He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks.

Following an outstanding rookie season, he was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team and featured in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

On 24 April 2016, Svechnikov was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL).

[14] On 16 October 2018, Svechnikov underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee due to an injury he sustained in the Red Wings final preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on 29 September 2018.

[15] On 6 August 2020, Svechnikov accepted his qualifying offer and re-signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings.

[21] In August 2023, Svechnikov returned to his native Russia and signed a contract with his original development club, Ak Bars Kazan.

On 30 July 2024, Svechnikov left Ak Bars Kazan to sign a one-year contract with fellow KHL club, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod.

[23] Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded seven goals and one assist in six games, and won a silver medal.

Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he won a silver medal.