Pavel and Pavel.

Russian sports writer Pavel Lysenkov, NHL editor for Sovietsky Sport, recently sat down with Pavel Bure to reveal a side of the beloved former Vancouver Canucks forward never before seen.

On April 24, 2013, Bure became a father as he and wife Alina welcomed Pavel junior into the world; the nine pound, 14 ounce baby/toddler has rarely been seen by the public, let alone discussed by Pavel, prior to this exclusive interview.

Like every new parent, responsibilities changed for Bure upon becoming a father and he’s more than embraced the role, despite having not changed much himself.

“Pasha is an extraordinary dad,” said Pavel’s mother, Tatiana. “I do not even think he would be like that. He puts son to sleep, walking, doing everything.

“Son is very similar to his father,” she added. “His character is the same as Pavel's.”

Early indications are Pavel junior’s athletic prowess will follow the family bloodline as well.

Vladimir Bure, Pavel Sr.’s father, is a four-time Olympic medalist in freestyle swimming, who added 11 World Championship, European Championship and Sumer Universiade medals to his resume over his career.

Pavel never excelled in the water like his father, but perhaps that talent simply skipped a generation.

“He’s only a year and eight months old and he’s already very engaged in swimming,” revealed Pavel. “This is the most rewarding sport; I cannot say he will go on to play hockey, the main thing is that he grows up healthy.”

That being said, Pavel already has his son on the ice and the toddler was swinging an adult stick with ease. Showing young Pavel photos of himself playing hockey was one of the only things that settled the spirited rascal during this interview, conducted at Bure’s home in Moscow.

Life after hockey is different for Bure, who had his No. 10 jersey retired by the Canucks on November 2, 2013; fatherhood aside, it’s tranquil and he enjoys not standing out in a crowd. Although Bure has considered working in hockey in some capacity, he’s comfortable in Moscow and admits moving to back to Canada might be too overwhelming a change.

Bure remains great friends with the Aquilinis and attended the World Cup with them last summer. The 43-year-old keeps close tabs on the Canucks and believes “everything will be fine” in Vancouver and that Stanley Cup aspirations are merited.

“I’d like to wish all the fans in Vancouver good health, happiness and a Stanley Cup.”