The former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reportedly threatened NHL star Dominik Hasek, as mentioned in an extensive social media post made by the Hockey Hall of Fame member earlier this week.
On Monday, in a tweet on X, he mentioned sending two letters to the IOC President, executives on the board, the IIHF Chairman, and individuals within their council.
I tell them that the ex-Russian President Medvedev has threatened my life," he stated. "Additionally, I emphasize the significance of their choices in the upcoming months and once more extend my help in formulating regulations to ensure that sporting events aren’t used as propaganda for Russia’s warfare and prevent loss of lives due to these contests. Both correspondences hold substantial importance not just for the IOC and IIHF, but for the whole realm of sport and beyond. For this reason, I plan to release them within the next several days.
Hasek, who is 60 years old, has strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Medvedev, who is 59 years old, serves as the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council under President Vladimir Putin. In remarks featured in TASS, a government-run news organization, Medvedev stated via his aide that Hasek was afflicted with " Russophobia."
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The comments also included remarks that Hasek should be careful crossing the street and should “not drink beer in unverified places,” along with a recommendation for the legendary goaltender to see a psychiatrist.
The alleged threats toward Hasek have created a strong response from leaders in Hasek’s native Czechia, with the country’s Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, calling them “unacceptable” but “not surprising.”
The Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavský, characterized Medvedev’s conduct as " primitive."
"This time they are targeting NHL legend Dominik Hasek merely for stating the truth—thetruth regarding Russia’s conflict and how sports are being misused to promote it. This kind of intimidation might be commonplace in Putin’s Russia but not in the civilized world!" Lipavsky stated. as reported by the Associated Press .
Hasek has criticized the NHL for permitting Russian players to participate in games even though the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues.
In the past, he stated that only those Russian players who spoke out against the war should be permitted to participate in the league.
In the upcoming days, a Russian citizen, who has not once denounced Russia’s imperialistic war in Ukraine, will violate this pattern. @NHL goal-scoring record. Since this individual has not publicly denounced the Russian invasion and the associated atrocities, they must carry the weight of this knowledge...
— Dominik Hasek (@hasek_dominik) April 5, 2025He was notably outspoken when Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s NHL scoring record. earlier this month in a detailed post on X.
Although Hasek didn’t mention Ovechkin in his post, the Capitals forward has had strong connections with Putin. In 2017, he initiated PutinTeam to back Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election; however, Ovechkin claimed it wasn’t related to politics.
According to The Associated Press, Czech Interior Minister VÃt RakuÅ¡an stated that Hasek would receive the required protection if needed.
In the past, Medvedev has made other troubling remarks regarding Hasek, with the Associated Press citing the Russian as stating that Hasek’s suicide was foreseeable.
Over his 16-year career in the NHL, Hasek dedicated nine seasons to the Sabres, highlighted by the 1998-99 campaign during which Buffalo was defeated by the Stars in six games at the Stanley Cup Finals stage.
He secured six Vezina Trophies along with the Hart Trophy and led his team to two Stanley Cup victories — in 2002 and 2008 — playing for the Red Wings.
Hasek joined the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.