Igor Larionov

Igor Larionov, who is considered one of the best passers of all-time, began his hockey career with Khimik Voskrosensk in 1977 and joined CSKA Moskva in 1981, playing there until 1989. With CSKA Moskva Larionov won eight Soviet and European Champions Cups (1982-89) and was selected as the MVP of the Soviet Championships in 1988. He was also selected as part of the best line at the Soviet Championships seven times (1982-1987, 1989). In 1989 Larionov joined the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL, playing there until 1992. He then played one season in Switzerland with HC Lugano, before joining the San Jose Sharks. Larionov joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1995, and played there until 2003, except a short spell with the Florida Panthers in 2000. With the Red Wings Larionov won three Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998 and 2002. He finished his playing career from 2003-04 with the New Jersey Devils. Internationally, besides his three Olympic medals, Larionov was World Champion four times (1982, 1983, 1986 and 1989) and European champion six times (1982, 1983, 1985-1987 and 1989). He also won silver at the 1987 and bronze at the 1985 World Championships. Larionov played on the winning 1981 Canada Cup team, won a silver at the 1987 Canada Cup and bronze at the 1984 Canada Cup and another bronze at the 1996 World Cup. In 2008 Larionov was inducted into both the Hockey Hall of Fame and IIHF Hall of Fame and since 2008 has worked as the director of SKA St. Petersburg.