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Brendan Leipsic

Brendan Leipsic is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brendan Leipsic is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2012, he played in the NHL for several teams before moving to the KHL, where he also obtained Russian citizenship.

Early life and junior hockey

Leipsic was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and developed in junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. His WHL play helped establish him as an NHL draft prospect.

Professional career

After being drafted by Nashville in 2012, Leipsic played in the NHL for five teams between 2014 and 2020. He later continued his career in the KHL, beginning with CSKA Moscow and later playing for several other Russian clubs.

Controversy and Capitals departure

In 2020, Leipsic was placed on waivers and his contract was terminated by the Washington Capitals after leaked private messages containing misogynistic remarks drew public criticism. Leipsic apologized following the leak.

International status

Leipsic was granted Russian citizenship in 2024 while playing in Russia. By 2026, he was listed as a free agent after his most recent KHL contract with SKA St. Petersburg ended.

Key facts

  • Brendan Leipsic is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
  • He was drafted 89th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
  • Leipsic played in the NHL for five teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals.
  • His NHL career ended in 2020 after his contract was terminated due to leaked misogynistic messages.
  • He received Russian citizenship in 2024 and was a free agent as of 2026.
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Canadian context

He is a Canadian-born player from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and his career is of interest to Canadian hockey fans because he played in the NHL, was drafted by a Canadian-market-adjacent league path, and later represented the Canadian player pipeline into European pro hockey.[2][7]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brendan Leipsic?
Brendan Leipsic is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba, best known for his NHL and KHL career.
Which NHL team drafted Brendan Leipsic?
The Nashville Predators drafted him in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals.
What position does Brendan Leipsic play?
He plays left wing, and shoots left.
Does Brendan Leipsic have Russian citizenship?
Yes. Russian citizenship was formally granted to him by decree in January 2024.
What is Brendan Leipsic's current status?
He was listed as a free agent in 2026, after his KHL contract with SKA St. Petersburg was terminated by mutual agreement in March 2026.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/player/brendan-leipsic-8476894
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, weight, shooting side, draft details, and NHL player profile.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Leipsic
    Supports: Career overview, draft selection, later KHL status, and March 2026 mutual contract termination.
  3. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/89181/brendan-leipsic
    Supports: Position, nationality, physical stats, youth team, and draft details.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29150883/capitals-place-brendan-leipsic-waivers-misogynistic-reprehensible-remarks
    Supports: Washington Capitals waivers, contract termination context, and public controversy.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/bio/_/id/3067485/brendan-leipsic
    Supports: Birthplace, position, and draft information.
  6. TASS — https://www.tass.com/sports/1729947
    Supports: Russian citizenship granted by presidential decree and summary of NHL/KHL career.
  7. The Hockey News — https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/brendan-leipsic-finds-new-khl-team
    Supports: KHL team history, 2024-25 season context, and recent SKA St. Petersburg signing.
  8. Spotrac — https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/player/_/id/13200/brendan-leipsic
    Supports: Washington Capitals contract details and inactive status.