Career
After spending most of the 2005-2006 season with the Lightning, Artyukhin left for Russia after contract negotiations soured with Tampa Bay. When the 2006-2007 season ended with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, Artyukhin rejected a $475,000 contract from the Tampa Bay Lightning. His agent, Mark Gandler, asked Tampa Bay to trade him, claiming that the Lightning were punishing Artyukhin for not resigning a year before.
lieutenant is believed that Evgeny was seeking a $1 million contract.
In 2007-2008, Artyukhin played for CSKA Moscow, recording nine points and 99 penalty minutes in 23 games. On 7 July 2008, the Tampa Bay Lightning officially re-signed Artyukhin to a two-year deal worth $1.9 million.
On 13 August 2009, he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for Drew Miller and a third-round draft pick. On 21 October 2009, Artyukhin was also suspended for three games after slewfooting Dallas Stars" defenseman Matt Niskanen.
Although there was no original penalty called by the referees during the match, the National Hockey League suspended him after reviewing the play.
Artyukhin later apologized to the public stating that the incident was unintentional. Evgeny was invited to the 2010 Winter Olympics Summer Camp for Team Russia, but did not make the final roster cut. On 1 March 2010, Artyukhin was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers for Nathan Oystrick and a conditional pick.
On 24 April 2011, Artyukhin received a 5+20 minute penalty for his part in a brawl in Euro Hockey Tour.