Kris Russell

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Kris Russell
Russell with the Calgary Flames in 2013
Born	(1987-05-02) May 2, 1987 (age 37) Caroline, Alberta, Canada
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	Columbus Blue Jackets St. Louis Blues TPS Calgary Flames Dallas Stars Edmonton Oilers
National team	Canada
NHL draft	67th overall, 2005 Columbus Blue Jackets
Playing career	2007–2022

Kris Russell (born May 2, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played in the 2021–22 season, for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted in the third round, 67th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons with the team before moving on to the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. He has also played for TPS and Oulun Kärpät in the Finnish Liiga.

Russell was a top defenceman in junior hockey with the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Medicine Hat Tigers. He was a member of two WHL championship teams, was twice named the WHL's top defenceman, and won the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the WHL's most outstanding player in 2006–07. Internationally, Russell has represented Canada on several occasions: he was a member of two gold medal-winning teams at the World Junior Championship and has played in two World Championships. Russell is known for his ability and willingness to block shots, formerly having held the NHL record for blocked shots; he has since been surpassed by former teammate Mark Giordano. He and his twin brother Ryan briefly played together in Columbus.