The latest on the potential of Sergei Fedorov's #91 being retired by the Detroit Red Wings

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Jack Sutherland
December 3, 2024 (8:59)

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Will the Detroit Red Wings ever retire the famous #91 jersey number of Sergei Fedorov?

The Detroit Red Wings had a very hot and cold relationship with former superstar forward Sergei Fedorov, whom they literally smuggled out of the former Soviet Union in the middle of the night for a new life in the United States.

And for fans wondering why the organization hasn't honored him by retiring his iconic #91 jersey and hanging it in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena,

Fedorov was an integral part of Detroit's Stanley Cup success that included three championships in a six year span. However, there were controversial moments to go with it.

The Spittin' Chiclets podcast recently discussed the matter further, and it was Paul Bissonnette who immediately answered the initial question posed to him.

Have you ever not wondered why Sergei Fedorov's number is not retired in Detroit?

Bissonnette immediately jumped in, pointing to the infamous offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes that Fedorov signed in 1998.

It's because he signed an offer sheet with Carolina.

That was such a catalyst for the hatred of Fedorov. And it was just like, when (Joe) Sakic signed the Ranger offer sheet, and Colorado had to match.

I think they all play it off, like ha ha ha, it was all jokes and all that, and it's past us and we're all having a good time. It was nasty. It was real nasty.

At the time, it was massive, and it was a super aggressive move by Compuware and Peter Karmanos. And that's 1998, guys. That is major bucks.

They say that time heals all - is it time to let bygones be bygones and raise #91 to the Little Caesars Arena rafters?

POLL
Should the Red Wings retire Sergei Fedorov's #91 jersey?
▢ Yes, he's one of the best players in team history!
▢ No, the '98 offer sheet and '03 departure nixed it

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