Detroit Red Wings to Honor Sergei Fedorov

The Detroit Red Wings have announced the retirement of Sergei Fedorov's No. 91, a long-awaited recognition for one of the franchise's all-time greats. Although Fedorov was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame over a decade ago and left the team more than 20 years ago, this honor raises questions about the timing of such tributes to legendary players.

The Legacy of Fedorov and Others

Fedorov's departure from the Red Wings was marked by uncertainty, including an offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes in 1998 that created some friction. However, as the franchise prepares for Fedorov's ceremony on January 12, 2026, against Carolina, attention has turned to other players yet to receive similar honors.

Carey Price: A Goalie Worthy of Recognition

Carey Price, recently retired goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens, is another player deserving of recognition. Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, Price's contributions included leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. His accolades, including the Hart and Vezina Trophies, reinforce why his No. 31 should be retired in Montreal.

Mark Recchi and Philadelphia's Number Retirements

Mark Recchi, who had a stellar 22-year career and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017, notably remains unmatched in his honor by the Philadelphia Flyers. Recchi played ten seasons while contributing to the team’s successes, yet his No. 8 is still in circulation.

Al MacInnis: A Flame with Unretired Legacy

Calgary Flames’ Al MacInnis dominated the blue line during his tenure and earned a place in the Hall of Fame in 2007. Despite this, his No. 2 remains unretired. His essential role in helping the Flames secure their 1989 Stanley Cup victory makes a strong case for Honor.

Peter Bondra: A Capitals Legend Unrecognized

In Washington, Peter Bondra is often overshadowed by recent success, yet he was the franchise's all-time goal scorer before Alex Ovechkin. His achievements warrant recognition through the retirement of his No. 12 jersey, despite his absence from the Hall of Fame.

Pat LaFontaine and the Islanders’ Oversight

While Pat LaFontaine has his number retired by the Buffalo Sabres, his initial team, the New York Islanders, has yet to honor him. His impactful years with the Islanders from 1983 to 1991 merit consideration alongside those of their dynasty legends.

Alexander Mogilny: A Long-Awaited Honor

Alexander Mogilny’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame finally came in 2025, but the Buffalo Sabres have not yet retired his No. 89. His impressive scoring and contributions to the team should lead to a future ceremony, as his legacy continues to resonate.

Modern-Day Heroes: Datsyuk and Zetterberg

With the recent retirement of Fedorov's number, eyes now turn to modern Red Wings legends like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Both were vital during their Stanley Cup runs and deserve to see their numbers raised to the rafters soon.

Ryan Getzlaf: The Unsung Hero of Anaheim

Ryan Getzlaf, the lifelong Anaheim Duck, contributed immensely to the franchise’s success, including an impressive playoff run that culminated in a Stanley Cup victory. His No. 15 should soon join the ranks of retired numbers in Anaheim.

Bruins' Future Retirements

The Boston Bruins are expected to retire the numbers of Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, both crucial contributors in their 2011 Stanley Cup Championship season, adding to their impressive history of honoring all-time greats.