Former Red Wing Sergei Fedorov spoke with RG.com’s Sergey Demidov and Quinn Allen regarding his #91 being retired by the Red Wings, and much more:
The Detroit Red Wings will retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 on Jan. 12, 2026, during the franchise’s centennial season. In a wide-ranging conversation with RG, the three-time Stanley Cup champion reflects on the call from ownership, old business disputes, leaving for Anaheim, and what comes next—while Detroit’s history with No. 91 comes into full view.
The news reached Fedorov on Tuesday. It was a call from Red Wings owner and CEO Christopher Ilitch.
“The day before, I had been told to expect a call,” Fedorov said. “I understood the general idea but didn’t ask too many questions. I’ve always had a good, respectful relationship with the organization. The next day, I got a message saying that Chris Ilitch would be calling me. My heart immediately started beating faster.”
“When we spoke, we first exchanged the usual questions about how things were going, how our families were doing, and then he shared the news with me. Honestly, in the first three or four minutes of the conversation, I wasn’t 100 percent sure where it was headed. But then he started listing all of our victories, our achievements, and how long it took to get there. At that moment, it took my breath away. Memories rushed back—our struggles, our bumps along the road, and of course that unforgettable parade of emotions after winning our first Stanley Cup.
Fedorov admits that he still feels that leaving for Anaheim in the summer of 2003 was the right thing to do, though he doesn’t share the rationale for doing so…
But he also states that he was “always a Red Wing” in his heart, and he offers this regarding his potential future:
With the number retirement settled, could there be a formal tie to the organization beyond the alumni circuit? Fedorov doesn’t push, but he won’t hesitate if asked.
“That’s a fair thought. If Detroit’s management wants me involved professionally, I’d be happy to do it. I’d gladly share my experience, mentor young players, and help raise the next generation of Red Wings champions.”
“I don’t know all the details [on the ceremony] yet. What I do know is that I’ll have around 50 close friends and family with me. They’ll be coming from all over the world, not just Russia. As for the rest—that’s up to the organizers.”
Continued; Sergei has always been an enigmatic figure, and he remains one even after reading this interview.
