Career
A top offensive-minded defenceman for many years in the Soviet Union, Tatarinov was selected in the 1984 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, however it was another six years before he finally had a chance to play in the National Hockey League. He was also part of the Soviet team that took on the National Hockey League All-Stars in Rendez-vous "87. In 1990, Tatarinov finally was able to come over to North America to play for the Capitals, and became the first young Soviet player to play in the National Hockey League without defecting.
He played one season with the Capitals before he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, and had a very good season on a very bad Nordiques team in the 91–92.
His second season with Quebec was limited by injuries. Tatarinov signed with the Boston Bruins prior to the 1993-1994 National Hockey League season, and played in just two games for the Bruins before injuries forced him to retire.
He later struggled with alcoholism and spent time in jail for murder after his career ended.
