Brendan Leipsic asks Vladimir Putin for Russian citizenship

Brendan Leipsic’s story hit the field hockey world hard in 2020. While playing for the Washington Capitals, misogynistic messages were discovered in his private conversations. The Capitals released him and the NHL even banned him.

He left to play in Russia, but this time it looks like he’ll be staying forever. According to St. Petersburg SKA president Roman Rotenberg, Leipsic has applied for Russian citizenship.

Brendan Leipsic has sent a letter to Vladimir Putin requesting Russian 🏳️ citizenship and has already been issued a Russian 🏳️ passport, per Roman Rotenberg. pic.twitter.com/pHpYKPDWIz

– Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) July 12, 2023

What makes this so special is that he is said to have made the request to President Vladimir Putin himself, by sending him a letter!

Note that he already has a Russian passport, even though he’s not yet a citizen.

Leipsic has spent the last three years in Russia, with Magnitogorsk Metallurg, but played his first season in the KHL with CSKA Moscow. He has good statistics in Russia, amassing 44 points in his 65 games in 2022-23.

Drafted in the 3rd round by the Nashville Predators in 2012, Leipsic has had no real success in the NHL. The 29-year-old left winger has played for the Maple Leafs, Golden Knights, Canucks, Kings and Capitals. That’s five teams in just six NHL seasons.

With so much movement, it was to be expected that he wouldn’t be an ideal player. In fact, the Canadian player made misogynistic comments about his teammates’ wives. Doesn’t help build team chemistry, does it?

Roman Rotenberg even revealed that Leipsic might one day play for the Russian national team. That’s if the Russian team can get back into IIHF competition, which isn’t likely to happen any time soon.

In six NHL seasons, Leipsic collected 59 points, including 16 goals, in 187 games.

In gusto

– We can’t wait to see Lane Hutson join the defensive brigade.

A talent that recognizes others

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– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 12, 2023

– How well do you know your field hockey?

We’re baaack 👀

CAN YOU PASS THIS QUIZ ON THE 2023 NHL SEASON?

WATCH @ https://t.co/LAHl0NTTZR pic.twitter.com/QVmcXGcCVH

– BarDown (@BarDown) July 12, 2023

– Cam Atkinson will make a return to action.

– The penalty came at a bad time.