Explaining the significance of Red Wings' long-overdue honor for Sergei Fedorov

They wouldn’t have to wait long for that championship. During the 1996-97 season, consequently, the third year of the famed "Russian Five" made up of Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Viacheslav Fetisov and Vladimir Konstantinov, the Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup since 1955 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately, this was the informal beginning of the end of Fedorov’s tenure in Detroit.

To contextualize, the Red Wings owner at the time, Mike Ilitch, was beloved by his players. Ilitch demonstrated an insatiable desire to win, immediately making him one of the most revered owners in sports by his fan base. The loyalty he showed to his players was one of his best qualities; however, it became the wedge that began prying Fedorov away from Hockeytown, as Ilitch required a reciprocal loyalty in return.

Becoming a restricted free agent before the 1997-98 season, Fedorov held out for a new contract with Detroit. He ultimately decided to sign a $38 million contract with the Hurricanes, which included some questionable signing bonuses. Carolina included a $14 million signing bonus for simply putting pen to paper, another $2 million bonus for reaching the 21-game plateau during the 1997-98 campaign, and a whopping $12 million bonus if his team were to make the Conference Final that season, which was put in to dissuade the Red Wings from matching the offer.

Not to be outspent by anyone, Ilitch and the Red Wings reluctantly matched the offer, but ended up paying Fedorov $28 million in signing bonuses by the end of the campaign, which still stands as the largest amount ever given to an NHL player. Fedorov went on to win two more Stanley Cups with the Red Wings (1998 and 2002), though the recent contractual holdout severely tarnished his relationship with Detroit’s ownership.

This culminated in Fedorov’s departure from the Red Wings after the 2002-03 NHL season, signing with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on a five-year, $40 million contract. It was the nail in the coffin for any relationship between Detroit’s ownership and Fedorov, as the Russian superstar reportedly rejected a five-year, $50 million contract and a four-year, $40 million contract to remain in Detroit. Since that time, despite winning an MVP award, three Stanley Cups, and being a dominant force in the league, the Red Wings and their fans harbored no affection for Fedorov over the next two decades.

As the old moniker goes, time has healed the wounds between Detroit and Fedorov. He suited up for the team during the 2013 Winter Classic Alumni Game and received a warm welcome from the Detroit faithful at a ceremonial puck drop in 2015 after his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s important to note that despite his number not being officially retired until this season, no Red Wing has donned No. 91 since the 2002-03 campaign.

There may still be several fans of the Red Wings, particularly those who experienced the team’s greatness in the late 1990s and early 2000s, who will never forgive Fedorov for leaving. Still, despite featuring alumni such as Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman, there’s a strong argument that Fedorov is the most talented player to ever don the "Winged Wheel," and the organization is rightfully honoring him as they should have long ago.