Man of the Week: Sergei Shirokov
KHL.ru’s weekly column returns with Sergei Shirokov. Sibir’s captain had a striking performance at the 2025 Fonbet KHL All-Star Game in Novosibirsk, and is now leading his team to yet another postseason appearance after missing the playoffs last time around.
Sergei Shirokov, Sibir’s captain, made a triumphant return to home ice during the 2025 Fonbet KHL All-Star Game. In his fourth All-Star appearance, Shirokov entertained the home crowd with a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick in Team Chernyshev’s semi-final victory over Team Kharlamov and clinching the penalty contest in the Skill Show. His momentum continued as he scored the game-winning goal in the finals, securing the championship for Team Chernyshev in the event.
Early years
Born on March 10, 1986, in Moscow, Russia, Shirokov started playing with CSKA Moscow’s youth system. He debuted professionally in the Russian Superleague (RSL) during the 2004–2005 season, quickly establishing himself as a promising forward. Over four seasons in the RSL and its successor, the KHL, Shirokov amassed 35 goals and 47 assists in 156 games, showcasing his offensive prowess.
A significant highlight of his early career was his partnership with winger Denis Parshin at CSKA. The duo's chemistry on the ice was palpable, leading to numerous scoring opportunities and bolstering CSKA’s offensive lineup.
In 2006, the Vancouver Canucks selected Shirokov 163rd overall in the NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Canucks organization in 2009, splitting time between the NHL and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. During the 2010–2011 AHL season, Shirokov led the Moose with 22 goals and 58 points in 76 games, earning consecutive selections to the AHL All-Star Game in 2010 and 2011. Despite his AHL success, his NHL tenure was brief, recording one goal in eight games.
Returning home
Shirokov returned to Russia in 2011, rejoining CSKA before stints with Avangard and in Saint Petersburg. His tenure with SKA was particularly fruitful, culminating in a Gagarin Cup championship in 2017. Throughout his KHL career, Shirokov has been a consistent offensive contributor.
Following the 2016–2017 championship season with SKA, where he contributed 11 goals and 12 assists in 42 regular-season games, Shirokov continued to demonstrate his offensive capabilities. In the 2017–2018 season, he further improved his output, recording 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points over 49 games. His performance was instrumental in SKA’s strong regular-season finish, although the team fell short in the playoffs.
Second stint in Omsk
In 2018, Shirokov returned to the Hawks, signing a two-year deal. He maintained his consistent scoring, tallying 18 goals and 23 assists in 61 games during a strong 2018–2019 season. His leadership and experience were invaluable as Avangard advanced to the Gagarin Cup Finals, though they were ultimately defeated by CSKA, with Shirokov netting six goals for the Hawks in the postseason.
The following season, Shirokov’s contributions remained steady, with 10 goals and 12 assists over 39 games. Recognizing his value, Avangard signed him to a two-year contract extension in December 2019. However, Shirokov was then traded to Spartak Moscow in May 2020 in exchange for Alexander Khokhlachyov.
Spartak and later years
At Spartak, Shirokov enjoyed a productive tenure. In the 2020–2021 season, he led the team with 22 goals and 20 assists in 59 games, showcasing his enduring skill and consistency. His leadership qualities were recognized, and he was named team captain for the 2021–22 season, during which he added 10 goals and 19 assists over 45 games.
In 2022, Shirokov signed with Avtomobilist. He continued to be a significant offensive presence, recording 18 goals and 16 assists in 45 games during the 2022–23 season. The following year, he added 11 goals and 16 assists over 57 games, further cementing his reputation as a reliable veteran forward, known not only as a leader, but also as a key offensive contributor.
International career
On the international stage, Shirokov has been a valuable asset for Team Russia. He secured a gold medal back at the 2004 U18s, contributing two goals in six games. He also earned silver medals at the 2005 and 2006 World Junior Championships. As a senior, Shirokov was part of the gold-winning teams at the 2012 and 2014 World Championships, contributing a combined five goals and seven assists across both tournaments. His international success peaked at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where he helped Team Russia clinch the gold medal in South Korea.
As of the 2024–25 KHL season, Shirokov continues to lead Sibir Novosibirsk, demonstrating that his skill and leadership remain as impactful as ever. Throughout his extensive KHL career, Shirokov has accumulated impressive statistics. As of the 2023–2024 season, he ranks seventh in all-time in KHL scoring, with 241 goals and 303 assists for 544 points – tied with SKA’s Sergei Plotnikov.
Nigel Dawes is just six points above – he has all the chances to reach him and climb a further position, while helping Sibir reach the playoffs as the team’s leader.
