Avalanche fans stunned as Red Wings raise eyebrows with shocking move involving franchise legend
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
Colorado Avalanche fans are stunned as the Detroit Red Wings announce the official retirement of Sergei Fedorov's No. 91, a move that reignites memories of the fierce rivalry that once defined these two storied franchises.
The Wings' legend will have his number retired on January 12, 2026, ahead of their game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Red Wings set to honour legend Sergei Fedorov.
According to NHL.com, Fedorov will become the ninth player in Red Wings history to have his number retired, joining the ranks of Terry Sawchuk (1), Red Kelly (4), Nicklas Lidstrom (5), Ted Lindsay (7), Gordie Howe (9), Alex Delvecchio (10), Sid Abel (12), and Steve Yzerman (19).
"The 55-year-old played 18 seasons as a center in the NHL, including 13 of those with the Red Wings, who selected him in the fourth round (No. 74) of the 1989 NHL Draft. Fedorov had 954 points (400 goals, 554 assists) in 908 games with Detroit from 1990-2003.
He ranks fourth in goals, sixth in points and seventh in assists in franchise history. Fedorov also ranks first in overtime goals (12), second in plus/minus (plus-276) and short-handed goals (31), third in game-winning goals (79) and fifth in power-play goals (117)." -NHL.com
He ranks fourth in goals, sixth in points and seventh in assists in franchise history. Fedorov also ranks first in overtime goals (12), second in plus/minus (plus-276) and short-handed goals (31), third in game-winning goals (79) and fifth in power-play goals (117)." -NHL.com
Here's what Fedorov had to say after learning about the news...
"I'm extremely grateful for this tremendous honor. 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." -Fedorov
Fedorov notched 30 or more goals in nine seasons with Detroit, highlighted by a career-best 56 goals and 120 points in 82 games during the 1993-94 season, when he captured both the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award, voted on by his fellow players.
"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. The memories made along the way -- with legendary teammates, coaches, and exceptional ownership -- will stay with me forever. ... I can't wait to see everyone in January." -Fedorov
Fedorov recorded 163 points (50 goals, 113 assists) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Detroit, ranking third in franchise history.
Over his NHL career, Fedorov amassed 1,179 points (483 goals, 696 assists) in 1,248 regular-season games with the Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals, along with 176 points (52 goals, 124 assists) in 183 playoff contests.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 and, during the NHL's centennial celebration in 2017, was named one of the 100 Greatest Players in league history.
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