The Detroit Red Wings retired Sergei Fedorov's No. 91 jersey, honoring the Hockey Hall of Famer who expressed regret over leaving the team, stating, 'Leaving Detroit when I did was a huge mistake.'
The Detroit Red Wings officially retired Sergei Fedorov's No. 91 jersey, celebrating the Russian hockey great more than a decade after his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. During an emotional pregame ceremony, Fedorov, 56, confessed, 'Leaving Detroit when I did was a huge mistake,' emphasizing his enduring connection to the city by saying, 'Detroit is home, always been.' Fedorov, a dynamic two-way center, became the ninth player to receive this honor from the Red Wings, joining legends like Gordie Howe, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Steve Yzerman. Drafted by the Red Wings in 1989, Fedorov famously defected from the Soviet Union in 1990 with the team's assistance. He was a pivotal member of the 'Russian Five,' contributing to Detroit's Stanley Cup victories in 1997 and 1998, and later a third in 2002. A six-time All-Star during his 13 seasons with the franchise, he made history in 1994 as the first European to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. After his time with the Red Wings, he played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals, accumulating 483 goals and 1,179 points in his career. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015, Fedorov expressed profound humility at joining the 'legends' with his jersey in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena.
