Honouring A Legend

It didn't take Sergei Fedorov very long to show the world that he was a good fit in the NHL after he scored on New Jersey's Sean Burke just 3:41 into the second period in an October 4, 1990 game. His debut didn't come with a win, though, as the Devils and Red Wings finished the game in the 3-3 tie, but that goal would be the first of 483 tallies he'd collect against NHL goalies. Announced today by the team, he'll see his number next to the player's number who set him up for that first goal up in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena after his famous #91 is retired by the Detroit Red Wings this season in January.

Along with his former Soviet linemates in Pavel Bure and Alexander Mogilny, these were the players for whom NHL teams had been waiting since seeing them dazzle crowds at the IIHF World Junior Championships. It was hard not to be excited when these three players finally were announced as part of NHL rosters wit Mogilny skated for the Sabres in 1989, Fedorov with the Red Wings in 1990, and Bure with the Canucks in 1991. Speed, skill, and scoring arrived from Mother Russia as the final decade of the 1900s began.

Fedorov scored more than point-per-game through his first six seasons in the NHL as he helped pull the Red Wings out of being a middling team to being a dynamic powerhouse. A pair of Stanley Cup victories in 1997 and 1998 followed his first major individual awards in 1994 when he won the Hart, Selke, and Pearson trophies. A second Selke would be earned as the league's top defensive forward in 1996 as his game at both ends of the ice improved greatly once Scotty Bowman arrived in 1994. Fedorov was becoming a superstar.

After that 1997 Stanley Cup victory where he had eight goals and 20 points in 20 playoff games, it was clear that the Detroit Red Wings were going to have to pay a big salary to keep Fedorov in Red Wings' colours. After he signed an offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes for six years and $38 million, Detroit matched the offer and he remained as Red Wings centerman for the next six seasons, helping the team win the 1998 Stanley Cup and the 2002 Stanley Cup.

The irony of retiring Fedorov's number on Jaunary 12, 2026 is that the Carolina Hurricanes are the visitors at Little Caesars Arena that night, so this retirement ceremony might be a friendly jab at the Hurricanes franchise after they tried to grab one of the better centermen in the NHL via an offer sheet in 1997. Who says NHL owners can't have fun?

"I'm extremely grateful for this tremendous honor," Fedorov said 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. 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. 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. I can't wait to see everyone in January."

It feels like honouring Fedorov should have come sooner, but better late than never, right? One of Detroit's best players in he history of the franchise and certainly one of the main cogs in winning three Stanley Cups within a decade should be honoured beside the other two men who did the same thing in Nicklas Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman. That will finally happen on January 12 this season as Fedorov will be in Motor City for that once-in-a-lifetime honour.

And just in case you want to see that first goal, here it is.


Congratulations to Sergei Fedorov on this honour, and kudos to the Detroit Red Wings for celebrating one of the franchise's best players!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!