The Detroit Red Wings finally ended their 42-year Stanley Cup drought in 1997, powered by their famous “Russian Five” lineup. Sergei Fedorov was the star of that group, alongside Igor Larionov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Viacheslav Fetisov and Vladimir Konstantinov. But this championship moment would mark the beginning of a complicated relationship between Fedorov and the team.
Team owner Mike Ilitch was known for treating his players like family. He’d do anything to win, which made him incredibly popular with fans. But he expected absolute loyalty in return.
That loyalty was tested when Fedorov became a restricted free agent before the 1997-98 season.
The Carolina Hurricanes made an aggressive move, offering Fedorov a $38 million deal loaded with massive bonuses. We’re talking $14 million just for signing, another $2 million for playing 21 games, and an eye-popping $12 million if the team reached the Conference Finals.
The Red Wings matched the offer, not wanting to lose their superstar. It cost them big time – they ended up paying Fedorov $28 million in bonuses that season alone, still the highest amount ever given to an NHL player.
Fedorov stuck around and helped Detroit win two more Cups in 1998 and 2002. But the damage was done.
The final break came after the 2002-03 season. Fedorov turned down not one, but two massive offers from Detroit – including a five-year, $50 million deal. Instead, he signed with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for less money: $40 million over five years.
Red Wings fans were furious. Here was their MVP, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, walking away for less money. For nearly 20 years, mentioning Fedorov’s name in Detroit could start an argument.
But time really does heal all wounds.
When Fedorov showed up for the 2013 Winter Classic Alumni Game, fans cheered. By 2015, when he dropped the ceremonial puck after making the Hall of Fame, the anger had faded.
It’s worth noting that even though his number wasn’t officially retired until this season, no Red Wing has worn No. 91 since he left in 2003.
Some die-hard fans from the ’90s and early 2000s might never fully forgive Fedorov. But there’s a strong case that he’s the most talented player ever to wear the Red Wings jersey – and that’s saying something for a team that had Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman. The organization is finally giving him the recognition he deserves, even if it took a while to get here.
