceman in junior hockey with the Western Hockey League (WHL)’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He was a member of two WHL championship teams, was twice named the WHL’s top defenceman and won the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s most outstanding player in 2006–07. Internationally, Russell has represented Canada on several occasions: he was a member of two gold medal-winning teams at the World Junior Championship and has played in two World Championships. Russell is known for his ability and willingness to block shots. He and his twin brother Ryan briefly played together in Columbus.

Kris Russell Oilers
Kris Russell, Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Kris Russell Statistics

Trade Tracker

DateTraded FromTraded WithTraded ToTraded For
Nov. 11, 2011Columbus Blue JacketsSt. Louis BluesNikita Nikitin
July 5, 2013St. Louis BluesCalgary Flames2014 5th Round Pick
(Jaedon Descheneau)
Feb. 29, 2016Calgary FlamesDallas Stars2016 2nd Round Pick
(Dillon Dube)
Jyrki Jokipakka
Brett Pollock

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team (2010)
  • CHL Defenseman of the Year (2007)
  • CHL First All-Star Team (2007)
  • U20 WJC Gold Medal (2007)
  • U20 WJC Most Goals by Defenseman (2007)
  • 2x WHL Champion (2004, 2007)
  • 2x WHL Most Goals by Defenseman (2005, 2007)
  • WHL Player of the Year (Four Broncos Trophy) (2007)
  • 2x WHL Top Defenseman (Bill Hunter Trophy) (2006, 2007)
  • CHL Second All-Star Team (2006)
  • CHL Sportsman of the Year (2006)
  • U20 WJC Gold Medal (2006)
  • WHL (East) First All-Star Team (2006)
  • 2x WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player (Brad Hornung Trophy) (2005, 2006)
  • U17 WHC Silver Medal (2004)

Sources