42. Vladimir Konstantinov

It might seem a little laughable now, but there was a time when all Russian players were considered soft. Vladimir Konstantinov may have been part of the 1980s Soviet Red Army team, but he was a man who seemed to be bred for the NHL, as he was anything but “soft.” Konstantinov had an instant impact on the pros with the Red Wings. He was literally a pest who made it exceptionally difficult for opponents to score. This was reflected by his high plus/minus tallies. Konstantinov’s last season saw him as the Norris Trophy runner-up and hoist the Stanley Cup. Less than a week after that triumph, Konstantinov was in a horrible limousine accident that put him in a coma and literally put him in the fight of his life. Needless to say, Vladimir never played again, though if he had, it can be argued that he might be a much stronger candidate for induction than he is now.

Should Vladimir Konstantinov be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 72.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 9.6%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 10.4%

No opinion. - 0.8%

No way! - 5.6%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Murmansk, Russia, The Soviet Union
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 0200
Position: Defence
Games Played: 446
Notable Statistics:
47 Goals
128 Assists
175 Points
+185 Plus/Minus
838 PIM
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N/A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*
42.6 Point Shares

82 Playoff Games
5 Goals
14 Assists
19 Points
+16 Plus/Minus
107 PIM
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N/A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*

*These stats were first implemented in the 2007/08 Season.
Played For: Detroit Red Wings
Non-NHL Teams: CKSA Moscow (Red Army)
Team Soviet Union (World Hockey Championship 1986, 1989, 1990 & 1991, World Junior Hockey Championship 1986 & 1987)
Major Accolades and Awards: Stanley Cup Rings (2) (Detroit Red Wing, 1997 & received a ring in 1998, though he did not play)
Second Team All-Star (1) (1996)
Plus/Minus Award (1) (1996)
Most Defensive Point Shares (1) (1996 & 1997)
World Hockey Championship Gold Medal (3) (Soviet Union 1986, 1989 & 1990)
World Hockey Championship Bronze Medal (1) (Soviet Union 1991)
World Hockey Junior Championship Gold Medal (1) (Soviet Union 1986)
Notable Top Ten Finishes: Top Ten Norris Trophy Finishes:
4th in 1996 & 2nd in 1997
1 Top Ten Plus/Minus Finish
2 Top Ten Defensive Point Shares Finishes
Rankings: 85. Plus/Minus: +185

These rankings are as of the end of the 2024-25 Season.