‘Tremendous honor:’ Sergei Fedorov to have number retired by Red Wings

Photo Credit: Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Tuesday that Hockey Hall of Famer Sergei Fedorov will have his No. 91 jersey retired on January 12, 2026, prior to a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Fedorov, who spent 13 seasons with the team, will be the ninth Red Wing to have their jersey retired, and first since Red Kelly’s No. 4 was lifted to the rafters during the 2018-19 season. Fedorov was the only player to wear No. 91 in the team’s 100-year history.

"I'm extremely grateful for this tremendous honor," said Sergei Fedorov in a statement. "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."

A 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Fedorov played 18 seasons in the NHL, registering 483 goals and 696 assists for 1,179 points in 1,248 career games. The center had 52 goals and 124 assists for 176 points in 183 playoff games. Fedorov ranks ninth in NHL history for playoff assists and is tied for 16th in playoff points. Along with playing for the Red Wings, Fedorov also suited up for the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals.

Fedorov is most known for his time in the Motor City. He played 13 years for the Red Wings, ranking fourth in goals (400), sixth in points (954), and seventh in assists (554) in franchise history. He scored 30 or more goals in nine of his 13 seasons with the Red Wings and is just one of two players in team history to have multiple 100-point seasons (Steve Yzerman).

The 55-year-old received the news on Monday on a phone call with Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch.

"We are honored to celebrate Sergei Fedorov and raise his No. 91 to its rightful place hanging in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena, among the all-time greats who have worn the Winged Wheel," said Chris Ilitch. "His exceptional skill, relentless drive, and lasting impact playing a pivotal role bringing three Stanley Cup championships to Detroit make him the perfect embodiment of the qualities deserving of our franchise's most prestigious honor."

“I want to thank Chris Ilitch for the call yesterday to share the news about retiring my number,” Fedorov said. “It’s a moment I’ll always cherish. I can’t wait to see everyone in January.”

The native of Pskov, Russia, was drafted by the Red Wings in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Fedorov played for the Red Wings from 1990 to 2003. Fedorov served as the team’s alternate captain for four seasons (1994-97, 2002-03).

Fedorov was a key piece of some of the greatest teams in Red Wings history. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Fedorov lifted all three of his Cups with the Red Wings in 1996-97, 1997-98, and 2001-02. Fedorov led the playoffs in goals (10) in 1997-98, winning his second consecutive Stanley Cup.

"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 said. "The memories made along the way -- with legendary teammates, coaches, and exceptional ownership -- will stay with me forever.”

Fedorov was a six-time NHL All-Star and won the 1993-94 Hart Trophy for league MVP after scoring a career-high 56 goals and tallying 120 points in 82 games. He won the Selke Trophy twice (1993-94, 1995-96) as the league’s best defensive forward. The 1993-94 Ted Lindsay Award winner was named to the 1990-91 NHL All-Rookie Team and finished second in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year that same season.

He finished his NHL career by playing parts of two seasons with the Ducks (2003-06), three with the Blue Jackets (2006-08), and two with the Capitals (2008-09). Fedorov returned home to Russia to play his final three professional seasons with Metallurg Magnitogorsk (2009-12).

When the NHL celebrated its 100th season in 2017, Fedorov was voted one of the 100 best players in league history.