 As a young defensive prospect he had been a member of Russia's U18 and U20 national squads and has also skated on several occasions, including at the 2008 World Championships in Canada.The young defenceman was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 157th overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.He has since become one of the top blue liners in the Russian Super League and on Russia's national team.