Anton Volchenkov

Anton Volchenkov is a Russian defenseman on the New Jersey Devils.

Volchenkov was drafted 21st overall by Ottawa in 2000, and joined the club in 2002. He has made a name for himself as one of the toughest defensemen in the league, leading the NHL in blocked shots for the 2006-07 season. His best offensive season was in 200607, when he had 19 points and 67 penalty minutes, as well as leading the league in blocked shots during the playoffs, as the Sens reached the Cup Finals. He continued to play well over the next three years and when he became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2010 season, he was regarded as one of the top available defensemen on the market. He was signed to a lucrative deal with the Devils and will be expected to maintain the high level of play he has established over the last five seasons.

Volchenkov has played for Russia at a number of international competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2001 World Juniors.