Vladimir Putin grants former Maple Leafs forward Russian citizenship

Former player Brendan Leipsic has reportedly obtained Russian citizenship as he continues his hockey career in Russia. As reported by the , citing information circulated by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Leipsic and U.S. boxer Kevin Johnson got approval for their Russian citizenship by . The 29 year old winger from Winnipeg was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2012.

He spent a couple of seasons in the Leafs' system beginning in 2015 where he primarily played for the Marlies and was called up for six NHL games. Leipsic was a journeyman on a handful other teams before signing his final NHL contract with the Washington Capitals in 2019 20. However, that contract was abruptly terminated when Leipsic was found to be remarks with a group of players, which the NHL deemed reprehensible, inexcusable, disparaging and insulting to women.

“There is no place in our league for such statements, attitudes and behaviour, no matter the form,” the condemning the behaviours of Leipsic and his colleagues. “We will address this inexcusable conduct with the clubs and players involved. Leipsic has since been playing in the Russian federation, first signing with HC CSKA Moscow and later Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

His current contract, a two year deal signed as a free agent last June, is with SKA Saint Petersburg, where he has four points in 14 games this season..