igor larionov

Igor Nikolayevich Larionov (Игорь Николаевич Ларионов; b. December 3, 1960 in Voskresensk, Soviet Union) is a Russian hockey player. With Viacheslav Fetisov, he was instrumental in breaking the barrier that stopped Soviet players from joining the NHL. He primary played the center position and is considered one of the best passers of all time. Larionov played for Khimik Voskresensk (1977-1981), CSKA Moscow (1981-1989), Vancouver Canucks (1989-1992), HC Lugano (1992-1993), San Jose Sharks (1993-1995), Detroit Red Wings (1995-2000, 2000-2003), Florida Panthers (2000), and New Jersey Devils (2003-2004). On the international stage, he won two golds (1984, 1988) and one bronze (2002) in the Olympics, and four golds (1982, 1983, 1986, 1989), one silver (1987), and one bronze (1985) in the World Championships, playing for the Soviet Union. Larionov also won three Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998, 2002). With CSKA and the Soviet national team, Larionov centered Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov on the famed KLM Line.

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