EXCLUSIVE: Nikolai Knyzhov Ready to Return to Sharks

Nikolai Knyzhov spoke with THN about his return to the San Jose Sharks and this upcoming season.

Until his season debut on March 6 last season, San Jose Sharks defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov went 663 days without playing in the NHL.

In an exclusive phone call with The Hockey News, Knyzhov said that his favorite moment ever in the NHL was that game.

"I don't remember who won that game, but it was special being in the locker room," Knyzhov said. "[To be] with the guys and seeing how supportive everybody was [is] huge to me. Just to be back on the ice, be with that group of guys out there, and be able to play an NHL hockey game was special. That's gonna stay with me forever."

The 25-year-old played 14:19 and finished with two PIMs. 

Unlike last offseason, Knyzhov will get to focus on training rather than recovery. He talked about the fact he has more freedom to train the small details of the game.

"Huge difference to be able to have a good offseason and a good solid summer of training," Knyzhov told THN. "You have phases of strength, phases of speed and power, and [to be] able to put it all together before the season because that's basically the baseline for everyone going into hockey."

For Knyzhov, this summer's workout plan allowed him to undergo a complete training process.

"For me, after not being able to do it for a couple of years, it's just so nice to calm down," Knyzhov said. "Like get to the gym, go work on my shot, go work on my hands, work on my skating, like basically pretty much notch up everything and just see what I need to get better at."

The Russian defenseman stood out during his rookie season in the COVID-shortened 20-21 season. Paired with Erik Karlsson, Knyzhov had terrific chemistry due to his skating ability and his awareness in the defensive zone.

With Karlsson no longer in San Jose, head coach David Quinn and company will have to find a new partner for Knyzhov.

"I think that's gonna come up like later after training camp," Knyzhov said. "I think it's going to come up at the end after they kind of test guys together in preseason games, and the guys see what works best for everyone. I don't think there's anything set yet."

Although he hasn't played for Coach Quinn long, Knyzhov continued to echo praise for the San Jose Sharks head coach.

"I wasn't there for too much of playing, but it seemed like it was fun. Like it was a good room. Good practices. Good skates," Knyzhov explained. "It seemed like everybody was in positive vibes, and thanks to thanks to Quinny for that. He was able to build the group this way, and I'm sure it's gonna stay the same way this season."

He also explained why he feels Quinn is a good coach for the team.

"He encourages guys to make plays with the puck. Be smart. Be creative," Knyzhov said. "I don't think he pressures guys into just dumping the puck in. I think he wants everybody to play, and he wants the team to succeed by moving the puck and just being creative on the ice. I think that's another thing that brings a good and positive attitude from the guys."

Knyzhov told THN that he just returned to San Jose after spending two months in Arizona. Knyzhov explained that he's worked with the same strength coach for three years.

"He knows my story well," Knyzhov explained. "He was able to tweak and adjust all the training for me, which was super helpful."

As for training in San Jose, Knyzhov praises the ability to work with the Extra Hour Training Facility. Cathy Andrade owns and operates the facility with five synthetic ice shooting lanes, a skating treadmill, and a mini synthetic ice rink.

"Just go there every day, every other day, working on my stick handling and shot. It feels like it's getting better, and I'm just gonna try to be consistent and stay on top of that and just put everything together on the ice," Knyzhov said about Extra Hour.

The 25-year-old will compete to make the NHL roster at San Jose Sharks training camp. But with an entire offseason just about in the books, Knyzhov is ready and prepared to do whatever it takes.