Vladimir Konstantinov
GP: 446
G: 47
A: 128
PTS: 175
Vladimir Konstantinov was an 11th round draft selection of the Detroit Red Wings in 1989. He started his professional career playing for CSKA Moskva in the Soviet league. He played for CSKA for seven seasons before he faked having cancer and defected from the Soviet Union so he could play in the NHL.
Internationally, while playing for the Soviet Union, Konstantinov won one World Junior Championship Gold Medal, three World Championship Gold Medals and one World Championship Bronze Medal.
Konstantinov played his entire six year NHL career with the Red Wings. In 1991-92, Konstantinov was awarded a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. In 1995-96, Konstantinov had the highest +/- in the NHL with a +60 rating. He was also an NHL Second Team All-Star once during his brief NHL career.
The Red Wings made the playoffs in each of Konstantinov’s six seasons and he scored 16 points in 82 playoff games.
In 1997, after helping the Red Wings secure the Stanley Cup, Konstantinov was involved in a serious car accident that ended his playing career.