Vladimir Krutov

Vladimir Krutov was a Soviet ice hockey left wing who was a dominant force in international hockey during the 1980s. A key member of the legendary KLM line alongside Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov, he helped the Soviet national team achieve numerous victories. Renowned for his powerful physique, exceptional puck-handling, and scoring prowess, his later career was marked by a difficult transition to the NHL and subsequent health issues.

Early life and career

Born in Moscow, Krutov began his organized hockey career within the famed CSKA Moscow sports club system, the central army team of the Soviet Union. He made his senior debut for HC CSKA Moscow in the Soviet Championship League during the 1978-79 season, quickly establishing himself as a prolific scorer. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Viktor Tikhonov, Krutov developed into a complete player, winning multiple Soviet Championship League titles with the Red Army club. His domestic success was built on a combination of raw strength, a powerful shot, and an uncanny ability to protect the puck, making him a cornerstone of the dominant HC CSKA Moscow dynasty throughout the 1980s.

Playing style and legacy

Krutov was famously nicknamed "The Tank" for his low center of gravity, formidable strength, and seemingly unstoppable rushes down the left wing. His playing style was a unique blend of power and finesse, utilizing his body to shield the puck while maintaining superb stickhandling skills in tight spaces. He formed one of the most celebrated forward units in hockey history, the KLM line, with center Igor Larionov and right wing Sergei Makarov; their chemistry was instrumental for both HC CSKA Moscow and the Soviet Union national ice hockey team. While his later career struggles somewhat overshadowed his peak, his legacy remains that of a quintessential power forward who dominated during the Soviet Union's golden era, influencing a generation of Russian hockey players.

International play

Krutov's international career with the Soviet Union national ice hockey team was extraordinarily decorated. He was a pivotal figure in the nation's continued dominance, winning Olympic gold medals at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. He also captured multiple IIHF World Championship gold medals, often being named a tournament all-star and leading in scoring, as he did at the 1983 World Championships in West Germany. His performances in the Canada Cup were particularly notable, including a starring role in the Soviet victory at the 1981 Canada Cup and the epic final series against Wayne Gretzky's Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup.

Post-playing career and death

After the 1988 Olympics, Krutov was permitted to join the NHL, drafted by the Vancouver Canucks. His single season in Vancouver in 1989-90 was considered a major disappointment, as he struggled with conditioning and adaptation to the North American game. He subsequently played briefly in Switzerland for Zürich SC and in Sweden for Leksands IF before retiring. In his post-playing years, Krutov battled well-publicized weight and alcohol problems, and he worked in various administrative and scouting roles for Russian hockey federations. He died in Moscow in 2012 from internal bleeding, with complications from liver cirrhosis and diabetes cited as contributing factors.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Krutov received significant recognition for his on-ice achievements. He was awarded the esteemed Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR title. In international tournament play, he was named the best forward at the 1983 World Championships and to the All-Star team at the 1987 Canada Cup. His jersey number 9 has been retired by HC CSKA Moscow. In 2010, he was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greats of European hockey.

Category:1960 births Category:2012 deaths Category:Soviet ice hockey players Category:Russian ice hockey players Category:IIHF Hall of Fame inductees