 Drafted from the Ontario Hockey League's North Bay Centennials, Yachmenev made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut during 1995–96 season with the Kings, appearing in 80 games and scoring 19 goals.After two full seasons and part of a third with the Kings, Yachmenev was traded to the Nashville Predators before the 1998–99 season, the team's inaugural season.He played five full seasons with the Predators before returning to Russia.