Pavel Bure

702 NHL Games (VAN, FLA, NYR)

437 G, 342 A, 702 PTS

1991-92 Calder Memorial Trophy winner

x2 Maurice “Rocket” Richard winner (1999-00, 2000-01)

x6 NHL All-Star (’93, ’93, ’97, ’98, ’00, 01)

2012 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee

Named among 100 Greatest Players by NHL

The year was 2001, the host was Brett Lindros, and the player was Pavel Bure

The Russian-born forward quickly became known for his speed and knack for scoring goals after making his NHL debut in 1991-92 known by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy with a 60-point season. 

Sophomore slump? Not a chance. Bure followed the impressive rookie season by hitting 60 again – 60 goals that is – as part of 110 points. It was the first of back-to-back seasons in which the winger would score exactly 60 goals and surpass 100 points. (107 points in 1993-94).

This week's episode features a visit to Florida, where Bure gets up close and personal with a gator while opening up about his time so far in the Sunshine State – namely getting the opportunity to play with his brother, Valeri. Also on deck is a very special trip to Moscow, where Bure had the opportunity to present underprivileged youth with brand new hockey gear, courtesy of NHLPA Goals & Dreams.

"It was great to see those kids, they were so happy. It's not just that it made me feel good," Bure paused thoughtfully. "I'm trying to put myself where those kids are right now – when I was a kid, if someone gave me hockey skates or a uniform I would be so happy. When I saw those guys, I could kind of feel it from them."

Also featured in this episode is a sit down with Colin Patterson, formerly of the Calgary Flames and a 1989 Stanley Cup Champion, who unofficially became the first player to have a dedicated day with the Stanley Cup!

Then and now

Bure helped his native Russia medal at the Olympics twice over his international career, including a bronze at Salt Lake City 2002 and a silver at Nagano 1998.

He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2017, Bure was named among the 100 Greatest NHL Players as part of the league's centennial celebration.

Full Be A Player: Rewind series here