Nesterov was originally a fifth-round pick of the Lightning back in 2011. He spent four seasons in North America, including parts of three seasons in the NHL before returning to Russia and playing in the KHL from 2018-to-2020. Nesterov had 23 points (7G / 16A) in 53 games with CSKA Moscow in the most recent season and has 33 points (9G / 24A) in 132 career NHL games with Tampa Bay and Montreal.

Nesterov appeared in the last two games, but will be replaced by newcomer Jordie Benn tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Nesterov has one goal and one assist in nine games since joining Montreal.

Nesterov was acquired in a trade from Tampa Bay last week and will draw into the lineup versus the Sabres tomorrow. The 23-year-old blueliner registered 12 points (3G / 9A) in 35 games with the Lightning and has 28 points (9G / 19A) across 119 career NHL games.

Nesterov has been a healthy scratch in three of the last five games and has failed to record a point in six games with the Lightning this season. Nesterov had 14 points (3G / 11A) in 32 games with Syracuse last season.

Nesterov crunched Stars forward Curtis McKenzie from behind in Thursday’s game against Dallas. The play resulted in McKenzie flying head first into the boards and suffering a lower-body injury. Nesterov will miss Saturday’s game vs. Buffalo and next Tuesday’s game in Nashville. He is eligible to return next Friday in Winnipeg.

Nesterov has served as a healthy scratch in the last three games, but with Jason Garrison out, Nesterov will be in vs. the Kings. He has registered two assists in nine games with the Lightning this season. He will be paired with Anton Stralman.

Nesterov, 5-foot-11, 199 pounds, has played in 32 games with the Crunch this season, recording three goals and 14 points with at plus-4 rating and 26 penalty minutes. He leads all Syracuse blue-liners for goals and points while ranking tied for second for plus/minus.