[5] In the 2010–11 season, he failed to make the Coyotes' roster for opening night, spending the duration of the year again with the Rampage, posting a then professional high of 33 points in 60 contests.

[citation needed] As a free agent, Tikhonov returned to play in North America, signing alongside SKA teammate Artemi Panarin, a one-year contract with the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks on 1 July 2015.

[7] He made the Blackhawks squad to open the 2015–16 season, playing his first game in the NHL since 2009 in a 3–2 overtime victory against the New York Islanders on 9 October 2015.

[9] Unable to reach his offensive upside in the NHL, Tikhonov was not tendered a new contract to remain in Arizona, and as a free agent he opted to return to his native Russia, for a second stint with SKA St. Petersburg on a one-year deal on July 17, 2016.

[13] He won a bronze medal in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships with the Russian squad, in a game versus Team USA.

His father, Vasili, was the assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Kentucky Thoroughblades.

Tikhonov now resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife Genia and two children Lev and Sofia and is currently the Skills Coach for the Nashville Spartans.