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Fedorov’s Jersey Goes up Into Rafters . . . in Russia

Fedorov doesn’t expect to return to coaching

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1 month ago

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Sergei Feodrov, former Red Wings
Former Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov was honored in Russia by his old team CSKA Moscow, which retired his jersey.

It was a moment that Detroit Red Wings have been waiting to see happen for years now.

Well, sort of.

All that clamor to get Sergei Fedorov’s number retired is finally paying dividends. On Thursday, Fedorov’s No. 18 was hoisted up into the rafters . . . by his old Russian club, CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

The ceremony took place prior to a scheduled KHL match between old Moscow rivals CSKA and Spartak. Accompanied by his wife and children, Fedorov took part in a ceremonial faceoff. He was presented with his jersey. CSKA Moscow won 5-4 in overtime.

“I would like to congratulate Sergei Viktorovich (Fedorov),” Spartak coach Alexei Zhamnov said following the game. Zhamnov and Fedorov were opponents as NHL players.

Igor Vorobyov, who is Fedorov’s successor as CSKA coach, was effusive in his praise of the former Red Wings icon.

“He’s a great man, Vorobyov told KHL.ru. “He was a fantastic hockey player, my idol. He did things both in attack and in defense. Skating, finishing, thinking – great players are good at everything.

“And his level was beyond the limit. And as a coach he won two Cups.”

Fedorov Thanks Red Wings

It isn’t merely Detroit fans who wonder when Fedorov’s number will be given the ultimate recognition by the team. Even some of his former Red Wings teammates are wondering why it hasn’t happened yet.

“For me it’s hard to believe,” ex-Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios said during Wednesday’s TNT broadcast of the Red Wings-Flyers game. “It’s shocking it’s not there yet, but I hope it gets in there. He deserves it.”

While there’s no indication of any plan by the Red Wings to retire Fedorov’s No. 91, he was still sending his best wishes to the team for the recent birthday wishes extended to him via social media. Fedorov turned 55 on Dec. 13.

“I continue to adhere to the idea that sport is outside of politics,” Fedorov told RIA Novosti. “Although this is not entirely true. I thank the Red Wings for their congratulations. But to be honest, I did not even know about it. This is right.

“This is a normal world in which we want to be and will be. Peaceful skies above everyone’s heads.”

There’s been rumblings about Fedorov coming back to work for the Red Wings organization, perhaps even as a coach. He doesn’t see that happening.

“In my understanding, I have finished my coaching career,” Fedorov said. “After I left CSKA, I did not receive any new offers. I did not pick up the phone.”

Fedorov coached CSKA Moscow from 2021-24, winning two Gagarin Cup titles. Still under contract to the club, he’s awaiting his next assignment.

“I think the next supervisory board should define these functions,” Fedorov told TASS. “There is communication now, but it is not intensive. Therefore, I do not really think that I have any functions in the supervisory board.”

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