Best Russian Hockey Players Of All Time
Russia is a breeding ground for hockey talent, with a long and storied history in the sport. From the Soviet era to the modern day, Russia has produced some of the greatest hockey players of all time. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best Russian hockey players of all time, exploring their careers and achievements on the ice.
1. Valeri Kharlamov
Valeri Kharlamov is considered by many to be the greatest Russian hockey player of all time. He played for the Soviet national team from 1969 to 1980, winning two Olympic gold medals, eight World Championships, and two Canada Cup titles. Kharlamov was known for his speed and agility on the ice, as well as his ability to score goals. He tragically died in a car accident in 1981.
2. Sergei Fedorov
Sergei Fedorov is one of the most decorated Russian hockey players of all time. He played in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals. Fedorov won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and was named the league’s MVP in 1994. He also won two Olympic medals with the Russian national team.
3. Vladislav Tretiak
Vladislav Tretiak is widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders of all time. He played for the Soviet national team in three Olympic Games, winning one gold and two silver medals. Tretiak also won ten World Championships and was named the best goaltender in the tournament six times. He is currently the president of the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia.
4. Pavel Bure
Pavel Bure is known as the “Russian Rocket” for his incredible speed on the ice. He played in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and New York Rangers, scoring 437 goals over his career. Bure won two Rocket Richard Trophies as the NHL’s leading goal scorer and was named to seven NHL All-Star teams.
5. Alexander Ovechkin
Alexander Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. He has played his entire career with the Washington Capitals, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. Ovechkin has scored over 700 goals in his career and has won three Hart Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player.
6. Igor Larionov
Igor Larionov is known for his incredible passing ability and hockey smarts. He played for the Soviet national team in the 1980s, winning two Olympic gold medals and five World Championships. Larionov also played in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and New Jersey Devils, winning three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings.
7. Slava Fetisov
Slava Fetisov is considered one of the greatest defensemen of all time. He played for the Soviet national team, winning two Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships. Fetisov also played in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings, winning two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings.
8. Sergei Makarov
Sergei Makarov played for the Soviet national team in the 1980s, winning two Olympic gold medals and eight World Championships. He also played in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 1991.
9. Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Malkin is one of the best players in the NHL today. He has won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has scored over 400 goals in his career. Malkin has also won two Hart Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player and a Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs.
10. Alexei Kovalev
Alexei Kovalev played in the NHL for 20 years, scoring over 400 goals in his career. He won a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994 and was named to two NHL All-Star teams. Kovalev also played for the Russian national team, winning Olympic silver and bronze medals.
These ten players represent the best of Russian hockey, from the Soviet era to the modern day. Their achievements on the ice have made them legends in the sport, inspiring future generations of players to follow in their footsteps. Whether scoring goals, stopping pucks, or making incredible passes, these players have left an indelible mark on the game of hockey.
