Vyacheslav is the brother of former professional hockey player Yuri Butsayev.

Butsayev played in the Soviet Union for several seasons before coming to North America, including three seasons with powerhouse club HC CSKA Moscow.

He joined the Flyers for the 1992–93 season, playing in 52 games and scoring 16 points.

Butsayev was a journeyman in the NHL, playing for the Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

[1] In 2014, he was appointed as a head coach of the newly created KHL expansion team - Sochi Leopards.