SEARCH


Pens' Prospect Kirill Tankov Undergoes Neck Surgery, Remains in High Spirits

PUBLICATION
Jon
September 9, 2022  (4:14 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

After succumbing a brutal injury sustained from a frightening hit earlier this week, SKA Neva's Kirill Tankov underwent successful neck surgery and is in good spirits.

Tankov was selected by Pittsburgh in the 7th round in 2021, and frankly he was always a long shot for the NHL. His playing career remains undecided, but for now the main focal point is on is health and wellness.

The 20-year old scored 21 points in 38 games for Neva -- SKA St. Petersburg's junior club -- of the VHL last season, and he has never played on the international stage. Therefore, the data set on Tankov is relatively small, so it is difficult to make any sort of holistic assessment of the player.

The hit that led to Tankov's injury:

The perpetrator -- Artyom Maltsev -- was ultimately suspended for 10 games by the FRH, Russia's Hockey Federation. The federation has taken a stern approach in mitigating foul play, even going so far as long-term disqualifications for repeated violations in which opponents are injured.

All in all, catastrophe was averted, and fortunately Tankov has all his usual functions and avoided life-altering injury.

TRENDING NOW
2025-2026
NHL STANDINGS
GPWLOLPTS
Sabres8250239109
Lightning8250266106
Canadiens82482410106
Bruins82452710100
Senators8244271199
Red Wings8241311092
Panthers824038484
Maple Leafs8232361478
GPWLOLPTS
Hurricanes8253227113
Penguins8241251698
Flyers8243271298
Capitals824330995
Blue Jackets8240301292
Islanders824334591
Devils824237387
Rangers823439977
GPWLOLPTS
Avalanche82551611121
Stars82502012112
Wild82462412104
Mammoth824333692
Blues8237331286
Predators8238341086
Jets8235351282
Blackhawks8229391472
GPWLOLPTS
Golden Knights8239261795
Oilers8241301193
Ducks824333692
Kings8235272090
Sharks823935886
Kraken8234371179
Flames823439977
Canucks822549858
COMPLETE STANDINGS