SO LONG SERGEI….
July 16th, 2009 | by Scott Madore |
At age 39, after 18 seasons, we have seen the last of Sergei Fedorov in the NHL, after he signed a two-year contract with the Russian League last month. A look back at his superb career tells us that he was both productive and successful.
With the Detroit Red Wings, Fedorov was a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a top-three playoff scorer on his team in each of those champion years. Interestingly though, Fedorov never won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. Mike Vernon was the winner in 1997, Steve Yzerman in 1998 and Nicklas Lidstrom in 2002.
What Fedorov did accomplish was becoming the only player in NHL history to win both the Hart Trophy (MVP) and Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) in the same season, which he accomplished in 1993-94. That season, he also became the only 50-goal-scorer ever to win the Selke Trophy.
Fedorov will best be remembered for his 13-years in Detroit, rather than his last five seasons split between Anaheim, Columbus and Washington.
As for his legacy, well, that one is up for debate. However, on a positive note, Fedorov cemented his place among the best pure skaters in NHL history. He combined tremendous speed and agility. Stickhandled with grace at high speeds. Above all, he was so versatile that he was used as a defenseman for a number of games throughout his career.
In his prime, Fedorov was one of the most complete packages in the NHL. Thanks for the memories Sergei.
