Left-winger Pavel Torgayev spent eight seasons playing in his hometown of Gorky in the former Soviet Union before moving on to the Torpedo Nizhny for parts of the next three years in 1990. During the 1992-93 season Torgayev took his skills to Finland and during his second year there he caught the attention of the Calgary Flames and they drafted him in 1994. That same year he represented his country in Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games. After another year in Finland, Torgayev came to North America to pursue a career in the National Hockey League.
With the Flames in 1995-96 Torgayev played 41 games and scored six goals and 16 points. He also suited up for one playoff game with them as well. Torgayev spent the next three seasons playing in Switzerland where he provided a steady scoring touch, including leading his club in scoring in 1997-98.
In 1999-2000, Torgayev was back in North America, and eventually back in the National Hockey League. That year he played 36 games in the International Hockey League but also had a brief stop back with the Flames. Torgayev impressed the Calgary brass during training camp but only got into a handful of games with them and eventually was placed on waivers where he was claimed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
With Tampa Torgayev played five games and chipped in two assists. When the Lightning tried to send the veteran winger to the minors he refused the assignment, which led to his suspension and the end of his time with the Lightning organization.
As an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2000 the physical winger was unable to attract any attention from another club and retired from the game.
