7 Detroit Red Wings Numbers That Should Retire – Hockey Writers – Detroit Red Wings

As an Original Six franchise, the Detroit Red Wings have had a number of Hall-of-Famers including the famous Winged Wheel. Also, as of the 2025-26 season, here are the retired Detroit Red Wings numbers:

But are there any other Red Wings who deserve to have their numbers retired? Let’s look at seven possible future options.

Other Deserving Red Wings

So far, there are seven other Red Wings who should undoubtedly have their numbers retired:

#2 – Jack Stewart

During his prime in Detroit, Jack “Black Jack” Stewart was a feared defenseman around the NHL. During his ten seasons in Detroit, Stewart didn’t score many points but he did admirably protect the Red Wings’ hip-swinging checks. He also won two Stanley Cups in Detroit.

#3 – Marcel Pronovost

During his 16 seasons with the Red Wings, defenseman Marcel Pronovost won four Stanley Cups and teamed with Kelly to form a formidable defensive pairing. Pronovost ranks second in games played (983) and fifth in career points (297) among Red Wings defensemen.

Pronovost is seen on the right, moving the puck up ice near Gordie Howe and goaltender Terry Sawchuk.

#6 – Larry Aurie

Although his #6 is no longer in Detroit, Larry Aurie’s jersey has not been 100% ignored. Previous owner James Norris retired the number in 1938, but current owner Mike Illitch does not see the previous owner’s decision as final.

Aurie was a quarterback during the early days of the organization, including years spent with the Detroit Cougars and Falcons. He was Detroit’s best player during their first Stanley Cups—1936 and 1937.

#13 – Pavel Datsyuk

Now playing in Russia, Pavel Datsyuk has been a powerhouse with the Red Wings for a decade and a half. He was part of the Red Wings’ 2002 and 2008 Stanley Cups and won four Lady Byng Trophies and three Selke Trophies during his time in Detroit.

Datsyuk’s highlight reel goals shocked fans at Joe Louis Arena. He continues to show off his magic overseas:

#16 – Vladimir Konstantinov

Also no longer in circulation, Vladimir Konstantinov’s #16 is a revered number in Hockeytown. With an amazing career capped, Konstantinov’s jersey deserves to join the ranks of those hoisted on the Joe Louis Arena.

#40 – Henrik Zetterberg

Although he never reached 1,000 points in his illustrious career, Henrik Zetterberg should have his jersey retired one day. While in Detroit, Zetterberg won a Stanley Cup, was awarded the 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy and served as Detroit’s captain following Lidstrom’s retirement.

#91 – Sergei Fedorov

Few Red Wings have had as much impact on the ice as Sergei Fedorov. Along with Konstantinov and three other members of the Russian Five, Fedorov helped revolutionize the NHL through Russian strategy and tactics on the ice.

Fedorov won three Stanley Cups, two Selke Trophies, a Hart Trophy, and the Lester B. Pearson Trophy (now the Ted Lindsay Award) while in Detroit.