Internationally, he represented the Soviet Union men's national ice hockey team and later the Russia men's national ice hockey team.

Before the National Hockey League (NHL), he started his career with Khimik Voskresensk in the Soviet Championship League (1982–1985) and then played for the powerhouse club CSKA Moscow (1985–1991).

In 1991 he moved to the NHL, where he played for the Quebec Nordiques (1991–1995, spending the 1994 lockout break in HC Ambri-Piotta, Switzerland), Colorado Avalanche (1995–1999), New York Rangers (1999–2001), Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils (2001–2002).

[2] The goal was used in the opening intro for the NHL 98 video game.

[3] He also scored the first goal in the Avalanche's history in Denver since the relocation from Quebec City.