Dominik Hasek Claims Former Russian President Medvedev Made Death Threats Over Ukraine Criticism

Legendary NHL goalie Dominik Hasek is no stranger to controversy, but things have escalated dramatically after he accused former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev of threatening his life.

Hasek, a household name in hockey and a proud critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, says his outspoken stance has drawn serious blowback from Russian leadership. According to Hasek, Medvedev – who now serves as deputy head of Russia's Security Council under Vladimir Putin – recently issued death threats against him in response to his activism.

Hasek, now living in the Czech Republic, announced on social media that he’d sent official letters to the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation. In these letters, he claims to have alerted them about Medvedev’s threats and urged them to take a stand against sports being used as a stage for war propaganda. Hasek didn’t mince words, emphasizing the global importance of this issue and promising to make his correspondence public soon.

Medvedev, through an assistant, dismissed Hasek’s concerns as "Russophobia" and made some darkly ominous suggestions – warning Hasek to watch his step when crossing roads and to avoid drinking beer in sketchy places. Not exactly the motivational advice you expect from a world leader, but here we are.

For years, Hasek has called for a ban on Russian athletes in international competitions unless they publicly denounce the war. He’s been particularly vocal about NHL stars like Alex Ovechkin, dubbing the Putin supporter a "huge advertisement for the aggressive Russian war and other Russian crimes."

Hasek later posted in Russian to thank his supporters, saying their solidarity gives him strength to continue what he sees as a mission to save lives. He also didn’t hold back in criticizing Medvedev’s "contempt for human life" and expressed gratitude that people are willing to call out such threats.

The Czech government quickly came to Hasek’s defense. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the threats "absolutely unacceptable," highlighting that Medvedev isn’t just some random troll but a high-ranking official. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský added that Medvedev’s intimidation tactics might be normal in Putin’s Russia, but not in the civilized world, and slammed him for attacking Hasek for ‘speaking the truth’ about the war.

Medvedev, for his part, reportedly suggested Hasek’s "suicide can be expected" – a chilling remark that certainly raises the temperature on this already heated exchange.

For context, Hasek’s no lightweight in the hockey world: he’s a six-time NHL All-Star, multiple Vezina Award winner, and two-time Stanley Cup champion. When a legend like him speaks out, people tend to listen – even if some responses are more sinister than others.