Miami University's hockey program has suffered a blow as forward Artemi Nizameyev has signed a two-way professional contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), opting to begin his professional career in his native Russia. The announcement, made official on June 26, 2025, means Nizameyev will forgo his commitment to join the RedHawks for the 2025-26 season.

Nizameyev, a 19-year-old native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, had previously committed to Miami University in October 2024 and was expected to reunite with his former coach from the Tri-City Storm, Anthony Noreen, who is now the head coach of the RedHawks. He was considered a significant addition to Miami's incoming class.

According to the terms of the two-way contract, Nizameyev will primarily play for Chelmet in the VHL, which is the second-highest league in Russia. However, the agreement allows for potential call-ups to Traktor Chelyabinsk's main KHL roster throughout the season, depending on his performance and development.

Nizameyev is coming off a strong season with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In 53 regular-season games, he tallied an impressive 27 goals and 28 assists for a total of 55 points, earning him All-USHL Third Team honors. He also contributed two points in two Clark Cup Playoff games. During the 2023-24 season, Nizameyev recorded 49 points in 50 games with the Storm. Before joining the USHL, Nizameyev played within the Traktor Chelyabinsk and Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk systems in Russia.

Despite his strong performance in the USHL, Nizameyev was ranked 217th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their midterm rankings, making him an unlikely pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. However, some scouts believe that his skill set could allow him to outperform his draft position if a team decides to take a chance on him in the later rounds.

While the loss of Nizameyev is undoubtedly a setback for Miami, the RedHawks' 2025-26 recruiting class is still considered to be strong. The team's coaching staff will now need to adjust their plans and look for other players to fill the void left by Nizameyev's departure. Miami's 2025-26 class consists of 11 players from the United States Hockey League (USHL). Some have spent three or four years with their respective clubs, while others have found success within their first two full seasons.

The Hockey Writers wishes Artemi all the best. He was fun to watch in the USHL, and hopefully, he makes the most of the opportunity back home.