Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Pavel Dorofeyev is a Russian professional ice hockey forward who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 26, 2000, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, Dorofeyev grew up in a family with strong connections to professional hockey.
His father is Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev, a former professional hockey player who later became a youth hockey coach. His mother has also supported his development, although her name has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.
Regarding his romantic life, Dorofeyev is married to Valeria Dorofeyeva, whom he met in Magnitogorsk, Russia. The couple married in 2021 and have supported one another throughout his professional hockey career in North America.
Although his marriage and father’s hockey background are publicly documented, reliable information about whether Dorofeyev has children or siblings remains limited.
Pavel Dorofeyev’s Wife: Who Is Valeria Dorofeyeva?
Pavel Dorofeyev’s wife is Valeria Dorofeyeva, a Russian woman originally from Magnitogorsk.
The couple met in Magnitogorsk, the city where Pavel spent several important years developing his hockey career with the Metallurg organization.
According to Russian publications Sport-Express and E1.ru, Pavel and Valeria developed a romantic relationship before getting married in 2021.
Valeria subsequently accompanied her husband to North America, where he continued his professional career with the Vegas Golden Knights organization.
Their marriage has also been independently confirmed by NHL.com, which identified Valeria as Dorofeyev’s wife in an article published on September 20, 2026.
When Did Pavel Dorofeyev Get Married?
Pavel Dorofeyev and Valeria married during the summer of 2021.
The wedding took place during an important period in Pavel’s professional career, shortly after he signed his first NHL contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Russian media reported that Valeria was originally from Magnitogorsk and had developed a relationship with Dorofeyev while he was playing hockey in the city.
Following their marriage, the couple established their life in North America.
Although their wedding year is publicly documented, the precise wedding date and details of their ceremony have not been independently verified through official NHL reporting.
Who Is Valeria Dorofeyeva?
Valeria Dorofeyeva is publicly known as the wife of Russian NHL forward Pavel Dorofeyev.
She grew up in Magnitogorsk, a city in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region that is closely associated with professional ice hockey.
Valeria has shared photographs documenting her life with Pavel, including their travels, family activities, and experiences living in the United States.
According to a July 2026 report published by E1.ru, the couple enjoys traveling and spending time together away from the hockey rink.
However, Valeria maintains a relatively private personal life despite her husband’s growing recognition in the NHL.
Reliable public sources provide limited information about her education, professional occupation, and family background.
Pavel and Valeria’s Life in Las Vegas
After Pavel joined the Vegas Golden Knights organization in 2021, the couple began establishing their life in the United States.
Initially, Dorofeyev spent considerable time developing with the Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas’s American Hockey League affiliate.
As he progressed into the NHL, he and Valeria adjusted to the demands of professional hockey, including frequent travel and changing schedules.
The couple also welcomed a pet dog named Buddy into their household.
Russian media coverage published in July 2026 included photographs of the couple with their dog, highlighting another part of their family life away from hockey.
Valeria’s presence provided companionship and personal support as Dorofeyev continued developing his career thousands of miles from his relatives in Russia.
Valeria Supports Pavel’s Move to New York
Another important chapter in the couple’s life began in June 2026, when the New York Rangers acquired Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights.
On June 30, 2026, he signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Rangers.
The move required the couple to establish a new home on the East Coast.
During a September 2026 interview with NHL.com, Dorofeyev explained that he had considered living in New York City with Valeria.
However, he ultimately preferred Connecticut because he was already familiar with the area.
For several summers, he had rented accommodation in Connecticut while training at Prentiss Hockey in Stamford.
He appreciated the area’s quieter surroundings and the opportunity to maintain a familiar routine.
His familiarity with Connecticut also made the transition to the Rangers organization easier.
Valeria remained an important part of his personal life as he began another stage of his NHL career.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Pavel Dorofeyev and his wife, Valeria, have children.
Although their marriage has been discussed by NHL.com and established Russian sports publications, available reporting does not identify any sons or daughters.
The couple has shared some details about their life together, including their travels and pet dog, but neither has been reliably reported as announcing the birth of a child.
Therefore, whether Dorofeyev is a father remains unconfirmed.
It would be inaccurate to claim that he has a particular number of children without credible supporting evidence.
Pavel Dorofeyev’s Parents
Pavel Dorofeyev grew up in a family that was already familiar with the demands of professional ice hockey.
His father, Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev, enjoyed a playing career in Russia before becoming a coach.
Both parents encouraged Pavel’s involvement in the sport, and the family relocated between several Russian cities to support professional and developmental opportunities.
According to NHL.com, his parents later established their residence in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Father: Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev
Pavel Dorofeyev’s father is Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev, a former Russian professional ice hockey forward and youth hockey coach.
Igor developed his hockey abilities through the sports system in Nizhny Tagil, the same city where Pavel was born.
During his playing career, he represented Sputnik Nizhny Tagil, competing in Russia’s second-tier professional hockey league.
Following his retirement as a player, Igor pursued a career in coaching and helped develop younger generations of hockey players.
His professional background played an especially important role in introducing Pavel to the sport.
How Igor Dorofeyev Introduced Pavel to Hockey
Pavel began skating when he was approximately four years old.
According to a June 2019 interview published by the Kontinental Hockey League, his parents introduced him to organized hockey at an early age.
The decision was influenced by his father’s experience as a professional player and coach.
Although Pavel initially struggled with skating, he quickly developed an enthusiasm for the sport.
He later recalled enjoying hockey almost immediately after beginning lessons.
Importantly, his parents did not force him to continue playing.
They wanted him to participate in a sport he genuinely enjoyed rather than pursue hockey exclusively because of his father’s background.
His growing interest eventually developed into a serious ambition to become a professional player.
Igor Dorofeyev’s Coaching Career
After retiring from professional hockey, Igor began working with youth players.
His coaching responsibilities eventually took the family to different Russian cities.
In 2010, Igor received an opportunity to work with Gazovik Tyumen’s youth hockey program.
The family relocated to Tyumen, allowing Pavel to continue developing through the organization’s youth teams.
He subsequently played for the Tyumenskiy Legion junior program.
Approximately five years later, the family moved to Magnitogorsk.
Igor worked with the Metallurg hockey development system, while Pavel joined the organization’s youth academy.
The move proved particularly important because it allowed Pavel to compete within one of Russia’s established professional hockey organizations.
In an interview published by HC Chelmet, Dorofeyev explained that the family’s earlier relocations had primarily been connected to his father’s employment.
However, their later move back to Magnitogorsk was also influenced by Pavel’s own hockey development.
Igor subsequently worked with youth hockey programs in Saint Petersburg.
During the Chelmet interview, Pavel identified his father as a coach associated with Dynamo Saint Petersburg.
Although Igor’s coaching career has been publicly documented, his precise current coaching position has not been independently confirmed.
How His Father’s Experience Helped Pavel Reach the NHL
Growing up with a former professional player gave Pavel an early understanding of the discipline required to succeed in hockey.
His father understood the challenges of competitive sports, including demanding training schedules, setbacks, and competition for playing opportunities.
The family’s moves between Nizhny Tagil, Tyumen, and Magnitogorsk allowed Pavel to experience different development systems.
These opportunities helped him improve his skating, puck handling, and offensive abilities.
By his teenage years, he had developed into a promising forward within the Metallurg organization.
His progress eventually led to his selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
In an October 2025 NHL.com profile, Dorofeyev’s father was again recognized as one of the important influences on his childhood hockey development.
Mother: Pavel Dorofeyev’s Mother
Pavel Dorofeyev’s mother has been an important part of his family support system, although her name has not been reliably established in the public sources reviewed.
She helped raise Pavel in Russia while the family moved between several cities because of his father’s playing and coaching career.
In an interview with HC Chelmet, Dorofeyev discussed how both parents accompanied him through different stages of his hockey development.
He also explained that his mother and father eventually moved to Saint Petersburg after he completed his training in Magnitogorsk.
Despite the geographical distance created by his professional career in North America, his parents have remained connected to his life.
In an October 2025 interview with NHL.com, Dorofeyev revealed that his parents, who were living in Saint Petersburg, planned to visit him in Las Vegas during the Golden Knights’ upcoming homestand.
The visit represented an opportunity to spend time together after living in different countries.
Although his mother’s support is documented, details about her professional occupation, education, and personal background have not been reliably published.
Her name should not be assumed without credible verification.
Pavel Dorofeyev’s Siblings
There is no reliable public information establishing whether Pavel Dorofeyev has brothers or sisters.
His interviews with the Kontinental Hockey League, HC Chelmet, NHL.com, and other established sports publications focus primarily on his parents, particularly his father’s playing and coaching career.
These sources do not identify a biological brother or sister.
Consequently, it is not possible to confirm whether he is an only child or has siblings who prefer to remain outside the public spotlight.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev Have a Brother?
No brother has been reliably identified in the established interviews and official hockey biographies reviewed.
Dorofeyev has maintained close relationships with several fellow Russian hockey players, including former Vegas teammate Ivan Barbashev.
In interviews, Barbashev has been described as an older-brother figure because of his mentorship and support.
However, this description refers to their friendship and professional relationship, not a confirmed biological family connection.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev Have a Sister?
No sister has been reliably identified through established hockey reporting.
Although information about Dorofeyev’s parents and wife is publicly available, his extended family background remains relatively private.
Without reliable documentation, identifying someone as his sister would be speculative.
Pavel Dorofeyev’s Childhood and Family Background
Pavel Dorofeyev was born in Nizhny Tagil, an industrial city in Russia’s Sverdlovsk region.
His family was closely connected to hockey because his father played professionally and later worked as a coach.
Pavel began skating at approximately four years old and quickly developed an interest in the sport.
His early hockey development took place in Nizhny Tagil before the family relocated to Tyumen.
There, he joined the Gazovik youth hockey system and continued improving his abilities.
When the family moved to Magnitogorsk, he joined Metallurg’s development program.
In 2017, he began playing for Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk in Russia’s Junior Hockey League.
His strong offensive performances helped him earn opportunities with Metallurg’s senior team in the Kontinental Hockey League.
By 2018, Dorofeyev had made his KHL debut, representing an important milestone in his professional development.
Throughout these stages, his family provided support while helping him adjust to new cities, teams, and training environments.
Pavel Dorofeyev’s Journey From Russia to the NHL
Pavel Dorofeyev attracted attention from NHL scouts while playing in Russia’s junior and professional hockey leagues.
During the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights selected him in the third round with the 79th overall pick.
He continued developing in Russia before signing a three-year entry-level contract with Vegas on January 25, 2021.
After moving to North America, he joined the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League.
His performances with Henderson eventually earned him opportunities with Vegas.
He scored his first NHL goal on March 12, 2023, against the St. Louis Blues.
The goal was unusual because the puck struck his helmet visor before entering the net.
During the 2024-25 season, Dorofeyev established himself as one of the Golden Knights’ leading goal scorers, finishing with 35 goals.
He continued improving during the 2025-26 season, recording 37 goals and 64 points in 82 regular-season games.
His performance helped Vegas reach the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, where the Golden Knights lost to the Carolina Hurricanes.
On June 26, 2026, the New York Rangers acquired Dorofeyev in a trade with Vegas.
Four days later, he signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with New York.
The move provided a major new opportunity for the Russian forward and marked another important transition in his family life with Valeria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pavel Dorofeyev’s Family
Who is Pavel Dorofeyev’s girlfriend?
Pavel Dorofeyev’s former girlfriend and longtime romantic partner is Valeria Dorofeyeva, who is now his wife.
Who is Pavel Dorofeyev’s wife?
His wife is Valeria Dorofeyeva, a Russian woman originally from Magnitogorsk. Their marriage was confirmed by NHL.com in September 2026.
When did Pavel Dorofeyev get married?
Russian media report that Pavel Dorofeyev and Valeria married during the summer of 2021.
How did Pavel Dorofeyev meet his wife?
Pavel met Valeria in Magnitogorsk, Russia, where he spent several years developing his professional hockey career.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Pavel Dorofeyev has children.
Who are Pavel Dorofeyev’s parents?
His father is Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev, a former professional hockey player and coach. His mother’s name has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Who is Pavel Dorofeyev’s father?
His father is Igor Pavlovich Dorofeyev, who played for Sputnik Nizhny Tagil before becoming a youth hockey coach.
Who is Pavel Dorofeyev’s mother?
His mother is a Russian woman who supported his development through several family relocations. Her name and professional background have not been reliably documented publicly.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev have siblings?
There is no verified public information establishing whether Pavel Dorofeyev has brothers or sisters.
Did Pavel Dorofeyev’s father play professional hockey?
Yes. Igor Dorofeyev played professionally in Russia, including for Sputnik Nizhny Tagil, before becoming a hockey coach.
Where do Pavel Dorofeyev’s parents live?
His parents have been reported as living in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Does Pavel Dorofeyev have a dog?
Yes. Pavel and his wife, Valeria, have been pictured with their pet dog named Buddy.
Where is Pavel Dorofeyev’s family from?
Pavel Dorofeyev was born in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. His family later lived in Tyumen and Magnitogorsk, while his parents subsequently settled in Saint Petersburg.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
