Alexei Kasatonov played for the New Jersey Devils from 1989 to 1993
October 14th marked the 65th birthday of Alexei Kasatonov, one of the legendary members of the “Soviet Five” with Slava Fetisov and the KLM trio - Vladimir Krutov, Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov. Representing the Soviet Union national team, Kasatonov and the rest of the “Soviet Five” won the Soviet Union’s only Canada Cup; defeating Wayne Gretzky and Team Canada in the final by a score of 8-1. Kasatonov led the USSR national team in scoring during the tournament with 12 points and was named to the tournament All-Star team.
Playing For the Red Machine
A two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion, Kasatonov was able to head over to the NHL when he was 30 years old, signing with the New Jersey Devils in December 1989. During his seven years in the NHL, he suited up for the Devils, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1978 NHL Draft in the eighth round (145th overall), and the New Jersey Devils snagged Kasatonov in the 12th round (225th overall) of the 1983 NHL Draft after Montreal had relinquished his rights. The New Jersey Devils took a chance in drafting Kasatonov back in 1983, when the Soviet Union was under the leadership of former KGB chairman, Yuri Andropov. At the time, Russian athletes weren’t allowed to play abroad, and it didn’t look like that policy was about to change anytime soon.
“I think the abundance of players from Russia that played for the New Jersey Devils in the first half of the 90s was not a coincidence," Kasatonov said in an interview with RG.org. "It's not just about general manager, Lou Lamoriello, who treated us with great respect, but, also, about the owner of the club, Dr. John McMullen, who did business with the Soviet Union. He foresaw that there would be changes in the USSR, and drafted Slava and me back in 1983.
I am sure that if he hadn't had contacts with the USSR, Fetisov’s transfer, which was negotiated by Soviet ambassador, Yuri Dubinin during New Jersey’s 1989 Super Series game against the Red Army, would have been impossible.”
Kasatonov readily recalls how, with the permission of CSKA management, New Jersey representatives brought him and Fetisov to the horse races, introduced them to McMullen and were generally very courteous. However, at that time the emphasis was on Fetisov, the captain of the Red Army team; and Kasatonov was actively dealt from CSKA with six months after Kasatonov’s departure.
Kasatonov Makes the Move To The NHL
In an effort to get Kasatonov signed, Lamoriello went to Moscow for the annual December Izvestia Prize. He lived in the poorly heated, still completely “Soviet Ukraine” hotel in one of the seven Moscow Stalin skyscrapers, with terrible old rooms and women on duty on each floor monitoring the movements of each guest. During that visit, Lamoriello was able to get Kasatonov signed to a contract, which ultimately ended up being double the salary of their original offer.
When Kasatonov arrived in North America at the end of 1989, there was a little bit of a culture shock. It was still a time when anti-Soviet sentiments were strong. They were generally well welcomed, but some around the NHL weren’t as accommodating as others.
“Back then, many people treated us this way. For example, Don Cherry, an extravagant person - first a coach, then a TV host, flaunting colorful jackets. I remember Fetisov and I were already playing in New Jersey and went to attend the wedding of Devils captain, Kirk Muller. Lou Lamoriello brought us there. We went in, Cherry saw us - and demonstratively turned away. He greeted everyone, but did not greet us. Cherry was eventually able to make peace with the Russians in the NHL, even speaking well of some Russian players publicly.”
Waiting for them as they joined the New Jersey Devils was legendary Slovak forward Peter Stastny - one of three brothers who fled from socialist Czechoslovakia to Canada.
It was a very interesting dynamic for him, playing with two defensemen who exemplified the power of Soviet hockey at the time. As it turned out, Stastny even helped the two legendary Russian defensemen to reconcile in New Jersey, after having had a falling out in the late 80s before leaving for North America.
“Everything was great with Stastny. We played also played together in St. Louis later. From a political point of view, he always had a tough position. He was against communists and the Soviet system. But we played in America and discussed these topics like adults, without foaming at the mouth. Everyone has the right to their own opinions, like with any topic.
“Peter is a highly educated person, speaking four or five languages, including Russian. Stastny took the time to us in Russian to make sure he wouldn’t forget it. Stastny and Fetisov lived close by to each other in the same village, so we would often meet up in their neck of the woods. At first, things with Slava were tense, but it became easier over time, as Peter helped out. He invited both Slava and I on holidays with him, forcing us to communicate and eventually bury the hatchet.”
Kasatonov never tires of talking about the respect that all his New Jersey teammates showed him. They did everything they could to reconcile the two legendary Soviet hockey players and former best friends:
“When I flew out of Moscow, I was tense. Especially considering the relationship with Slava, who had already been playing there for six months. Who knew how the team was going to welcome me? It was only later that I realized that the main thing in the NHL is to play, and then everything will be fine. And I was in good shape - I had gone through the preseason at CSKA, and was leaving in the middle of the season, which really helped me. I’ll always be thankful for my teammates and Lamoriello, the man who created a real family atmosphere with the Devils, for the way they received me.”
Kasatonov's roommate on the road was none other than former NHL All-Star and current Toronto president, Brendan Shanahan.
Shanahan was the kind of guy that wanted to fight with the entire league, as a rookie. A true Canadian! He played great, had a crazy shot, had a nose for the net. Off the ice, he was a very interesting guy, a crowd favorite and quite popular with the ladies. I would have laughed out loud if someone had told me that Shanny would eventually become the NHL ‘Chief Disciplinarian’ and would be handing out suspensions to players. He was a real smasher.“
When Shanny left for St. Louis, Lou who used to treat him like a son, was hyping us up: ‘Beat Shanahan, play extremely hard!’ I am a disciplined person, so I do what my bosses tell me. After the game, Brendan and I went for a couple of beers - St. Louis has great beer. He even asked me: ‘Alex, why did you hit me like that, I don't understand? I didn't expect that from you.’ And I told him: ‘Lou gave the order not to let you through.’
Kasatonov laughs, reflecting on the interesting turn of fate. Many years later, Shanahan, who became the president of Toronto Maple Leafs, hired Lamoriello, who was already over 70, as general manager. Despite the relationship that had deteriorated between them after Shanahan's move to St. Louis, he still continued to value and respect Lamoriello.
Dealing With The Fall of the USSR
In August 1991, the collapsing Soviet Union was hit by a coup by reactionary forces, who wanted to return the country to its former glory. At that time, Kasatonov was in Finland with the Soviet national team preparing for the Canada Cup, and was supposed to return to the USSR the next day.
“As soon as the tanks entered Moscow, Lamoriello called me in Helsinki: ‘Let's take you out of there right away.’ The national team and I were supposed to return home, and then, only upon arriving home, fly back to North America. So I said no, because I didn't want to leave the national team without permission. When I got to Moscow, I drove to the airport by car, because I was flying to New Jersey before heading to the Canada Cup, but it was very dangerous. To avoid any problems, I asked one of my friends, who had been through the war in Afghanistan, to put on a uniform with medals and drive me to the airport. I remember we were driving to Sheremetyevo, and tanks were coming towards us. The situation was very unpredictable, since none of us knew how these events would unfold, but we got through it.
Playing Against the Best In the NHL
Kasatonov calls Wayne Gretzky the best player of all time, but admits that it was harder to play against Mario Lemieux because of his size and speed.
“In my second season, we played against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. We lost to the Penguins in Game 7, and Pittsburgh eventually went on to win the Stanley Cup. Mario Lemieux was in his prime, and Jaromir Jagr had a great start to his career; giving Pittsburgh two powerhouse lines to contend with.
"I played against Lemieux's line more often, and, by that time in New Jersey I had earned the reputation of being a top shut-down defenseman. It was very interesting. Mario is a calm guy, a gentleman on the ice, but he also knew how to stand up for himself. Once I played dirty against him, then he hit me in the back so hard! I turned around, and Lemieux kind of smirked, hinting that I kind of deserved it.
Kasatonov remembers how young Russian superstar Sergei Fedorov relaying messages from the Detroit Red Wings management team about not to signing a new contract with New Jersey, since the Red Wings really wanted him. Other NHL clubs don’t have the right to directly negotiate with pending free agents, and therefore the Red Wings had to go through Alexei's fellow Russians. Unfortunately for Detroit, not only was the defenseman was very attached to the Devils, but Lamoriello told his agent: "No matter what contract anyone offers him, I’ll match it."
In the end, Kasatonov signed a contract extension with New Jersey, tripling his salary and spending three and a half seasons with the club; with the Devils forever having a special place in his heart. After retiring, Kasatonov played for the club’s veterans’ teams in many charity games, since he had become so familiar with the state of New Jersey.
A Move to Anaheim: Invite to the NHL All Star Game
During the 1993 expansion draft, following a difficult 1992-93 season mired by illness, the Devils chose not to protect him. The then 34-year-old was quickly picked up by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
“The management of the Mighty Ducks - president Tony Tavares and general manager Jack Ferreira - were big fans of Soviet hockey, which is why they picked me. My wife Zhanna would talk with them and their wives all the time during the games. Anaheim had a different philosophy compared to New Jersey; it was necessary to participate in various public events to improve ticket sales for the new franchise. Disney, which owned the club, is an entertainment company, so we were often involved in various off-ice events that promoted the team.
"And what a stadium they built! Granite, marble, palm trees all around – the investors didn’t spare any expense. They even brought a mobile casino there during the games, giving fans the opportunity to gamble. Somehow Anaheim managed to get permission to set this all up, despite gambling being prohibited in California. We even acted as croupiers at a couple of events!”
It was during his time in Anaheim that Kasatonov was named to the 1994 NHL All-Star Game, which was held in New York.
He recalls that Gary Bettman held the final reception in one of the “Twin Towers” of the World Trade Center, which would be destroyed by terrorists seven and a half years later. And he adds:
“It was a long flight, of course, but it was worth it. You get out of the hotel elevator on your floor, and there is Paul Coffey just standing there and waiting for someone. Everyone was extremely relaxed, and there was an opportunity to get to mingle with other players.”
But Kasatonov spent less than a season in Anaheim, since he openly expressed dissatisfaction with the excessive freedom that the coaches gave the players. The two-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion and Canada Cup winner was accustomed to high demands and goals, and he couldn’t come to terms with the fact that the Ducks weren’t doing everything to be competitive.
“I didn’t really understand all this excessive freedom, and as a result, head coach Ron Wilson had me traded. He mostly communicated with the tough guys, he felt more comfortable with them. I thought that we could played better, and for that we needed to demand more from ourselves. I was nervous, and that was probably somehow not the Californian way. During one of the games, Wilson and I had a small debate on the bench; he said something to me, I snapped back and, a minute later, I had already forgotten about the exchange."
End of NHL Career: Back to Basics
Kasatonov then went to St. Louis to play with Brett Hull, whose father, Bobby Hull, once presented a young Kasatonov with the award for Player of the Game in during a youth series game in Winnipeg which included the CSKA youth team and some players from Leningrad SKA. But his time with the Blues was short-lived, as he found himself with the Boston Bruins the following season; the last stint of his NHL career.
“I had two offers. The first was from Calgary, but, as soon as the Bruins called and gave me a two-year contract, I immediately agreed. It was close to home in New Jersey, they were a good club, it was good money.”
During the preseason of his first season in Boston, Kasatonov took part in the last game in the history of the legendary Boston Gardens arena against the Montreal Canadiens. He recalls that the Bruins fans who were allowed onto the ice after the game collected everything in sight, even the water from the ice water bottles. The arena was so dear to them.
“After that game, the fans were also allowed to take the chairs from the seats for which they had season tickets. The seats were wooden back then, and people just went crazy, dismantling the arena for souvenirs.”
If Alexey had a good relationship with head coach Brian Sutter, it was the complete opposite with Steve Casper, who replaced Sutter has Bruins head coach in 1995. According to the defenseman, the young coach, who was two years his junior, had complexes in terms of communicating with veterans. In fact, the team was truly led by Ray Bourque, who had much more gravitas than Casper.
For reason or another, Kasatonov was sent to Providence, Boston's AHL farm club, in his second season in Boston. It was in Providence, after a game against Hartford where Alexey scored two goals, that Kasatonov’s his lifelong coach, Viktor Tikhonov came to him with an offer. Tikhonov came to him and invited him to return to CSKA for a season, to lead a very young club in the now defunct RSL. Kasatonov gave him a verbal agreement, seeing that his seven-year NHL career was ending and made the move back to Russia. That season in CSKA, when he had two cars stolen in crime-ridden Russia, would ultimately be the last of his professional hockey career.
Fond Memories of an Eventful Career
Kasatonov is happy that he got the opportunity to play for quite a long time in the best hockey league in the world, even participating in an All-Star Game, but doesn’t regret that he did not go there before the age of 30. Due to the socio-political situation in the USSR, it was simply not possible to leave early, and he was part of a dream team that thundered around the world for many years and won all kinds of championships in international hockey.
That legacy lives on even into the future, as he continued to teach the next generation of hockey players. In fact, the 2004 movie “Miracle,” about how the Red Machine, which included Kasatonov on its roster, lost to American students at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, led to children flocking to Alexei’s hockey school, which was operating near New York, in huge numbers.
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
