A cherished piece of Detroit Red Wings history is poised to take its rightful place among the franchise`s greats. The team has officially announced that the No. 91 jersey, famously worn by hockey legend Sergei Fedorov, will be retired in a special ceremony on January 12, 2026. This momentous event will occur before a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena.
Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch personally shared the news with Fedorov during a phone call on Monday. In a statement released by the team, Ilitch conveyed the organization`s immense honor in raising Fedorov`s number, citing his “exceptional skill, relentless drive, and lasting impact” as pivotal to the team`s three Stanley Cup championships. Ilitch also reflected on the deep respect his parents, Mike and Marian Ilitch, held for Fedorov, recognizing him as one of the most dynamic and charismatic players of his era. The Red Wings look forward to hosting Fedorov and his family to celebrate his remarkable career.
Fedorov, who was drafted by the Red Wings in 1989, will soon join former teammates Nicklas Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman in the arena rafters, commemorating their shared triumphs, including Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, and 2002. While Fedorov`s tenure in Detroit wasn`t without its challenges, including a notable contract holdout and an offer sheet from the Carolina Hurricanes that the Red Wings ultimately matched, his contributions were instrumental. He helped secure two more championships for Detroit before leaving as a free agent for the Anaheim Ducks, overcoming initial fan displeasure upon his return visits.
Throughout his impactful years in Detroit, the 6-foot-2 center demonstrated incredible offensive prowess. He recorded 400 goals and 554 assists for a total of 954 points in 908 regular-season games. In the playoffs, his production remained elite, adding 50 goals and 113 assists for 163 points in 162 games for the Red Wings.
“I`m extremely grateful for this tremendous honour,” Fedorov expressed in the team`s official release. “Thank you to everyone with the Red Wings organization, especially those who helped bring me to Detroit and gave me the chance to play for such a historic franchise. 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`s illustrious 18-year NHL career also included stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, and Washington Capitals before his retirement in 2009. Over 1,248 career games, he accumulated an impressive 483 goals and 696 assists, totaling 1,179 points.
His individual accolades complement his team success, highlighted by the Hart Trophy (league MVP) in 1994 and two Selke Trophies (best defensive forward) in 1994 and 1996. Fedorov`s remarkable career was further cemented by his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 and his recognition as one of the NHL`s 100 greatest players of all time.
Sergei Fedorov`s No. 91 will become the eighth jersey number retired by the Red Wings, placing him among an elite pantheon of franchise legends:
- 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)
- Steve Yzerman (No. 19)
