The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and a burgundy Corvette rolled onto the ice—Sergei Fedorov had arrived in style for a night Detroit hockey fans will never forget. On January 12, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings officially retired Fedorov’s iconic No. 91 jersey, honoring the Russian superstar more than a decade after his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held at Little Caesars Arena before a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes, was a celebration of a career that shaped a franchise and inspired generations.
Fedorov’s journey to the rafters is a story of courage, skill, and redemption. Drafted 74th overall in the fourth round of the 1989 NHL Draft, the Red Wings orchestrated his dramatic defection from the Soviet Union in 1990. As Fedorov recalled, he was just 20 years old, leaving his homeland and family behind with no guarantees. “I landed in Detroit more than 15 years ago. I did not know what the future held. I didn’t know if I’d stay or succeed or ever find the kind of love this city gives out. I just knew one thing I had to work to do. I wanted to prove myself,” Fedorov told the crowd, emotion thick in his voice. “I never imagined a night like this. My number up there, next to those legends.”
His arrival in Detroit marked the beginning of an era. Fedorov played 908 games for the Red Wings over 13 seasons, scoring 400 goals and 554 assists—numbers that only begin to tell the story of his impact. He was a central figure in the legendary “Russian Five,” alongside Igor Larionov, Slava Fetisov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, and Vladimir Konstantinov, who redefined the Red Wings’ style and helped capture three Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998, and 2002. The bond between these players was evident during the ceremony, with Fedorov embracing Konstantinov, who suffered life-altering injuries after the 1997 Cup win, and giving heartfelt shoutouts to all his Russian Five teammates.
Fedorov’s list of accolades is as long as his stride was smooth. He became the first European to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 1994, a season in which he notched 56 goals and 120 points. He was a six-time All-Star, two-time Selke Trophy winner as the league’s best defensive forward, and recipient of the Lester B. Pearson Trophy, awarded by his peers as the league’s most outstanding player. “Sergei’s rare combination of skill, speed, explosive power made him one of the best all-around players in our league’s history,” said Steve Yzerman, former teammate and current Red Wings general manager, during an eight-minute tribute speech. “During games, he could do things that we as teammates, watching from the bench, would turn to one another in amazement, simply saying, wow, did you see that? He could do things that none of us could.”
But Fedorov’s career in Detroit was not without its twists. In 2003, after turning down a five-year, $50 million extension, he left the Red Wings to sign with the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim—a decision he openly regrets. “Leaving Detroit when I did was a huge mistake. That is on me,” Fedorov admitted, clearing the air during his speech. Still, he acknowledged that his departure led him to meet the love of his life, a silver lining in an otherwise bittersweet chapter. His wife Corrina and their children, Aleksandra and Viktor, joined him on the ice for the ceremony, sharing in a moment that was as much about family as it was about hockey glory.
As his No. 91 ascended to the rafters, Fedorov joined an elite group of Red Wings legends: Terry Sawchuk, Red Kelly, Nicklas Lidström, Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Sid Abel, and Steve Yzerman. The honor was long overdue, delayed by the circumstances of his departure but sealed after his 2015 Hall of Fame induction. The night was filled with tributes from across the hockey world. Video messages poured in from former coach Scotty Bowman, teammates like Chris Chelios and Tomas Holmström, and Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin, who played with Fedorov on the Washington Capitals. “Congrats on your jersey retirement. You have an unbelievable career. You helped me grow up as a person, as a player. One of the best players I ever played with,” Ovechkin said.
The Red Wings pulled out all the stops for the celebration. Fans received commemorative “91” lapel pins and white shirts to create a sea of support in the lower bowl. The Stanley Cup, Hart Memorial Trophy, Frank J. Selke Trophy, and Lester B. Pearson Trophy were on display near the Team Store, a testament to Fedorov’s decorated career. Exclusive merchandise and a tribute book titled “Ninety One: A Salute to Sergei Fedorov” were available, and special in-arena activations brought fans closer to the action. The ceremonial puck drop at 7:11 p.m. was performed by Fedorov himself, with the game beginning moments later—a fitting prelude to a dramatic Red Wings win in overtime.
Family, teammates, and fans weren’t the only ones in attendance. The arena hosted a who’s who of Red Wings history, including Nicklas Lidström, Chris Chelios, Brendan Shanahan, Kirk Maltby, Kris Draper, Joe Kocur, Ken Holland, and Dave Lewis. The sense of reunion was palpable, and the outpouring of respect for Fedorov’s career was universal. “Full congratulations. I know it’s been a long time coming, but it’ll be well worth it to join such an illustrious group of former Red Wing players that have all their numbers retired,” said Scotty Bowman in his video tribute.
For Fedorov, the night was a chance to reflect on his place in Detroit’s storied hockey history and to thank the fans who embraced him from the start. “You Detroit fans are special. You are loyal, passionate, you show up always. You embraced me, you supported me and you made this city feel like home. I felt that love on the ice and I’m feeling it even more tonight. I’m incredibly proud that I got to represent this city wearing this sweater,” Fedorov declared, his voice breaking with emotion. “Just know this, I don’t take it lightly, I don’t take it for granted and I will never forget what you gave to me. From my very first game, you just went with me, energy, and on the big nights, the Joe shook. You don’t forget that, the noise, the emotions, the connection. I will remember this night for the rest of my life.”
As No. 91 now hangs among the legends, Fedorov’s legacy as one of hockey’s most dynamic and complete players is forever etched in Detroit’s heart. The celebration was more than a look back—it was a reminder of the passion, perseverance, and pride that define the Red Wings and their fans. Go Wings!
