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Don't hold your breath awaiting Fedorov retirement ceremony |
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If you are waiting for the Detroit Red Wings to retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 and hoist it into the Joe Louis Arena rafters, here’s a piece of advice:
Don’t hold your breath.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Monday, Fedorov was honoured in a brief – very brief – pre-game ceremony prior to Tuesday’s 1-0 win over the Washington Capitals.
If the Wings were thinking about retiring his number, this would have proven to be perfect timing.
But the truth is, they aren’t thinking about it. A source within the Wings organization insisted that there have been no serious talks about taking Fedorov’s number of out service.
Naturally, Fedorov would love to be recognized in such a manner, but he wasn’t about to press the issue.
“I don’t want to put any pressure,” Fedorov said. “It’s going to be a great honor if it happens. If it’s not, it’s still (an honor) to be a part of it for 13 seasons here, three Cups and celebrations, rallies, one million rallies, victory rallies, what else can you wish for?
“I mean, it’s very fortunate that we got that kind of stretch and we were excited about and still talk about still to the day with the guys that I see around. Most of the guys from around those days are now in management with the Red Wings and I’m so proud of that.”
Fedorov is also in management as general manager of CSKA Moscow of the KHL, the same club team he played for when the Wings spirited him away from the Soviet national team at the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, but it’s the way Fedorov left Detroit that still appears to be a contentious issued with some of the higher-ups in the organization.
Fedorov turned down a significant offer from the Wings during the 2002-03 season and signed as a free agent that summer with the Anaheim Ducks.
“I don’t think so in anyway or by any means,” Fedorov suggested as to whether he felt there was any lingering bitterness between the Wings and him. “This is just a small token of appreciation that they believe in me, they drafted me, they accepted me and they gave me opportunity to play, and like I said, I had best years of my life here.”
He’s found that the Detroit fans that once booed him have let bygones be bygones.
“That’s the case, even though we had some misunderstandings before,” Fedorov said.
Fedorov wouldn’t be the first Wings legend to be forgotten about after a bad ending with the team. In 1960, defenseman Red Kelly, the first Norris Trophy winner in 1953-54 and a four-time Stanley Cup champion with Detroit, was traded to the New York Rangers.
Kelly refused to report, announcing his retirement. A few days later, he was dealt to Toronto and this time went along with the trade, winning four more Stanley Cups with the Maple Leafs and exchanging several barbs over the years with Detroit GM Jack Adams.
To this day, Kelly’s No. 4 has never been retired and there’s some who feel this is an injustice equal to the one Fedorov is currently dealing with.
Detroit’s most recent Hart Trophy winner in 1993-94, Fedorov isn’t certain if the cold war will ever be completely over and the day will come when No. 91 takes its rightful place high above the ice in Detroit.
“I don’t know,” Fedorov said. “Maybe. Possibly. But like I said I got to be careful what I’m saying.
“Like I said if it happens great, when it happens I don’t know and it’s going to be one of those moments that you’re going to cherish the rest of your life.”
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Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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