From childhood heroes to NHL stars: Tarasenko and Gustafsson join the Red Wings
Vladimir Tarasenko and Erik Gustafsson are two new additions to the Detroit Red Wings who share a common connection to the team's storied past.
Growing up in Yaroslavl, Russia, Vladimir Tarasenko idolized the Detroit Red Wings, particularly the iconic Russian Five. He fondly recalled playing as the Red Wings on his first PlayStation, a testament to their influence on his love for hockey.
In Sweden, Erik Gustafsson shared a similar admiration. Raised in Nynashamn, he looked up to legendary defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom.
When Tarasenko entered the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in 2012, he wore the No. 91 jersey, paying homage to Red Wings superstar Sergei Fedorov. Gustafsson, meanwhile, built a friendship with former Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who now serves as the team's director of European player development.
Both players, now UFA additions, are excited to help the Red Wings return to their former glory and bring playoff hockey back to Hockeytown.
Source: Detroithockeynow
Strong Red Wings Ties Among Newcomers to Club
| POLL | ||
How did the Detroit Red Wings influence Tarasenko and Gustafsson? | ||
| Inspired their hockey careers | 9 | 27.3 % |
| Shaped Tarasenko's path due to Russian heritage | 6 | 18.2 % |
| Directly developed their playing careers | 4 | 12.1 % |
| Motivated them to restore Detroit's glory | 14 | 42.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
