Kirill Kirsanov #20 (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Kings have signed 22-year-old Russian defenseman Kirill Kirsanov to a two-year entry-level contract through the 2026–27 season on June 1. Kirsanov spent the 2024–25 campaign with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL, where he tallied 3 goals and 7 points in 34 games, along with a +5 rating and 8 penalty minutes.
In an exclusive interview with RG, Kirsanov said his decision to join the Kings was heavily influenced by his visit to their development camp last summer.
“I realized I liked everything — the atmosphere, the way they communicate. The Kings are an incredible organization. There are so many small details that show it’s a whole different level. I saw their training facility — they’ve got three rinks, a great gym, everything’s top-notch. Nutrition, workouts — everything’s taken care of. I’m happy to be joining such a club,” he said.
According to Kirsanov, the Kings were in regular contact with him throughout the season.
“They made it clear they were interested. We kept in touch during the year, and by the end, I felt ready to take this step.”
Preparing for North America
After a short five-day vacation in Turkey, Kirsanov flies to New York on June 11 to begin offseason training at his agent’s camp. He plans to remain in the U.S. to get ready for the season.
“I think I’ll stay in the U.S. for my prep. Not sure yet when exactly I’ll fly to LA,” he said.
Kirsanov already had a chance to visit Los Angeles and said he and his wife were impressed.
“They say it’s a city of contrasts, and it really is. We loved the weather. People talk a lot about homelessness and drugs, but we didn’t see anything like that. We went to the beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood — it was great.”
The Kings selected Kirsanov in the third round (84th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. Since then, the organization has kept a close eye on his development.
“They came to Finland to watch my games when Jokerit was in the KHL. And they have a scout in Russia — Yuri Kovalev — who came to my games regularly,” Kirsanov explained.
He’s realistic about the challenge ahead and understands there will be strong competition for a roster spot.
“I’ll need to adapt to the North American style — the pace, the physicality. If the AHL helps me get comfortable, that’s totally fine.”
His contract includes an option to return to the KHL, if necessary.
“It’s just a fallback, in case something doesn’t work out on either side.”
Kirsanov hasn’t yet discussed his role with Kings coaches.
“If they want me to be aggressive offensively, I’ll gladly do it. If I need to focus on defense, play on the penalty kill, or take on other roles — I’ll do what’s asked. It’s all about what the team needs.”
Overcoming Injuries and Winning a Title
Kirsanov has played five KHL seasons with SKA St. Petersburg, Vityaz Podolsk, and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, totaling 5 goals and 19 points in 120 games. This spring, he helped Torpedo’s affiliate team Torpedo-Gorky win the VHL Championship, contributing 5 points in 19 playoff games.
“This was my first full season in a while — and that’s what matters. The last two years were tough with injuries: shoulder, knee… It feels good to finally be healthy.”
He detailed the injuries he dealt with.
“First, I tore my meniscus in training. Then tore it again. Later, I dislocated my shoulder during a game. But I’ve recovered completely now.”
Discipline and Larionov’s Influence
During his time in Torpedo, Kirsanov worked under head coach Igor Larionov — a three-time Stanley Cup champion — who was dismissed after a first-round playoff exit.
“My decision to go to the NHL has nothing to do with Larionov leaving, but I was surprised. The team played well, made the playoffs every year. Just didn’t get the result against Lokomotiv.”
Larionov often spoke about Kirsanov’s transformation. When he joined the team, he weighed close to 100 kg (220 lbs), and by April had dropped to 89 kg (196 lbs) — a big step for a 6’2” defenseman.
Larionov played a key role in that shift.
“We spoke almost every day — about meals, workouts, everything. After I got injured two months into joining the team, he told me, ‘Don’t let yourself go.’ I used that time to really focus on my nutrition and discipline. I’m very thankful to him for that.”
His diet wasn’t complicated: “No sugar, no junk food, no soda, no alcohol. I started the season at 91–92 kg and kept it there the whole year.”
Meeting Drew Doughty and Favorite Defensemen
Kirsanov said he’s looking forward to meeting Drew Doughty — a two-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the faces of the Kings franchise.
“He’s a legend of the Kings and the league. I can’t wait to meet him and hopefully play alongside him. Slava Voynov told me a lot about how things were when he played with Doughty in LA.”
Kirsanov follows the NHL closely and listed his favorite defensemen.
“I always say: Provorov, Orlov, Makar. Great skaters, can join the rush, but also play solid defense. I’d also mention Gavrikov — I watched his highlights and really liked what I saw. Would love to play a similar style in LA.”
Daria Tuboltseva
Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.
Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.
Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.
