Sergei Fedorov is one of the most impactful Detroit Red Wings ever: a Hart Trophy as league MVP, two Selkes as top defensive forward, and most importantly three Stanley Cups. But famously, Fedorov's relationship with the organization is something less than warm, the Ilitch Family unwilling to move on from the Russian superstar's decision to sign an offer sheet with the Hurricanes in 1997 (which Detroit matched) and eventually leave for Anaheim in free agency in 2003.
Unknown Date, 2002; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov (91) in action against the San Jose Sharks at Joe Louis Arena. (Lou Capozzola, USA TODAY NETWORK)
20-plus years later, those wounds evidently still sting sufficiently to preclude Fedorov's 91 from hanging in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena, an honor Fedorov's playing career obviously merits. Now, in a recent interview with Responsible Gambler, Fedorov weighed in on a variety of topics from the state of the Red Wings under GM Steve Yzerman (Fedorov's former teammate) to his personal relationship with the organization.
When asked about his relationship to the Detroit organization, Fedorov indicated his interest in easing the tensions between the two parties, saying "I don’t really have any formal relationship with them right now. My mom visits my brother there sometimes—they live in northern Michigan. But I haven’t had time to visit them myself. Not because of any hard feelings—just busy. If they invited me, I’d come."
As for the current state of the Red Wings under Yzerman, Fedorov offered an answer that likely resonates with a lot of Detroit fans at the tail end of a frustrating season. "They seem stuck," Fedorov said. "They have a good coach, but no strong goalie tandem and not enough key players. It’s a young team without veterans, and that makes the rebuild even harder. I don’t see three or four strong, mobile defensemen there. Steve Yzerman is doing solid work through the draft, but it takes more than that. Their last right-shooting forward left for a bigger contract, and that didn’t help either."
Finally, in a reminder of his trademark swagger, Fedorov said, asked about how a 25-year-old version of himself would fare in the modern NHL, "I think I’d do great. The rules have changed—less physical play, more focus on speed and skill; that suits me. Back then, I skated well and had speed, so I think I could compete easily."
What do you think of Fedorov's assessment of the current Red Wings, and how would you feel about Fedorov returning to Detroit for some sort of ceremony (likely a jersey retirement)? Let us know in the comments.
