Mnatsakanov was with the team when they won their famous Stanley Cup back in 1997, which was the franchise's first Cup in 42 years. Unfortunately, just a week later, Mnatsakanov and Vladimir Konstaninov would be involved in a limo crash that altered the course of both of their lives. Both men sustained brain injuries and were paralyzed from the waist down.
Following the death of Mnatsakanov, the Detroit Red Wings put out a statement, offering their condolences to his family, while speaking on his impact on the franchise.
According to Detroit Hockey Now, Russian media is reporting that Mnatsakanov
died of cancer. It is a truly horrible disease, and his fight was most certainly a courageous one.