DETROIT, May 25 -- The Detroit Red Wings Friday re-signed center Igor Larionov, who will be approaching 41 by the start of the 2001-02 season.
Larionov, who turns 41 on Dec. 3, signed a one-year contract.
After joining Florida as a free agent last year, Larionov was re-aquired by Detroit in December. He used his play-making skills effectively, registering four goals, 25 assists and a plus-6 rating in 39 games with the Red Wings.
With Larionov, the Detroit went 28-7-6-2 and finished atop the Central Division at 49-20-9-4.
"The fact that both Igor and our team played so well after we re-acquired him last season shows that he can still contribute at a high level," general manager Ken Holland said.
Larionov had only five goals and six assists while posting a minus-11 rating in 26 games with the lowly Panthers, who acquired Yan Golubovsky in return.
A member of the famed "KLM Line" with the former Soviet Union, Larionov broke into the NHL in 1989. He has 147 goals and 400 assists in 728 NHL games, also playing for Vancouver and San Jose.
Larionov had his best season in 1995-96, recording 22 goals and 51 assists in 73 games with the Sharks and Red Wings. He helped Detroit to Stanley Cup titles in 1997 and 1998.
