Red Wings Confirm Chelios Won’t Return

The Detroit Red Wings officially announced on Monday that defenseman Chris Chelios will not return to the team next season.

“It was kind of understood last summer, after Cheli signed, that the 2008-09 season would be the last one for Cheli as a Red Wing,” said Red Wings GM Ken Holland. “He wants to play another season and I believe he can still play.”

Chelios, 47, played ten seasons for the Red Wings, joining the team from the Chicago Blackhawks at the 1999 trade deadline. The three-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman is the second-oldest active player in NHL history behind Gordie Howe. His 25 seasons played are tied for most in NHL history with Howe and Mark Messier.