At a Glance
- Sergei Fedorov says leaving the Detroit Red Wings in 2003 was “a huge mistake”
- The move led him to meet wife Corrina, with whom he now shares two children
- On January 12, 2026, the family watched his #91 banner rise in Detroit
- Why it matters: The Hall of Famer puts family first, crediting Detroit exit for his “rock” and kids
Sergei Fedorov calls leaving the Detroit Red Wings in 2003 a career regret-yet the decision set him on the path to meeting Corrina, his wife of over a decade and mother of their son and daughter. The four stood together at Little Caesars Arena on January 12, 2026, as the franchise retired his iconic #91 jersey.
From Detroit Exit to Family Man
“Leaving Detroit when I did was a huge mistake, that is on me,” Fedorov told the crowd during the retirement-night speech. “One great thing came out of that situation-it sent me on a path to meeting the love of my life, my wife Corrina. I love you very much. You are my rock.”
The couple, who keep most details of their relationship private, met after the center departed the Red Wings. They married and settled into family life while Fedorov continued playing and later coached CSKA Moscow to the 2024 Gagarin Cup title.
Two Kids, 8 and 9, Keep Him Busy
Fedorov and Corrina’s children-an 8-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter-arrived after his NHL playing days ended. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the banner ceremony, the 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee joked about his late start as a parent.
“[I] may be a late bloomer as far as family and kids, but I want to make sure I do one thing at a time and I do it well,” he said. “So when I was ready, thank god I met my lovely wife and we became a family [and had] kids.”
The day starts early in the Fedorov household. “Seven in the morning, I cook breakfast, dress the children, send them to school, sometimes I take them myself,” he explained in December 2024 after stepping down as CSKA coach to spend more time at home. “That’s why everything suits me.”
Coaching Career Takes Back Seat
Fedorov no longer patrols a bench. In a November 2025 press conference he ruled out an NHL coaching job, saying fatherhood tops his priority list.
“I’m totally a family man,” he stated. “I don’t see myself trying to ‘conquer’ something else. Coaching or anything like that-it’s not gonna be on my mind. I want to stay with the family and grow together with my kids and be around for them.”
Jersey Retirement Becomes Family Celebration
Red Wings management feted Fedorov with a pre-game ceremony that included a video tribute and the unveiling of his banner alongside those of Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidström, and other franchise legends. Corrina and both children wore #91 jerseys while sitting rink-side.
“Having my wife and kids by my side makes tonight more special,” the three-time Stanley Cup champion told reporters. “They haven’t seen me play, but they know the stories and they see the banners.”
Their Favorite Athletes-Dad Isn’t One
Fedorov admitted his son and daughter prefer watching global superstars to vintage highlights of his 1,248-point NHL career. “They watch Messi, Ronaldo, Ovi,” he laughed. “I tried a couple of times-‘Let’s watch a few goals that your dad scored.’ My son says, ‘Okay.’ Not much emotion going on.”
The 54-year-old added, “Maybe when we get back to Russia they will ask some questions.”
Support Across Continents
Even while coaching in the KHL, Fedorov’s family traveled to big moments. After CSKA captured the Gagarin Cup in April 2024, cameras captured Corrina joining him on the ice for a kiss. The following December his banner lift at CSKA Arena again featured his wife and kids in attendance.
“Those memories mean more than any trophy,” he said. “Winning is great, but sharing it with them is better.”
Legacy Off the Ice
Fedorov finished his NHL career with 483 goals and 696 assists for 1,179 points in 1,248 games, but he now measures success in school pickups and bedtime stories. “They matured very quickly,” he reflected. “I haven’t been home for a long time-especially the last three years. Now I understand how they live and what their interests are.”
The Russian star credits the move away from Detroit for both the regret that still lingers and the joy that followed. “If I stayed, maybe I win more Cups,” he said. “But I wouldn’t trade my family for anything.”
Key Takeaways
- Sergei Fedorov labels his 2003 departure from Detroit a mistake yet believes it steered him to Corrina and fatherhood
- The couple’s son and daughter, born after his playing career, take center stage as he declines coaching offers
- On January 12, 2026, the Fedorov foursome celebrated his #91 retirement banner inside a packed Little Caesars Arena
