He was only with the Detroit Red Wings briefly. However, Dmytro Timashov is seeking to become a permanent Russian citizen.

Recently signing with Admiral Vladivostok of Russia’s KHL, Timashov is also seeking to gain a Russian passport.

“I want to play in the KHL to get closer to my family who lives there,” Timashov told Swedish website Hockey Sverige. “Then it felt good when I talked to the club GM and coach.”

You might think from his name that Timashov is already Russian. He certainly is in his genes. Timashov’s father is from Russia. His mother is Ukrainian. However, the family moved to Sweden, and he was raised near Stockholm.

Timashov, 28, rose through the Swedish hockey system. He’s represented the country internationally, including at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. He was third on the team in scoring, posting 2-5-7 totals in seven games.

Among his teammates on that Swedish squad were former Red Wings prospect Axel Holmstrom, ex-Red Wings forward Christoffer Ehn, and current Detroit defenseman William Lagesson.

Timashov Has Bounced Around Since Leaving Red Wings

His Red Wings stint would last just five games during the 2019-20 season. Timashov didn’t accumulate a point. He also played in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders. A left shot who can play either wing, the 5-foot-10, 187-pound Timashov accumulated 4-5-9 numbers in 45 NHL games.

Since his departure from Detroit, Timashov has known many hockey homes. Along with the Islanders, he played for Bridgeport in the AHL. Moving to Europe, there was a two-season stint in Sweden’s SHL with Brynas. Timashov played in the Swiss National League for HC Ajoie and Geneva-Servette HC. He was also in the KHL with Sochi.

“It will be fun to play in the KHL again and, as I said, be close to my Russian family who I have barely seen since I moved to Sweden and was also in the USA,” Timashov said.