He made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut with the Lightning in the 2002–03 season, appearing in 63 games and recording eight points.

[1] During the 2005–06 season, Svitov returned to Russia and played for his hometown, Avangard Omsk, in the Russian Superleague (RSL).

In the following 2006–07 season, Svitov returned to the Blue Jackets and played in a career high 76 games, scoring 18 points.

After a three-season stint with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Svitov moved to Ak Bars Kazan as a free agent in the 2013–14 season.

[2] On 15 June 2019, Svitov extended his professional career, agreeing to a one-year contract as a free agent with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.