Igor Larionov Siblings: Getting to Know Evgeny Larionov
Igor Nikolayevich Larionov, born on December 3, 1960, in Voskresensk, Russia, is a former professional ice hockey player, coach, and sports agent.
Nicknamed “the Professor” for his cerebral approach to the game, Larionov’s career spanned nearly three decades, from 1977 to 2006, and included significant contributions to both Soviet and NHL hockey.
His legacy extends beyond the rink, as he played a pivotal role in breaking barriers for Soviet players to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL), alongside his teammate Viacheslav Fetisov.
Larionov is married to former Soviet figure skater Elena Batanova, and together they have three children: Alyonka, Diana, and Igor Larionov II.
Siblings
Igor has one sibling, a brother named Evgeny Larionov.
However, not much is known about Evgeny, including his personal life or career pursuits, as he lives a private life compared to his famous brother.
Career
Larionov’s hockey career began in the Soviet League with Khimik Voskresensk in 1977, where he debuted as a teenager.
By the 1980–81 season, he had joined CSKA Moscow, the powerhouse of Soviet hockey, where he played alongside linemates Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov on the famed “KLM Line.”
This trio dominated the Soviet League, winning eight consecutive championships from 1982 to 1989.
Larionov’s skill as a playmaking center earned him the Soviet MVP title in 1988, with a career-high 32 assists and 57 points that season.
His resistance to the restrictive Soviet system, including coach Viktor Tikhonov’s authoritarian methods, made him a vocal advocate for player freedom, culminating in his and Fetisov’s efforts to secure permission for Soviet players to join the NHL.
In 1989, Larionov joined the Vancouver Canucks, marking his NHL debut at age 29.
Despite the late start, he quickly adapted, playing three seasons with the Canucks before a stint with HC Lugano in Switzerland in 1992–93.
Also Read: Jaime Pressly Siblings: Getting to Know Jessica and James Liston Pressly Jr.
He returned to the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, where he reunited with Makarov and led the team to a surprising playoff upset against the Detroit Red Wings in 1994.
In 1995, Larionov was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he became a cornerstone of the “Russian Five” alongside Fetisov, Sergei Fedorov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, and Vladimir Konstantinov.
This unit helped Detroit win Stanley Cups in 1997 and 1998.
After a brief, unsuccessful stint with the Florida Panthers in 2000, Larionov returned to Detroit, contributing to a third Stanley Cup in 2002, highlighted by his game-winning goal in triple overtime during the Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.
He concluded his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils in 2003–04 and played his final professional games with Brunflo IK in Sweden in 2005–06.
Post-retirement, Larionov transitioned into roles as a sports agent, mentoring young Russian players, and as a coach.
He served as director of hockey operations for SKA Saint Petersburg in 2008 and later coached Russia’s junior national team in 2020 and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL starting in 2022.
In 2025, he was named head coach of SKA Saint Petersburg, further cementing his influence in Russian hockey.
Accolades
In the Soviet League, Larionov won eight championships (1982–89) and was named MVP in 1988.
He was selected to a record seven Soviet Championship best lines (1982–87, 1989).
Internationally, Larionov’s achievements are equally impressive: he secured two Olympic gold medals (1984, 1988), a bronze in 2002, four World Championship golds, and a Canada Cup in 1981.
In the NHL, he won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002), with his 2002 triple-overtime goal standing as a historic moment, making him the oldest player to score in a Stanley Cup Final at the time.
Larionov’s contributions were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, the sixth Russian-born player to receive the honor, and the IIHF Hall of Fame in the same year.
His career totals include 169 goals and 644 points in 921 NHL games, with 97 playoff points in 150 games, underscoring his clutch performance in high-stakes moments.