Oleg Kvasha
A third-round pick who debuted for Florida in 1998–99 and was traded after two seasons.
Oleg Vladimirovich Kvasha (Russian: Олег Владимирович Кваша; born July 26, 1978) is a Russian former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders and the Phoenix Coyotes. He was chosen in the third round, 65th overall, by the Florida Panthers in the 1996 NHL entry draft. Kvasha made his NHL debut with the Panthers in the 1998–99 season, appearing in 68 games as a rookie for 12 goals and 25 points. After completing his second season with the Panthers, on June 24, 2000, Kvasha was dealt by Florida to the New York Islanders with winger Mark Parrish for goaltender Roberto Luongo and center Olli Jokinen.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Centre
- Shoots
- Right
- Born
- 26 July 1978
- Birthplace
- Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
- Draft
- 65th overall
- Drafted by
- Florida Panthers
Lore & Background
Kvasha's time with the Florida Panthers was brief but marked by a solid rookie campaign. Drafted 65th overall in 1996, he stepped into the NHL for the 1998–99 season and played 68 games, scoring 12 goals and adding 13 assists for 25 points. That rookie production showed promise as a young forward. However, after his second season with the Panthers, the organization made a major move on June 24, 2000, sending Kvasha and winger Mark Parrish to the New York Islanders in exchange for goaltender Roberto Luongo and center Olli Jokinen. That trade ended Kvasha's tenure in Florida after just two NHL seasons, but it remains a notable piece of Panthers history as a blockbuster deal that reshaped the franchise.
Did You Know?
- As a youth, Kvasha played in the 1992 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from Moscow.
- Kvasha won a bronze medal representing Russia at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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