Top 10 Best Russian Hockey Players
Russia has long been a breeding ground for talent in the sport of hockey, creating some of the greatest stars you cheer for. The explosive speed, top-tier stickhandling, outstanding resilience, and strategic genius of these athletes have made them standout performers that capture your attention every time.
There's no denying it, Russian hockey players have an inherent flair and style that sets them apart. With their unique blend of raw power and finesse, they've delivered unforgettable moments on the ice that have you on the edge of your seat.
You've watched legendary goaltenders defend the net with cat-like reflexes, dynamic forwards who light up the scoreboard, and steely-eyed defensemen whose grit is unmatched. Russian hockey players truly cover the full spectrum of skills and talents in this beloved sport.
Remember the icons like Pavel Datsyuk, whose "Datsyukian" dekes became a cultural phenomenon, or Alexander Ovechkin, whose prolific goal-scoring ability has thrilled you time and again. And who could forget the nimble Evgeni Malkin or the ever-charismatic Ilya Kovalchuk? Each of these athletes, and many more, have shown what it means to be a Russian hockey player on the global stage.
Now it's your turn to have your say. It's time to put your hockey knowledge to the test and vote for who you think are the best Russian hockey players.
This is your chance to honor the players whose skill, passion, and innovation have captured your heart. Whether it's a player's ability to consistently perform under pressure, their effortless skating, or their knack for scoring game-changing goals, your opinion matters in defining these Russian hockey greats.
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Alexander Ovechkin
Alexander Mikhailovich "Alex" Ovechkin is a Russian professional ice hockey winger and the captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League. He is considered one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Ovechkin has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy nine times and led the Capitals... read more
Can play both ways, physical, handles the puck well, and passes well too. Great all-around game and done with just one team.
Best goal scorer at the highest level ever played.
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Pavel Datsyuk
Pavel Valeryevich Datsyuk (born 20 July 1978) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player. He was nicknamed the "Magic Man," a tribute to his exceptional stickhandling skills and creativity with the puck.
From 2001 to 2016, he played for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League... read more
Not as big as Ovie but just an absolute freak when it came to puck control and running the ice. And he beat up Corey Perry.
Silkiest mitts you ever saw. Smart, fast, and strong. Datsyuk is captain of the Russian Olympic team for a reason.
Simply the most talented player I ever saw. And my other hockey idol is Gretzky!
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Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Vladimirovich Malkin, born on July 31, 1986, is a Russian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a centre and serves as an alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League. Malkin is widely regarded as one of the top NHL players of his generation and has won multiple... read more
No comparison. Three-time Stanley Cup champion, Art Ross, Hart, Ted Lindsay, Conn Smythe, and highest points per game average as a Russian player.
It's Geno, two-time scoring champ, Stanley Cup winner, and future Hall-of-Famer. Ovechkin? Give me a break.
How is Malkin not better than Crosby? Three-time Stanley Cup champion, and he has more points.
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Valeri Kharlamov
He made Russia beat Canada when everybody deemed it impossible. Also tainted a lot by injuries and had a very tough life, fighting for a spot on a team where he was the best by far.
Long, but true story, the coach Tarasov didn't play him. How did he earn a position? He proved himself the few times he was given chances. Best ice hockey player in Russia. Best ice hockey player in the world!
Anyone who puts someone ahead of Kharlamov obviously never saw him play. He wasn't just the best player in the Soviet Union, he was the best player in the world. Better than any NHL player. The guy had it all!
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Pavel Bure
Pavel is a solid player and good at attacking from the goalie and good at backing.
Most exciting player to ever play the game!
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Vladislav Tretiak
Should be #1 on this list for sure. Simply one of the greatest goalies ever.
Imagine if he ever played in the NHL? He would be a superstar year after year.
First non-NHLer in the Hall of Fame. He is an absolutely outstanding goalie.
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Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk is one of the rarest breeds of hockey players ever, with the most underrated shot ever.
Purest all-around talent ever!
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Sergei Fedorov
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Sergei Makarov
Incredible skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability. Wow, what a player.
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Igor Larionov
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Andrei Svechnikov
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Artemi Panarin
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Viacheslav Fetisov
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Alexander Mogilny
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Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Andreyevich Tarasenko (Russian: Влади́мир Андре́евич Тарасе́нко. Born December 13, 1991) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger. He played for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL, where he also served as an alternate captain. As of the 2024-2025 NHL season, he was traded to the Minnesota... read more
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Nikita Kucherov
Nikita Kucherov should be at least in the 10 best Russian players.
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Evgeni Nabokov
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Alexei Kovalev
Unbelievable skater with fantastic hands.
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Vladimir Konstantinov
Konstantinov is the most physical player I have ever seen! The man could single-handedly throw an entire team off their game.
He would be a lot higher on this page if his career was not cut short. VKSD forever!
Probably the most physical Soviet defenseman to ever play. Total defensive package.
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Boris Mikhailov
Why in the hell isn't this guy on here?
Two Olympic Gold Medals.
MVP: 1977, 1978, 1979 Challenge Cup.
Soviet Captain: 1972-1980.
Leading Soviet Scorer: 1975, 1976, 1978.
Leading Scorer IIHF World Championships: 1977, 1978.
Top goal scorer at the IIHF World Championships: 1977, 1978.
Best forward at IIHF World Championships: 1973, 1979 (other forward was Kharlamov).
Second leading Soviet scorer of all time (Maltsev is the all-time leading Soviet scorer).
Also, claimed by many to be the best player in the world in 1979-1980.
Mikhailov and Kharlamov were on the same line together. These two were a wrecking machine.
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Vyacheslav Bykov
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Alexander Radulov
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Sergei Bobrovsky
Sergei Andreyevich Bobrovsky is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League. He previously played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers. Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and is widely regarded... read more
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Vyacheslav Kozlov
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Andrei Markov
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Vladimir Krutov
One of the greatest players of all time! Tremendous speed, strength, and power. Great goal scorer and extremely tough. I'd put him #2 behind Kharlamov.
He's underappreciated because his time in the NHL was so short.
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Sergei Zubov