Sergei Fedorov, 56, was overwhelmed by emotion in his return to Detroit to have his No. 91 retired. Given his contributions to the franchise, and his enormous talent, it was an honor long overdue. Time was needed to resolve hard feelings. The relationship between Fedorov and the Red Wings was strained by the circumstances of his departure.

But not anymore.

Fedorov thanked the Ilitch family for taking a chance on him when it wasn’t clear whether he would be allowed to play in the NHL. He thanked them for taking care of him when he was adapting to a new country.  Fedorov talked about what a great leader Steve Yzerman was.

He said Detroit has always been his home, no matter where he was. Fedorov left Detroit in 2003, signing with the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He had tried to leave five years earlier when he signed an offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes, forcing the Red Wings to match a $28 million offer. Today, he has regrets.

“Leaving Detroit when I did was a huge mistake. That is on me,” Fedorov said.

Special. pic.twitter.com/dQBiE2EHIT

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 13, 2026

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Timing for the Sergei Fedorov number retirement was perfect

Coach Todd McLellan believes his players are “graduating” to bigger things.

Andrew Copp’s OT goal saves the day after Red Wings blow three-goal lead.

Red Wings Extra

If you are ranking reasons why the Red Wings have turned the corner this season Moritz Seider is high on the list. He shows 27 points (6-21-27) and a plus-10 rating in 31 games since Nov. 13 vs. Anaheim. Seider continues to lead all Red Wings defensemen in goals (7), assists (26), points (33), plus/minus (+11), power play goals (1), power play points (16), shots (102) and average time on ice (25:16).

None other than Karen Newman is brought back for tonight’s national anthem.

Another beautiful touch by the Red Wings organization to celebrate Fedorov’s jersey retirement. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/bTfeFwZ2YA

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) January 13, 2026

Hockey Now Network

New Jersey: James Nichols says the Devils play in beating Minnesota was their best hockey in months. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: William James writes that the Flyers need more from their top players. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Erik Karlsson’s lower body injury will keep him out of the lineup for weeks. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng looks at how the Sharks could become a Stanley Cup contender. San Jose Sharks.