In a candid new interview that’s sending shockwaves through both the sports and finance worlds, St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich opened up about his staggering $70.6 million in career earnings – and a surprising alternative career path he believes he could have mastered: Wall Street investing.
The 29-year-old Russian winger, who has completed four standout seasons in the NHL, has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most skilled and consistent offensive threats. But behind the boards and blistering slap shots lies a lesser-known passion: the stock market.
“I’ve always been interested in finance, numbers, market trends – even as a kid,” Buchnevich told a local St. Louis news outlet. “If hockey didn’t work out, I honestly think I could have done something on Wall Street. I just love how it moves, how strategic it is.”
A Rising Star On and Off the Ice
Since debuting in the NHL in 2016, Buchnevich has steadily built a career that blends scoring prowess with elite playmaking ability. After beginning with the New York Rangers, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2021, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s offense.
Despite the article headline mistakenly inflating his earnings to $70.6 billion (a typo that’s since gone viral), Buchnevich’s actual career earnings are no small feat. Based on public contract data and endorsement deals, his estimated earnings currently sit at just over $26 million, with several years left on a four-year, $23.2 million contract signed with the Blues.
Still, his financial curiosity is no joke.
“I’m not just throwing money into random stocks,” Buchnevich explained. “I study market cycles, earnings reports, balance sheets. I talk to real investors. I want to build a life beyond hockey.”
Athlete-Investors on the Rise
Buchnevich isn’t alone. A growing number of athletes have taken their talents from the field to the finance world. From Shaquille O’Neal’s investments in tech and fast food to Serena Williams’ venture capital firm, players are becoming more financially savvy – and more vocal – about life after sports.
Sports economists suggest Buchnevich’s comments signal a broader trend.
“What we’re seeing is a new generation of athlete,” said Dr. Melissa Tran, a sports finance expert. “They aren’t just thinking about championships – they’re thinking about equity, passive income, and portfolios.”
What’s Next for Buchnevich?
As the 2025 NHL season approaches, Buchnevich is expected to remain a key figure for the Blues, especially with trade rumors swirling and the team in rebuild mode. But even as he dominates on the ice, he’s already laying the foundation for his post-hockey life.
“Hockey gave me everything,” he said. “But I’m already thinking 10 years ahead. I want to be just as successful in business as I’ve been in the league.”
Whether he ends up on a trading floor or in a front office, one thing is clear: Pavel Buchnevich isn’t just skating toward goals – he’s skating toward a future of financial success, on and off the ice.
