Ruslan Salei (Belarusian: Руслан Салей) (born November 2, 1974 in Minsk, Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union) is a professional hockey defenceman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Salei was selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 9th overall at the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. In 1992, Prior to being selected for the Ducks, Salei played in his native Belarus for HC Dinamo Minsk in the Russian Elite League. After the 1994-95 season the Russian Elite league re-aligned pushing Tivali Minsk to the side. Salei then came to North America being signed by General Manager Bob Sturmm of the Las Vegas Thunder without Sturmm knowing of his capabilities.

During a successful spell with the Thunder, Salei was drafted by the Ducks and soon signed a three year deal worth $2.25 million. Salei split time betwwen the Ducks, Baltimore Bandits and the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the AHL before becoming a full squad member of the Ducks by the end of the 1997–98 season.