Detroit Red Wings issue heartfelt statement on Mickey Redmond
Photo credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Fans lament, as they learn the news that Detroit Red Wings analyst Mickey Redmond will be stepping away from the team after the Ottawa Senators game on Sunday.
It was announced on Sunday afternoon that former Detroit Red Wings player and analyst on the FanDuel Sports Network, Mickey Redmond, will be stepping away from the booth after the game against the Ottawa Senators.
Red Wings' Redmond will be taking an extended leave of absence to undergo a medical procedure.
As a result, tonight's game will be the last time for an undisclosed period of time that he'll be on the Red Wings broadcast.
The Red Wings analyst explained the situation on social media Sunday. He hopes to return to the broadcast booth before post-season games:
"After tonight's game, I'll be taking some time away from my analyst duties as I address chronic neck issues that have led me to need cervical spine fusion surgery," he said in the statement. "It's never ideal to miss time during the season, but I was luckily able to line the procedure up with several nationally televised games and the Olympic Break. It's been an incredible season in Hockeytown, and I'm looking forward to being back behind the microphone for our exciting playoff run."
"Mickey has the full support of the Red Wings family, and we appreciate that he's prioritizing his health," the team said. "Mickey decided to wait on having this procedure until a time that was best for the broadcast, for the team and ultimately for the fans - a great example of what an incredible teammate he is on and off the air. Everyone in the organization will keep him in our thoughts and will do anything needed to support his recovery."
"Mickey has the full support of the Red Wings family, and we appreciate that he's prioritizing his health," the team said. "Mickey decided to wait on having this procedure until a time that was best for the broadcast, for the team and ultimately for the fans - a great example of what an incredible teammate he is on and off the air. Everyone in the organization will keep him in our thoughts and will do anything needed to support his recovery."
The absence is understandable, as cervical spine fusion surgery sounds like an invasive and painful procedure that needs time and care to recover from.
Redmond's is just another one of the abundance of injuries the Red Wings have experienced, but this time, it's off the ice.
The Detroit Red Wings trade for Mickey Redmond in 1971
The former Red Wings player began his career in the NHL during the 1967-68 season with the Montreal Canadiens. He'd win two cups with the Canadiens (1968, 1969) and would find himself wearing the winged wheel later in his career.
Redmond was traded to the Red Wings on January 13th, 1971, with Guy Charron and Bill Collins for Frank Mahovlich (to the Canadiens).
His career-year in Detroit was during the 1972-73 season, where he scored 52 goals and 93 points. The forward's career ended in Detroit, where he'd end with 538 games played and 428 points scored (233-195).
Fans love Redmond for his unexpected humor with the 77-year-old taking part in a scene we won't live down.
There's been no discussion on how the injury evolved to the point that Redmond required surgery, but we hope for a quick and speedy recovery for the fan favorite broadcaster.
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