Red Wings insider reveals chances of Sergei Fedorov being named head coach

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Jack Sutherland
November 23, 2024 (3:03 PM)

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Just what exactly are the chances of Sergei Fedorov returning to take the reigns as head coach of the Red Wings? According to one Red Wings insider, don't bet on it.

Amidst the early-season struggles of the Detroit Red Wings, rampant speculation has grown regarding head coach Derek Lalonde's job security.

While some of the heat on Lalonde may have been taken off following Thursday's win over the New York Islanders, major swaths of the Detroit fan base would still like to see GM Steve Yzerman make a change.

Earlier this week, the popular "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast suggested that Hall of Fame former Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov would be an intriguing choice for Yzerman to consider hiring if he parted ways with Lalonde.

While that idea may have been an exciting option, it has zero chance of actually taking place, according to a longtime Red Wings insider.

Journalist Bob Duff, who covered Fedorov's career with the Red Wings from start to finish, quickly dismissed the chances of Fedorov ever returning to Detroit in a coaching capacity.

The two major reasons?

The 1998 offer sheet from the Carolina Hurricanes (then owned by Mike Ilitch bitter business rival Peter Karmanos) that Fedorov signed, and the 2003 departure to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, who had just swept them from the postseason months earlier.

There's a reason why Fedorov is still waiting to see his number 91 hoisted into the rafters at Little Caesars Arena.

Duff also hinted that the relationship between Fedorov and Yzerman isn't on the warmest terms.

It's also interesting to note that while Yzerman was bringing back virtually every available Red Wings legend from his era to work for him, he's never been extending an olive branch to Fedorov.

In terms of the relationship between the two, let's just say they aren't exchanging Christmas cards.

So, as much as you might be dreaming of Fedorov as Red Wings coach, that's all it is.

As long as the Ilitches own the team and Yzerman is its GM, this will never be a reality.

For Red Wings fans hoping to see a triumphant return of Fedorov to the Red Wings as head coach, they'll have to scratch that name off their Christmas wish list.

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Why haven't the Red Wings retired Sergei Fedorov's #91 jersey number yet?
Signing the major Carolina offer sheet in 1998	47	49.5 %
Leaving for the Mighty Ducks in 2003	26	27.4 %
Something else	22	23.2 %
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