Former NHL player and Olympic Gold Medalist dead at 55

2023 brings more sad news from the hockey world. On Monday it was announced Belurussian ice hockey player Sergei "Bam Bam" Bautin has passed away at the age of 55. Drafted in the 1st round, 17th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft; Bautin who played the majority of his career in Winnipeg for the Jets as well as very short stints in Detroit playing for the Red Wings while finishing his North American career in San Jose for the Sharks. In 132 games, Bautin had five goals, twenty-five assists for 30 points along with 176 penalty minutes.

After leaving North America, Bautin had stints in Sweden, Russia and Germany to finish his career. Bautin also participated at the 1997 World Championships for the Russian National team where he tallied two assists and fourteen penalty minutes in nine games.

We here at Blade of Steel send our condolences to Bautin's family