Red Wings Icon Receives Veiled Death Threats From Russian Leader

The Czech government is ready to provide former Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek with a protective detail after the hockey icon was receiving veiled death threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

“I would advise him to cross the road more carefully, not to drink beer in unverified places, and to visit a psychiatrist regularly,” Medvedev was reported saying abut Hasek by Russian news agency TASS. Medvedev’s words were replayed to TASS by his assistant Oleg Osipov.

Today I sent 2 official letters. One to the @iocmedia President and the members of the Executive Board. And the other to the @IIHFHockey President and the members of the Council. I inform them that former Russian President Medvedev threatened to kill me. Furthermore, among other…

— Dominik Hasek (@hasek_dominik) April 21, 2025

Hasek has been open in his criticism of the Russian regime since the country invaded neighboring Ukraine. He even visited the war-torn nation to see the damage that Russia has inflicted on Ukraine.

Red Wings Legend Taking Threats Seriously

Previously, in a post on Telegram celebrating Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals records, Medvedev indicated that he hoped the moment would lead to Hasek committing suicide.

“This person is clearly publicly threatening me with murder,” Hasek told Czech website iSport. “I am dismayed that one of the most influential Russian politicians is still publicly threatening to kill me.”

This isn’t an idle threat from some anonymous keyboard warrior on social media. Medvedev currently serves as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. And as anyone who follows world politics is aware of, there’s been an epidemic of poisonings and people mysteriously falling out of windows among opponents of the Russian government.

I was privileged to interview @hasek_dominik on Ovechkin, Russians and politics in sport. Here you have a subtitled video segment. Most recently, Putin’s right hand, Medvedev, threatens Hasek’s life publicly. The Czech government has offered him a protection. pic.twitter.com/hRnuSxtilr

— Eurolanche (@Eurolanche) April 23, 2025

The Czech government is certainly giving credence to Medvedev’s words.

“The border between East and West is not a line on a map,” Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan noted. “It is more like an invisible cultural meridian.

“To the west of it, it is unimaginable that a government representative would threaten citizens with death. To the east of it, it is common, as Dmitry Medvedev has shown again with his statements to Dominik Hasek.

“We will provide Mr. Hasek with the necessary protection if necessary.”