Igor Knyazev (b. January 23rd 1983 in Elektrostal, Russian S.S.R., Soviet Union) is a professional defenceman. First round draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (15th overall), Knyazev did play two seasons in the American Hockey League with the Lowell Lock Monsters and then the Springfield Falcons, following a trade to the Phoenix Coyotes on June 21st 2003, before returning for good to his native Russia in 2004, joining Khimik Voskresensk. He ended up never playing in the National Hockey League.