CSKA Moscow is expecting big things this season from former Detroit Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong. That being the case, the KHL club is leaving no stone unturned in seeking to make Sprong’s adjustment period to his new league and surroundings as seamless as possible.
Igor Nikitin, coach of CSKA Moscow, is supplying Sprong with every tool he has at his disposal to help Sprong make an impact. That includes lessons from a Hall of Famer, a Red Wings icon.
Sergei Fedorov is mentoring Sprong in the ways of Russian hockey.
“There is no point in explaining about the league, because a certain adaptation process needs to be completed,” Fedorov told Russian website Sport-Express. “We are solving technical and hockey issues that relate to his game and the game of the entire team.
“For now, he plays with both foreigners and Russian players. The adaptation process has begun.”
Sprong Wearing Fedorov’s Red Wings Number
The Red Wings will be hoisting Fedorov’s No. 91 into the Little Caesars Arena rafters this season on January 12. Sprong is wearing the same digits on his CSKA Moscow jersey. The former Red Wings forward makes no bones about the admiration he holds for Fedorov.
“He was an incredible player, one of the best in the world,” Sprong said. “He is one of the best Russian players in history.”
CSKA Moscow released 🎦 about Sergei Fedorov 👀 #KHL #NHL #Olympics #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/pUFn1gaGCC
— KHL & EURO 🏒 TALK (@vorkywh24) December 19, 2024
Fedorov appreciates the praise.
“It’s very nice,” Fedorov said. “In hockey, you have to prove every game that you are the best, so it’s very hard work.”
As a member of CSKA’s board, he’s far more concerned with turning his club into a champion again. Whatever he can do to help Sprong contribute, Fedorov is there to provide.
“It can be anything,” Fedorov said. “I can’t answer specifically how quickly he adapts. I can give general parameters. At the same time, there is an adaptation to the league, players, referees, flights, and life schedule.”
Sprong Absorbing Whatever He Can
Fedorov still goes on the ice regularly with the CSKA players at practices and game-day skates to allow them to tap into his hockey knowledge.
“Sergei Fedorov talks to me every day,” Sprong said. “That helps me a lot. He’s a very good motivator.
“He helps me with everything. He lends me a shoulder everywhere. It’s very useful for me to work with him.
“It means a lot to me to work with a hockey legend. He can give me a lot. I am very grateful to him for his help.”
🚨 Daniel Sprong opens the scoring for CSKA in the 2nd period on the powerplay. #KHLpreseason pic.twitter.com/lb8k2GUNCH
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) August 28, 2025
A Red Wings player in 2023-24, Sprong will be the highest-paid player in the KHL this season. If he meets all of his incentive clauses, Sprong could earn as much as $1.6 million.
Fedorov believes the pressure of those expectations can motivate Sprong to excel on the ice.
“I support this thesis,” Fedorov said. “The game will show. Hockey is a team sport, but he has the right potential.”