Though his name continues to be linked to NHL jobs, former Detroit Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov is insisting that he has no desire to become an NHL coach.
“No one from the NHL called me, the topic was sucked from the finger,” Fedorov told Russian news agency TASS. “I have another year of contract with CSKA. I don’t, didn’t have and won’t have plans to conquer America in a different status.”
The name of the 1993-94 Hart Trophy winner with Detroit is being linked to the vacant Columbus Blue Jackets job. Fedorov is a former Blue Jackets player. Last season, he was mentioned as a possible replacement for Jeff Blashill behind the Red Wings bench.
A three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings (1996-97, 1997-98, 2001-02), Fedorov has guided CSKA Moscow to the past two Gagarin Cup KHL titles.
“Winning the Stanley Cup and the Gagarin Cup is incomparable,” Fedorov told sport-express.ru. “When I was a player, there were some forces left to celebrate. Now you just switch off after the final siren.”
Fedorov Up For KHL Top Coach Award
Fedorov will also be seeking to defend his win as KHL Coach of the Year. The winner of the award following last season, he’s again a finalist in 2023.
There’s a decidedly Red Wings flavor to the nominees. Fedorov’s Russian Five compatriot Igor Larionov (Torpedo) is also a finalist. Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, whose Ak Bars club lost the Gagarin Cup final to Fedorov’s CSKA, is the third nominee.
Former Russian national team coach Vyacheslav Bykov told Sport-Express that there can only be one winner of this award.
“Definitely, Sergei Fedorov deserves this award more than anyone else,” Bykov said. “Because winning a title is a big deal, and confirming it is even harder. Therefore, I unambiguously vote for Sergei Fedorov.
“Bilyaletdinov and Larionov are very important figures in our coaching workshop, which this year made it pleasant for the fans of their clubs and hockey fans. I have great respect for both coaches and their merits and results, but my preference is for the army man Sergei Fedorov.”
Vladimir Krikunov, another former Russian national team coach, was echoing Bykov’s sentiments.
“This year the most valuable coach is Fedorov,” Krikunov tolf Sport24. “Well, how can you go through so many stubborn series and not lose your grip and strength? Excellent specialist. Deserves the title of the best coach this season.
Larionov, Bilyaletdinov and Fedorov did a great job. Everyone did their feat in their teams. These are some of the best professionals in the world.
“Could they prove themselves in the NHL? Each of them could easily be the head coach in the NHL and lead their teams to the Cup.”
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