Last month, Hockeytown rejoiced as it was announced that Red Wings legend Sergei Fedorov would finally get his #91 retired this upcoming season. Tensions between Fedorov and Detroit ownership led to the decade-long delay, but regardless, the former MVP is getting his due.
The Fedorov jersey retirement saga prevented the Red Wings from honoring other Detroit legends in the rafters. With it now concluded, it begs the question: Who will be next?
Here are the five Red Wings greats most likely to follow Fedorov and have their numbers retired.
1. Pavel Datsyuk
The most obvious choice to follow Fedorov is his fellow countryman, Datsyuk. The ‘Magic Man’ electrified the National Hockey League (NHL) for the better part of two decades with his dazzling dangles, phenomenal playmaking, and stout defense.
On top of his highlight reel plays, Datsyuk’s stats hold up well, too. Although never eclipsing the 100-point plateau, he is still top ten in Red Wings history in goals (314), assists (604), points (918), and games played (953). He is also a four-time Lady Byng winner, three-time Selke winner, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.
Most current NHLers still say that Datsyuk is their favorite player, demonstrating his lasting impact in Hockeytown and beyond.
Though not to the degree of Fedorov, there was moderate animosity when Datsyuk abruptly retired from the NHL in 2016. However, he now pops up at Red Wings games, has coached Detroit prospects at development camps, and was honored by the team last season for his Hall of Fame induction. Any ill-will between Datsyuk and Detroit seems gone, and it is only a matter of time before #13 is raised to the rafters.
2. Henrik Zetterberg
Zetterberg also appears to be a lock to have his #40 retired by Detroit. Playing his entire 15-year career for the Wings from 2002-03 to 2017-18, Hank’s stats may actually be better than most fans remember.
He did not have the flashy plays like Datsyuk, but Zetterberg is ahead of his running mate in most statistical categories and compares favorably to several greats. Amongst Red Wings all-time, Zetterberg is top-five in goals (337), assists (623), and points (960). He is sixth in games played (1082).
Z also won the 2007-08 Stanley Cup and was the Conn Smythe recipient as MVP of the playoffs.
Off the ice, Zetterberg was a well-respected leader. He captained the Wings from 2013 until his retirement in 2018 and won the King Clancy Award in 2014-15, given to the NHL player that best exemplifies leadership and community contributions.
Despite playing the final years of his career with a degenerative back issue, Hank managed to tough it out and still played in all 82 games for his last three seasons. His grit and tenacity truly embodied the city of Detroit and prove why he continues to inspire current Red Wings players.
The only hiccup that could prevent the #40 from being retired is if Zetterberg does not make the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Red Wings tend only to retire Hall of Famers' numbers, and Hank has yet to be inducted despite being on the ballot for three years.
Most analysts agree that Zetterberg will eventually make the Hall, but he does lack individual awards (aside from the Conn Smythe) and fell just short of 1,000 points. If his induction is further delayed, then that could make his jersey retirement more complicated.
3. Chris Osgood
If not for Terry Sawchuk, Osgood would easily be the greatest goaltender in Red Wings history.
Across two stints with Detroit in the 1990s and 2000s, Ozzie is second amongst Wings’ goalies in games (565), wins (317), shots against (14,145), saves (12,801), and shutouts (39). Despite the number of shots he took, he is also in the top ten in save percentage (.905). Osgood ranks in the top-20 and top-30 in NHL history in several major categories as well.
The Wizard of Oz is more known for his hardware than his statistical achievements. In addition to being a two-time Jennings Trophy winner, he is also a three-time Stanley Cup champion in Detroit.
All of the winning may be a detriment to Osgood, though. Several pundits believe he was nothing more than an average goalie who benefited from having a stellar team in front of him. Osgood supporters argue the team would not have won without him, and point to his successful stints with the less-talented New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues as proof of his prowess.
Ozzie’s Hall of Fame candidacy is a hotly contested debate yearly. While he has been on the ballot since 2014, there is positive momentum towards Osgood’s enshrinement, especially considering he has better stats than goalies like Mike Vernon, who have already been inducted.
Similar to Zetterberg, Osgood may need to make the Hall to have the Wings retire his #30.
4. Brendan Shanahan
One of the greatest hockey players of all time, Shanahan’s Red Wings stint may be one of the more underrated in team history.
He is mainly remembered as the final missing piece for the Wings’ 1996-97 Stanley Cup run, which was followed by two more championships in 1997-98 and 2001-02. Shanahan’s success prior to Detroit, most notably with the Blues, prevents him from being viewed like homegrown legends like Steve Yzerman or Nicklas Lidstrom.
However, Shanahan may be more of a true Red Wings legend than some realize. He spent nine seasons in Detroit, nearly twice as long as his tenure with any other franchise. For the Wings, he is top-ten in goals (309), points (633), plus/minus (+144), and hat tricks (10). He achieved all this despite playing in way fewer games (716) than the other Red Wings in the top ten.
Shanny also played a pivotal role in ‘Fight Night at the Joe,’ the legendary full-team brawl between the Colorado Avalanche and Red Wings in 1997.
It may never happen because Shanahan is not revered the same as other Wings’ greats, but the stats back up his #14 deserving a spot in the rafters. He has yet to have his number retired by any team, so it would be special if Detroit gave him that honor.
5. Vladimir Konstantinov
Prior to his career-ending, life-altering limousine accident after the Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1996-97, Konstantinov was on pace to be one of the greatest defensemen in Detroit (and NHL) history.
He provided an unmatched physicality, defensive acumen, and overall force that left opponents quivering in fear. Vladdy’s offensive ability also increased year over year before his accident. He was top-five in Norris voting twice, including a runner-up finish in his final season.
Following the accident, Konstantinov has inspired the entire Detroit community, persevering and having a positive attitude despite overwhelming odds.
Konstantinov is a Detroit legend on and off the ice, and it is only fitting that his #16 be raised to the rafters at Little Caesars Arena.