Nikolay Drozdetsky began his hockey career with SKA Leningrad in 1975, playing there until 1979, when he joined CSKA Moskva. Drozdetsky played with CSKA Moskva until 1987 and won eight Soviet and European Champions Cup titles in a row with them (1980-1987). He was also named the MVP of the Soviet Championships in 1984. From 1987-89 Drozdetsky again played with SKA Leningrad and from 1989, until his untimely death due to complications from diabetes, Drozdetsky played in Sweden with Borås HC. Internationally Drozdetsky won Olympic gold in 1984, won the World Championships in 1981 and 1982 and European Championships in 1981, 1982 and 1985. He also won bronze at the 1985 World Championships and played on the winning 1981 Canada Cup team. Drozdetsky was also the leading goalscorer at the 1984 Olympic Games with 10 goals.