Biography
Valentin Zykov is a Russian professional ice hockey player born on May 15, 1995, in Chelyabinsk, Russia. He is predominantly known for his role as a forward and has played for various teams in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) as well as the National Hockey League (NHL). Zykov was selected in the second round, 37th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Zykov began his career in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk before making his move to North America, where he played for the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and the American Hockey League (AHL) teams, including the Ontario Reign. One of his significant career highlights came in the 2016-2017 AHL season, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess by finishing as one of the top goal-scorers in the league, which paved the way for his eventual promotion to the NHL.
Beyond his club career, Zykov has also contributed to international competitions, representing Russia in junior tournaments. His playing style is characterized by offensive skill and versatility on the ice, making him a valuable asset to any team. As of late 2023, Zykov's career continues to evolve as he seeks to make a lasting impact within the world of professional ice hockey.