Alexei Smirnov was born January 28, 1982 in Tver, Russia. The 1st choice 12th overall selection of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Smirnov spent the early part of his career in the Russian Leagues before making his North American debut in 2002-03.
An offensively gifted player, Smirnov helped Russia capture a Silver Medal at the Under 18 2000 World Championships before joining the Mighty Ducks organization in 2002-03. In his first two seasons, Smirnov split his time between Anaheim and the team's AHL affiliate in Cincinnati.
