The Detroit Red Wings have announced they will retire Sergei Fedorov's No. 91 jersey on January 12, 2026, before their home game against the Carolina Hurricanes. This decision marks a significant moment for both the team and its fans, finally honoring one of the most dynamic players in franchise history. The ceremony will take place at Little Caesars Arena, where Fedorov's jersey will be raised to the rafters, joining the ranks of other Red Wings legends.
Fedorov, a Hall of Fame center, played 13 seasons with the Red Wings from 1990 to 2003. During that time, he became a cornerstone of the team, contributing significantly to their success and helping them win three Stanley Cup championships. His exceptional skills, relentless drive, and lasting impact made him an embodiment of the qualities deserving of the franchise's most prestigious honor, according to Red Wings CEO Chris Ilitch.
Throughout his NHL career, Fedorov played in over 1,200 games, scoring 483 goals and amassing over a thousand points. In his time with the Red Wings, he played 908 games, scored 400 goals, and had 554 assists for 954 points. Under the guidance of legendary coach Scotty Bowman, he reached the 30-goal mark in 10 separate seasons. Fedorov's individual achievements include winning the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 1994, as well as two Frank J. Selke Trophies as the league's best defensive forward. He was also named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players as part of the league's Centennial celebration in 2017.
Despite his accomplishments, the decision to retire Fedorov's jersey was not without controversy. His departure from the Red Wings in 2003, when he signed with the Anaheim Ducks, left a lingering bitterness among some fans and within the organization. Some felt that his exit tainted his legacy in Hockeytown, especially after he rejected offers from the Wings for a lighter contract with Anaheim. This decision was puzzling to many and created a bad taste in the mouths of Red Wings fans.
In the years following his departure, the relationship between Fedorov and the Red Wings remained complicated. While he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015, and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2016, his jersey remained unretired. Some observers, like former Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios, expressed disappointment that the organization had not yet honored Fedorov in this way.
However, with the announcement of the jersey retirement, it seems that the Red Wings are ready to move past any lingering resentment and fully embrace Fedorov's legacy. The news has been met with widespread approval from fans, many of whom believe that it is a long-overdue honor for one of the greatest players to ever wear the Winged Wheel. "I'm extremely grateful for this tremendous honor," Fedorov said. "I was fortunate to be part of some unforgettable teams, and above all, I'm proud of the three Stanley Cup championships we won for our amazing fans in Hockeytown".
Fedorov will be the ninth Red Wings player to have his number retired, joining Terry Sawchuk (No. 1), Red Kelly (No. 4), Nicklas Lidstrom (No. 5), Ted Lindsay (No. 7), Gordie Howe (No. 9), Alex Delvecchio (No. 10), Sid Abel (No. 12) and Steve Yzerman (No. 19). His jersey will serve as a permanent reminder of his contributions to the team and his place among the all-time greats in Red Wings history.
