Is Federov Returning to Detroit?
Red Wings reportedly considering acquiring former one-time favorite
A few years ago, the thought of bringing Sergei Federov back to Detroit may have been nauseating to many Red Wings' fans. That's how disliked No. 91 was by many in Hockeytown when he left following the 2003 season.
And here's how quickly things can change in sports.
Federov - were he to return in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the NHL's Feb. 26 trading deadline - might not be the most beloved athlete in Detroit when he arrived, but time has let some of the old wounds heal, albeit slowly. Hockeytown at large seems willing to forgive, especially if Federov were to produce. If his on-ice performance showed any resemblance to what Detroit fans saw during his original time here, he'd be a fan favorite in no time, by the second round of the playoffs.
For Federov, 38, who will be a free agent following this season, returning to Detroit would be a fitting cap to a career that began here nearly two decades ago in dramatic fashion. After defecting from his native Russia, a then-19-year-old sensation was adored by Red Wings' fans. He was a 30-plus goal scorer in each of his first three seasons before he exploded for 56 goals and 120 points during the 1993-94 season. By the end of the 2002-03 season, the one-time frontman to the Russian Five had recorded 400 goals and 554 assists in a Red Wings' uniform, and helped the team win three Stanley Cups.
Detroit hockey fans loved him, until his departure for Los Angeles was viewed as a money grab by someone who craved the Hollywood spotlight and the glitz and glamour that came with playing for the Kings.
Perhaps public perception of Federov began to change two years ago, when, albeit by trade, he was sent back to the Midwest to play for the Blue Jackets early in the 2005-06 season. Maybe that move alone makes him seem more like regular folk, the hard-working, blue-collar types that have been heroes to Detroit sports fans for decades.
Regardless how fans would receive him, rumors continue to fly that Wings' GM Ken Holland and Coach Mike Babcock would love to add a center to the roster. To get one of Federov's caliber could be what they're seeking to shore up a team with high Stanley Cup playoff hopes. Federov, who's been out of action lately as he recovers from a concussion, is due to be back in the Columbus lineup soon, just ahead of the trading deadline.
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