Sergei Fedorov — on the roster of the most significant!
A tremendous evening for all Russian and Soviet, as well as world hockey, took place today in the state of Michigan. The National Hockey League club “Detroit Red Wings” officially retired the legendary number 91 of Sergei Fedorov. Now, this number in the “Red Wings” is permanently reserved for Sergei Viktorovich.
“Detroit” paid immense attention to this truly historic event and polished every detail. Throughout the last twenty-four hours, all of Michigan practically bristled with Fedorov’s famous number. His “91” on a red and white background adorned the facades of buildings in the state and sports venues in Detroit. The “Red Wings,” honoring the Russian, styled the arena in tribute to Sergei Viktorovich, and the ceremony itself turned out to be magnificent.
The celebrated Russian hockey player arrived on the ice rink in an iconic maroon Chevrolet Corvette of the fourth generation. According to Fedorov himself, this automobile remains his favorite to this day, and he wanted to acquire it in Moscow, but currently, he is focused on family, not cars.
In the center of the venue, Fedorov was greeted by club legends and executives, joined by Sergei Viktorovich’s spouse Karina along with their children Alexandra and Victor, and also his comrades from the “Red Wings.” Among them was Vladimir Konstantinov, who suffered a terrible tragedy after Detroit’s legendary championship in 1997.
Konstantinov welcomed Fedorov while seated in a wheelchair. Sergei Viktorovich, during his ceremonial address, specifically highlighted the legends of the famous “Russian Five”: Vyacheslav Fetisov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Igor Larionov, and Konstantinov, whom the hero of the celebration tenderly embraced.
Detroit fans chanted Sergei Fedorov’s name loudly and for a long time. Before the ceremony, Sergei Viktorovich dedicated an open letter to them, expressing his thanks for how he was welcomed in America.
“As if yesterday, I recall leaving the Soviet Union and boarding the plane Mr. Ilitch sent for me to Detroit. I was 20 then, with many thoughts in my head, but I was happy to begin a new chapter titled ‘Detroit Red Wings.’ I regretted nothing. I made the correct choice to play for such wonderful supporters. I am immensely grateful for this incredible honor. Thank you, ‘Red Wings,’ and everyone who made it possible to play for such a historic team. Thank you, Hockey City. Forever with the ‘Winged Wheels’ in my heart,” Fedorov wrote.
Sergei Fedorov | © Getty Images / Gregory Shamus
He echoed these sentiments in his formal speech. From now on, Sergei Fedorov became the ninth player in “Detroit’s” history to have his jersey number retired. Previously, this distinction was afforded to Terry Sawchuk (No. 1), Red Kelly (No. 4), Nicklas Lidstrom (No. 5), Ted Lindsay (No. 7), Gordie Howe (No. 9), Alex Delvecchio (No. 10), Sid Abel (No. 12), and SteveYzerman (No. 19).
“For all the time I was connected to ‘Detroit,’ and even now, I could not fathom finding myself among these legends. I am incredibly proud to have had the privilege to wear the ‘Red Wings’ jersey. I will never forget what you gave me. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life!” Fedorov stated.
Admitting a Mistake
It became known back in August that “Detroit” would retire Sergei Fedorov’s number. The official ceremony itself took place before the “Red Wings” match against the “Carolina Hurricanes.” Coincidence or not, there is a slight symbolism in choosing this particular game. “Carolina” once influenced the trajectory of the Russian forward’s career.
Following Detroit’s championship season in 1996/97, Fedorov and the club entered into a dispute concerning negotiations for a new contract. The “Red Wings” could not provide the Russian with the financial terms he demanded, although the club owners greatly wished to keep the star player on the team. After Fedorov declined several offers from the “Winged Wheel” club and even announced a strike, the “Hurricanes,” whose boss had a poor relationship with the “Detroit” owners, unexpectedly contacted the Russian. The “Hurricanes” issued a landmark offer sheet—\$38 million over six years. The salary under that contract would only be \$2 million, but the player would immediately receive \$14 million as a signing bonus, plus another \$12 million if “Carolina” reached the Stanley Cup semifinals.
Unable to contest this move by the “Hurricanes,” “Detroit” ultimately matched those terms and signed a new contract with the Russian, taking out a bank loan to do so. The investment paid off: since then, Fedorov helped the “Red Wings” win two more Stanley Cups. However, upon the expiration of that contract, the player still departed the club, subsequently playing in the NHL until 2009 for the “Mighty Ducks of Anaheim,” “Columbus Blue Jackets,” and “Washington Capitals” alongside Alexander Ovechkin. In those teams, Fedorov’s career was nowhere near as brilliant as it was in Detroit. Over time, Sergei Viktorovich admitted he made an error.
“I wish I could take a step back. I realize that I made the wrong choice to leave the club then. It’s not even about the departure itself, but the business aspect of the matter. I deeply regret that. I should have spent more time with the ‘Red Wings.’ However, until you try, you won’t know what it’s like,” Fedorov was quoted by the “Detroit” press service.
Throughout his tenure with the “Red Wings,” he amassed 954 points (400 goals and 554 assists) in 908 NHL regular-season games. To this day, he ranks among the club’s top six all-time regular-season scorers. In the playoffs, Fedorov tallied 163 points (50+113) in 162 contests, which is the third-best result in club history. Along with the “Red Wings,” Fedorov won three Stanley Cups, as well as prestigious individual accolades such as the “Hart Trophy” (1994), the “Ted Lindsay Award” (1994), and the “Selke Trophy” (1994, 1996). In 2015, the Russian was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
During the ceremonial proceedings, Sergei Fedorov was presented with a commemorative “Detroit” jersey and customized white skates. This gift is special because Sergei Viktorovich himself was distinguished during his career with the “Red Wings” partly by his unique white skates from the famous American brand. Incidentally, the current “Detroit” players warmed up before the game against “Carolina” wearing skates styled after Fedorov’s famous white ones, and they also sported jerseys with the Russian’s surname. This is the symbolism.
Next Up — Ovechkin?
In the entire history of the NHL, Sergei Fedorov became only the third Russian hockey player whose jersey number was officially retired by a league club. In 2013, Pavel Bure received this honor when the “Vancouver Canucks” reserved his number “ten” for him, and in 2022, the “Dallas Stars” did the same, retiring Sergei Zubov’s number 56. Formally, Vladimir Konstantinov’s number 16 can be included in this category: “Detroit” did not retire it, but after the tragic accident that left Konstantinov disabled, the revered Russian defenseman’s number has not been used by anyone on the “Red Wings.”
Among those who might be the next Russian hockey player to have their jersey number retired by an NHL club is prominently Alexander Ovechkin. Sergei Viktorovich personally invited the league’s all-time leading goal scorer to the Detroit ceremony. However, Ovechkin was not present: his “Washington” team has a game against the “Montreal Canadiens” tomorrow in the US capital, but Alexander Mikhailovich sent a video message to his longtime comrade.
Ovechkin and Fedorov spent two seasons together in Washington, and in 2008, they brought Russia a historic World Championship gold medal. Besides Ovechkin, by the way, video greetings were also sent to Fedorov by Konstantinov and Igor Larionov, who is currently the head coach of SKA St. Petersburg.
Sergei Viktorovich himself is convinced that Alexander Ovechkin’s famous number 8 will definitely be retired by “Washington.”
“It’s as certain as death that Alexander Ovechkin’s ‘eight’ will also be retired in the future,” Fedorov told RIA Novosti.
The sentiment is shared in America as well.
“I expect that the same honor will be bestowed upon Alexander Ovechkin,” Bill Daly, the Deputy Commissioner of the league, told RIA Novosti.
However, the NHL is cautious about questions regarding whether they are prepared to reserve Ovechkin’s number 8 across the entire league. To date, only Wayne Gretzky, whose number 99 is retired across all NHL clubs, has received such an honor.
Alexander Ovechkin, in his characteristic style, prefers not to comment on matters outside his direct control.
“Regarding the idea of retiring my number in the ‘Capitals,’ please contact ‘Washington’ and inquire about that,” Ovechkin replied to the RIA Novosti correspondent’s question.
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