At long last, Detroit Red Wings franchise legend Sergei Fedorov gets his flowers. The Red Wings announced today that they will be retiring Fedorov’s iconic number 91. He’ll join the ranks of franchise legends like Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman and Nick Lidstrom in the rafters of Little Caesar’s Arena.
“We are honored to celebrate Sergei Fedorov and raise his #91 to its rightful place. He joins many all-time greats who have worn the Winged Wheel,” said Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch. “His exceptional skill, relentless drive, and lasting impact played a pivotal role in bringing three Stanley Cup championships to Detroit. These accolades and more make him the perfect embodiment of the qualities deserving of our franchise’s most prestigious honor.”
“My parents, Mike and Marian, had a special reverence for Sergei as one of the most dynamic and charismatic players of his era. He’s someone who made a tremendous impact on our organization. All of us at the Red Wings look forward to hosting Sergei and his family in January to pay tribute to his remarkable career.”
Sergei Fedorov: A Red Wings Legend
The Red Wings drafted Fedorov with the 74th overall pick of the 1989 NHL Draft. Due to international relations with the U.S.S.R., the Red Wings had to secretly meet with Fedorov to sign him.
Fedorov played 13 seasons for the Red Wings, winning three Stanley Cups, two Selke Trophies, a Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award. Additionally, he is the only player in NHL history to win both the Selke and the Hart in the same season (1993-94).
Fedorov comprised one fifth of the eponymous Russian Five. He, Igor Larionov, Slava Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov and Slava Kozlov comprised the first all-Russian starting five in NHL history. He finished his time with the Red Wings with 908 games, 400 goals, 554 assists and 954 points.
Fedorov was considered so talented at defense that head coach Scotty Bowman often played him as a defenseman. “His skill level was off the charts,” Bowman said. “He was so physically strong.”
Fedorov went on to play for the Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets for the last five seasons of his career. After retirement, he became a head coach in the KHL, winning back-to-back Gagarin Cups.
Fedorov is universally recognized as one of the greatest Russian hockey players of all time.
Fedorov Looking Forward to Reunion
“I’m extremely grateful for this tremendous honor,” said Fedorov. “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. 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. Lastly, I want to thank Chris Ilitch for the call yesterday to share the news about retiring my number. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish.”
The retirement will take place during a special pre-game ceremony on January 12, 2026.
“I can’t wait to see everyone in January.”
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