History of Detroit Red Wings in Timeline

The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, competing in the NHL's Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. As one of the league's Original Six teams, they were founded in 1926. Initially named the Detroit Cougars, they became the Detroit Falcons in 1930, before adopting their current name, the Red Wings, in 1932.

1925: Purchase of Victoria Cougars Players

In 1926, the Detroit franchise purchased players from the WHL's Victoria Cougars, who had won the Stanley Cup in 1925, to form the team's roster.

1926: Detroit Cougars Founded

In 1926, the Detroit Red Wings were originally founded as the Detroit Cougars. The team played under this name until 1930. This marked the beginning of Detroit's long history in the NHL.

1926: Franchise Approval and Formation

On May 15, 1926, the NHL approved a Detroit franchise to the Townsend-Seyburn group, marking the official formation of the Detroit Red Wings.

1927: Move to Detroit Olympia

In the 1927–28 season, the Detroit Cougars moved to the new Detroit Olympia, which would be their home rink until 1979.

1929: First Stanley Cup Playoffs Appearance

In 1929, the Detroit Cougars made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time, with Carson Cooper leading the team in scoring.

1930: Name Change to Detroit Falcons

In 1930, the Detroit Red Wings changed their name from the Detroit Cougars to the Detroit Falcons. The team retained this name for two seasons before another name change in 1932.

1931: Playoff Success

Between the 1931–32 and 1965–66 seasons, the Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs only four times, showcasing their dominance in the league.

October 5, 1932: Renamed to Detroit Red Wings

On October 5, 1932, grain merchant James E. Norris purchased the Detroit Falcons and renamed the team to the Detroit Red Wings, inspired by the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association's winged-wheel emblem.

1932: Playoff Appearance as Detroit Falcons

In 1932, the Detroit Falcons made the playoffs again, shortly before being renamed the Red Wings.

1932: Winged Wheel Logo Introduced

In 1932, the Detroit Red Wings replaced the word 'Detroit' on their jerseys with the iconic 'winged wheel' logo.

1932: Name Change to Detroit Red Wings

In 1932, the team underwent another name change, becoming the Detroit Red Wings, a name that has endured to the present day.

1934: First Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1934, the Detroit Red Wings made their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance, but were defeated by the Chicago Black Hawks.

1936: First Stanley Cup Victory

In 1936, the Detroit Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in four games.

1937: Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Wins

In 1937, the Detroit Red Wings repeated as Stanley Cup champions by defeating the New York Rangers in five games.

1938: First NHL Teams to Play in Europe

In 1938, the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens became the first NHL teams to play in Europe, with games in Paris and London.

1938: Larry Aurie's Number 6 Retired

In 1938, the number 6 of Larry Aurie was retired by James E. Norris, though current team owners do not officially recognize the retirement. Aurie's number is no longer available for issue to any player.

1941: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1941, the Detroit Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Finals but were swept by the Boston Bruins.

1942: Stanley Cup Finals Loss

In 1942, the Red Wings lost a seven-game Stanley Cup Finals series to the Toronto Maple Leafs after winning the first three games.

1943: Third Stanley Cup Victory

In 1943, the Detroit Red Wings won their third Stanley Cup by sweeping the Boston Bruins, with key contributions from Mud Bruneteau and Syd Howe.

1946: Gordie Howe Joins the Red Wings

Gordie Howe joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1946, beginning an illustrious career that would see him become one of the greatest players in NHL history.

1949: First Locally Televised Game at Olympia

In 1949, the Detroit Red Wings' first locally televised game at Olympia was called by Budd Lynch for WWJ-TV. Lynch's long career with the organization spanned 63 years, during which he served as director of publicity and public address announcer until his death in 2012.

1950: Red Wings win the Stanley Cup

During the 1950 Stanley Cup semi-finals, Leo Reise Jr. scored the overtime winning goal, preventing the Maple Leafs from securing four straight championships. The Red Wings then defeated the New York Rangers in seven games, with Pete Babando scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime in Game 7. Ted Lindsay celebrated by skating around the Olympia ice with the Stanley Cup.

1951: Red Wings upset by Canadiens

After being upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1951 semi-finals, the Detroit Red Wings regrouped and won their fifth Stanley Cup in 1952, sweeping both the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens. This made them the first team in 17 years to go undefeated in the playoffs.

December 1952: James E. Norris dies

In December 1952, James E. Norris, the team president of the Detroit Red Wings, passed away. He was succeeded by his daughter, Marguerite, making her the first woman to head an NHL franchise.

1952: Start of the Octopus Throw Tradition

In 1952, during the playoffs, a local fish market owner named Peter Cusimano threw an octopus onto the ice, starting the octopus throw tradition. The eight legs symbolized the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time. The Red Wings swept both of their opponents that year and won the Stanley Cup.

1953: Red Wings upset by Bruins

Following another playoff upset in 1953 at the hands of the Bruins, the Detroit Red Wings went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in both 1954 and 1955.

1954: End of regular season title streak

The 1954-55 season marked the end of the Detroit Red Wings' record of seven consecutive regular season titles. During the 1955 off-season, Marguerite Norris lost a power struggle and had to hand over control of the team to her younger brother Bruce.

1954: Red Wings win Stanley Cup

The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1954 in a series against the Montreal Canadiens. The seventh game was decided by an unusual goal from Tony Leswick, who scored after the puck was inadvertently redirected by a Canadiens defenseman.

1955: Marguerite Norris loses control of the Red Wings

In 1955, Marguerite Norris lost an intra-family power struggle and was forced to turn over control of the Detroit Red Wings to her younger brother Bruce Norris.

1955: Red Wings Win Stanley Cup

In 1955, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, marking their first championship in 42 years. Mike Vernon was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1956: Canadiens win Stanley Cup

In 1956, the Detroit Red Wings faced the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals but were defeated, marking the Canadiens' first of five consecutive championships.

1957: Formation of NHLPA

In 1957, Ted Lindsay, who had scored 30 goals and led the league in assists, helped form the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) along with Doug Harvey. As a result, Lindsay and goaltender Glenn Hall were traded to Chicago.

1959: Red Wings miss playoffs

In 1959, the Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. However, within a few years, the team rejuvenated and made the Finals in four of the next six years between 1961 and 1966, although they did not secure a championship during this period.

1961: Red Wings rejuvenate

By 1961, the Detroit Red Wings had rejuvenated their franchise, making the Finals in four of the next six years up to 1966, although they didn't win any championships during this period.

1965: End of Playoff Dominance

By 1965, the Red Wings had missed the playoffs only four times since 1931, marking an end to an era of consistent playoff appearances.

1966: Start of Struggles

Starting in the 1966–67 season, the Detroit Red Wings entered a period of struggle, making the playoffs only twice until the 1982–83 season.

1967: Red Wings acquire Frank Mahovlich

During the expansion season of 1967-68, the Detroit Red Wings acquired longtime star left-winger Frank Mahovlich from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mahovlich joined a line with Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio, significantly boosting the team's performance.

1968: Frank Mahovlich's career-high season

In the 1968-69 season, Frank Mahovlich scored a career-high 49 goals and had two All-Star seasons while playing for the Detroit Red Wings.

1970: Ned Harkness joins Red Wings

In 1970, Ned Harkness, a successful college hockey coach, was hired as the coach for the Detroit Red Wings. He was later promoted to general manager but faced resistance from veteran players due to his strict rules on behavior and style of play.

1971: Gordie Howe Retires from the Red Wings

Gordie Howe retired from the Detroit Red Wings in 1971, concluding a legendary career with the team. He left behind a legacy of numerous awards and Stanley Cup victories.

1971: Howe retires, Mahovlich traded

In 1971, Frank Mahovlich was traded to the Montreal Canadiens while Gordie Howe announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the Detroit Red Wings.

1972: Gordie Howe's Number 9 Retired

In 1972, the Detroit Red Wings retired Gordie Howe's No. 9 in honor of his outstanding career with the team. Howe, who played right wing from 1946 to 1971, won multiple awards and four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings.

1974: Ned Harkness resigns

By 1974, Ned Harkness was forced to resign from his role as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, ending a particularly challenging period known as 'Darkness with Harkness'.

1975: Budd Lynch Becomes Director of Publicity

In 1975, Budd Lynch was appointed as the Detroit Red Wings' director of publicity. He served in this role until 1982, further cementing his long-standing association with the team.

December 15, 1979: Last Game at Detroit Olympia

On December 15, 1979, the Detroit Red Wings played their last game at Detroit Olympia before moving to Joe Louis Arena.

December 27, 1979: Red Wings move to Joe Louis Arena

On December 27, 1979, during the 1979-80 season, the Detroit Red Wings officially began playing at the Joe Louis Arena, leaving the Olympia where they had played since 1927.

1979: Move to Joe Louis Arena

In 1979, the Detroit Red Wings moved to Joe Louis Arena, which would be their home for the next 38 years. This move marked the end of their time at Olympia Stadium.

1982: Budd Lynch Becomes Public Address Announcer

Budd Lynch began his role as the public address announcer for the Detroit Red Wings in 1982, a position he held until his death in 2012.

1982: End of Struggles

By the 1982–83 season, the Detroit Red Wings began to recover from their struggles, marking the end of a challenging period.

1982: Ownership change

In 1982, after 50 years of family ownership, Bruce Norris sold the Detroit Red Wings to Mike Ilitch, the founder of the Little Caesars pizza chain.

1983: Start of New Dominance

From the 1983–84 season onwards, the Red Wings made the playoffs 30 times in 32 seasons, including 25-straight from 1990–91 to 2015–16.

1983: Steve Yzerman Drafted

In 1983, the Detroit Red Wings drafted Steve Yzerman, who later became a central figure for the team. Yzerman led the team in scoring during his rookie year, contributing to their first playoff appearance in six years.

1983: Vertical Arch Lettering Introduced

In 1983, the Detroit Red Wings introduced vertical arch lettering for players' names on their jerseys.

1985: Budd Lynch Wins Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 1985, Budd Lynch, a radio play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Red Wings, was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was the first Red Wings broadcaster to receive this honor.

June 3, 1986: Red Wings Fire Coach Brad Park

On June 3, 1986, the Detroit Red Wings fired Brad Park after a poor season where the team finished last with a 17–57–6 record, the worst in the league.

1986: Red Wings Reach Conference Finals

In the 1986–87 season, the Detroit Red Wings reached the conference finals against the Edmonton Oilers, marking only their second playoff series win in the modern era.

1988: Red Wings Win Division Title

In 1988, the Red Wings won their first division title in 23 years, although the division was relatively weak. They reached the conference finals again but lost to the Edmonton Oilers.

1989: Yzerman's Career-Best Season

In 1989, Steve Yzerman scored a career-best 65 goals, but despite his efforts, the Detroit Red Wings were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Blackhawks.

1990: Start of 25-Year Playoff Streak

In the 1990–91 season, the Detroit Red Wings began a 25-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances, which would become the longest active streak in North American professional sports.

1991: 75th Anniversary Jerseys

During the 1991–92 season, the Detroit Red Wings wore alternate jerseys to commemorate the NHL's 75th anniversary.

1991: Red Wings Sign Ray Sheppard

In 1991, the Detroit Red Wings signed free agent Ray Sheppard. This move would pay off as Sheppard scored a career-best 52 goals three years later.

1993: Scotty Bowman Hired as Head Coach

In 1993, former Montreal Canadiens coach Scotty Bowman was hired as the new head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He would later guide the team to significant success.

1993: Red Wings Acquire Paul Coffey

In 1993, the Red Wings strengthened their lineup by acquiring top defenseman Paul Coffey. The team also added key players like Vladimir Konstantinov, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Chris Osgood around this time.

January 27, 1994: Commemorative Game at Chicago Stadium

On January 27, 1994, the Detroit Red Wings wore throwback jerseys for a commemorative game at Chicago Stadium, based on their 1927–28 uniforms.

1995: Red Wings Set NHL Record

During the 1995–96 season, the Detroit Red Wings set an NHL record by winning 62 games. However, they fell to the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals.

1996: Trademark of 'Hockeytown'

In 1996, the Detroit Red Wings trademarked the term 'Hockeytown'. This term has since become synonymous with the team's identity and its strong fan base.

1997: Vladimir Konstantinov's Number 16 Retired

After the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, the number 16 of Vladimir Konstantinov was made unavailable for issue following his permanent disability from a vehicle accident. Although not officially retired, no other player has worn the number since.

1997: Vladimir Konstantinov's Injury

In 1997, six days after winning the Stanley Cup, Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov suffered a brain injury in a limousine accident, ending his career. The team dedicated the 1997–98 season to him and won the Stanley Cup again.

1997: Stanley Cup Victory

The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1997, marking their first championship in over four decades.

1998: Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Wins

In 1998, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup again, achieving back-to-back championships.

March 1999: Red Wings Acquire Chris Chelios

In March 1999, the Detroit Red Wings acquired three-time Norris Trophy winner Chris Chelios from the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite high hopes, the team lost in the Western Conference semi-finals to the Colorado Avalanche.

2000: Red Wings Finish Second in Central Division

In 2000, the Detroit Red Wings finished second in the Central Division but were again defeated by the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference semi-finals.

2001: Red Wings Acquire Dominik Hasek

In 2001, the Detroit Red Wings strengthened their roster by acquiring goaltender Dominik Hasek, forwards Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull, and Russian prospect Pavel Datsyuk. The team posted the league's best record and won the Stanley Cup, with Nicklas Lidstrom winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

2002: Stanley Cup Victory

The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2002, adding another title to their storied history.

2003: Hasek Comes Out of Retirement

In 2003, Dominik Hasek came out of retirement to join the Detroit Red Wings for the 2003–04 season. Despite high hopes, Hasek was sidelined with a groin injury during the season, impacting the team's performance.

2003: Red Wings Swept in Playoffs

In 2003, the Detroit Red Wings, led by new head coach Dave Lewis, were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, despite finishing second in the Western Conference.

2004: Red Wings' Playoff Run and NHL Lockout

In 2004, the Detroit Red Wings finished at the top of the Central Division and NHL standings but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Calgary Flames. Additionally, the Red Wings did not play in the 2004–05 season due to the NHL lockout that canceled the entire season.

2004: Cancelled Season

The 2004–05 NHL season was cancelled, interrupting the Detroit Red Wings' streak of playoff appearances.

July 15, 2005: Mike Babcock Hired as Head Coach

On July 15, 2005, Mike Babcock became the new head coach for the Detroit Red Wings, bringing a fresh perspective to the team.

November 21, 2005: Jiri Fischer Collapses During Game

On November 21, 2005, defenseman Jiri Fischer went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators. The game was cancelled and later made up on January 23, 2006, marking the first time in NHL history that a game was postponed due to an injury.

January 23, 2006: Make-Up Game for Fischer's Collapse

On January 23, 2006, the Red Wings played the make-up game against the Nashville Predators after Jiri Fischer's collapse. Although the game was played for the full 60 minutes, the Predators maintained their 1–0 lead from the original game and won 3–2.

2006: Red Wings' Western Conference Victory

In 2006, the Detroit Red Wings finished first in the Western Conference and tied for first in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres. However, the Sabres were awarded the Presidents' Trophy. The Red Wings advanced to the third round of the playoffs but lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Anaheim Ducks.

2006: Longest Active Playoff Streak

In 2006, the Detroit Red Wings' streak of 25-straight playoff appearances became the longest active streak in North American professional sports.

January 2, 2007: Yzerman's Jersey Retirement

On January 2, 2007, the Detroit Red Wings retired Steve Yzerman's jersey number 19, honoring his legacy with the team.

2007: Updated Jerseys to Rbk Edge Standard

For the 2007–08 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings updated their jerseys to the new Rbk Edge standard while maintaining their traditional design.

2007: Zetterberg's Record-Setting Streak

In 2007, Henrik Zetterberg set a club record by recording at least a point in each of Detroit's first 17 games of the season. This achievement helped the Red Wings cruise to the playoffs, where they eventually won the Stanley Cup.

2007: Steve Yzerman's Number 19 Retired

In 2007, the Detroit Red Wings retired Steve Yzerman's No. 19. Yzerman, who served as the team's captain for 19 seasons, won several prestigious awards and three Stanley Cups as a player with the Red Wings.

April 19, 2008: NHL Bans Octopus Twirling

On April 19, 2008, the NHL banned the tradition of swinging octopuses above the head, a practice associated with Detroit Red Wings' Joe Louis Arena. Violations would result in a $10,000 fine. The ban was later loosened to allow the octopus twirling at the Zamboni entrance.

June 4, 2008: Red Wings Win 11th Stanley Cup

On June 4, 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won their 11th Stanley Cup, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3–2 in Game 6. Henrik Zetterberg scored the winning goal and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs MVP.

July 2, 2008: Marian Hossa Signing

On July 2, 2008, the Detroit Red Wings announced the signing of Marian Hossa, a significant addition to the team.

2008: Addition of Second PA Announcer

From 2008 to 2012, a second public address announcer was added to work alongside Budd Lynch. Initially, John Fossen took the role, followed by Erich Freiny, who became the sole PA announcer after Lynch's death in 2012.

2008: Winged Wheel Logo Ranked Second Best

In 2008, The Hockey News voted the Detroit Red Wings' 'winged wheel' logo as the second best in the NHL.

2008: Stanley Cup Victory

In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup once again, continuing their legacy of success.

January 1, 2009: Red Wings Win NHL Winter Classic

On January 1, 2009, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6–4 in the second NHL Winter Classic held at Chicago's Wrigley Field.

2009: Pre-Season Games in Europe

In 2009, the Detroit Red Wings played pre-season games in Sweden against the St. Louis Blues, marking their return to Europe after more than 70 years.

2009: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2009, the Detroit Red Wings struggled with injuries, losing key players like Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom, Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula, and Niklas Kronwall. Despite this, they posted an impressive 13–3–2 record after the Olympic break, securing the fifth playoff seed in the Western Conference.

2009: 2009 NHL Winter Classic Jerseys

In 2009, the Detroit Red Wings wore retro jerseys in the NHL Winter Classic, based on their 1926–27 uniforms.

2010: Red Wings Central Division Title

In 2010, a healthier Detroit Red Wings team finished the NHL season with a 47–25–10 record and 104 points, winning the Central Division title. They swept the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the playoffs but were eliminated by the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 of the second round.

2011: Red Wings Off-Season Changes and Tragedy

In 2011, Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski retired, and Detroit signed free agent Ian White. Long-time players Chris Osgood and Kris Draper also retired, taking roles within the club. Ty Conklin was signed for his second stint. Tragedy struck with the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash, killing former assistant coach Brad McCrimmon, defenseman Ruslan Salei, and former prospect Stefan Liv. The Red Wings added a commemorative patch to their uniforms with the trio's initials.

May 31, 2012: Nicklas Lidstrom Retires

On May 31, 2012, Nicklas Lidstrom, a key player for the Red Wings, announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the team.

July 1, 2012: Red Wings Sign Key Players

On July 1, 2012, the Red Wings signed Swiss forward Damien Brunner, forward Jordin Tootoo, and goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, bolstering their roster for the upcoming season.

2012: Death of Budd Lynch

Budd Lynch, the long-serving public address announcer and director of publicity for the Detroit Red Wings, passed away in 2012. His contributions to the team and the sport were widely recognized.

April 27, 2013: Red Wings Clinch 22nd Consecutive Playoff Appearance

On April 27, 2013, a 3–0 victory over the Dallas Stars secured the Red Wings' 22nd consecutive playoff appearance. They went on to win a fierce seven-game series against the Anaheim Ducks before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks.

July 5, 2013: Red Wings Sign Alfredsson and Weiss

On July 5, 2013, the Red Wings signed Daniel Alfredsson and Stephen Weiss, enhancing their team roster. The team also moved to the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

April 9, 2014: Red Wings Clinch 23rd Consecutive Playoff Appearance

On April 9, 2014, the Red Wings clinched their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance but were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins.

2014: 2014 NHL Winter Classic

In 2014, the Detroit Red Wings wore an alternate jersey mimicking throwback designs for the NHL Winter Classic against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

April 9, 2015: Red Wings Clinch 24th Playoff Appearance

On April 9, 2015, the Red Wings clinched their 24th consecutive playoff appearance but were eliminated in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Petr Mrazek emerged as the starting goaltender, and Mike Babcock left the team, replaced by Jeff Blashill.

2015: End of Playoff Streak

The 2015–16 season marked the end of the Detroit Red Wings' 25-straight playoff appearances, a streak that was the longest active in North American professional sports at the time.

February 27, 2016: Stadium Series Game in Denver

On February 27, 2016, the Detroit Red Wings wore specially designed jerseys for their Stadium Series game against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

April 9, 2016: Red Wings Extend Playoff Streak to 25 Seasons

On April 9, 2016, the Red Wings extended their playoff streak to 25 seasons, despite losing to the New York Rangers. They were eliminated in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

June 10, 2016: Death of Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe, a legendary figure in hockey and former Detroit Red Wings player, passed away on June 10, 2016.

September 27, 2016: Uniform Patch to Honor Gordie Howe

On September 27, 2016, the Detroit Red Wings unveiled a uniform patch to honor Gordie Howe, who passed away on June 10, 2016. The patch featured Howe's jersey number 9 and was worn throughout the 2016–17 season.

January 1, 2017: Centennial Classic in Toronto

On January 1, 2017, the Detroit Red Wings wore a specially designed jersey for the Centennial Classic in Toronto, featuring silver stripes commemorating their Stanley Cup victories.

February 10, 2017: Death of Mike Ilitch

On February 10, 2017, Mike Ilitch, the owner of the Red Wings, passed away, marking a significant moment in the team's history.

April 9, 2017: Final Game at Joe Louis Arena

On April 9, 2017, the Red Wings played their final game at Joe Louis Arena, winning 4–1 against the New Jersey Devils. The game marked the end of an era as the team moved to a new arena.

August 2017: Red Wings' Logo Misused by White Supremacist Group

In August 2017, the Red Wings' logo received significant media attention when it was discovered that a white supremacist group had used a modified version of it during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Red Wings condemned the group's actions and threatened legal action against them for the misuse of their logo.

October 5, 2017: Red Wings First Game at Little Caesars Arena

On October 5, 2017, the Red Wings played their first regular-season game at Little Caesars Arena, winning 4–2 over the Minnesota Wild. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the team.

2017: Move to Little Caesars Arena

In 2017, the Detroit Red Wings moved to Little Caesars Arena to begin the 2017–18 NHL season. This marked a new chapter in the team's history.

2017: Adidas Became Uniform Outfitter

Starting with the 2017–18 season, Adidas became the uniform outfitter for the Detroit Red Wings, who retained their classic look.

2018: Top Ten in Franchise History for Wins

At the end of the 2018-19 season, the Detroit Red Wings updated their list of the top ten players in franchise history for wins. Due to a four-way tie for ninth place in postseason wins, the list includes 12 players.

February 1, 2019: Red Kelly's Number 4 Retired

On February 1, 2019, the Detroit Red Wings retired Red Kelly's No. 4. During his 13-year career with the team, Kelly won four Stanley Cups, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, and one James Norris Memorial Trophy.

April 19, 2019: Steve Yzerman Returns as GM

On April 19, 2019, Steve Yzerman rejoined the Red Wings as general manager and executive vice president, a significant moment in the team's history.

February 21, 2020: Red Wings First Team Eliminated from Playoffs

On February 21, 2020, the Red Wings became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention before the trade deadline since the 2003–04 Pittsburgh Penguins.

March 10, 2020: Red Wings Clinch Worst Record

On March 10, 2020, the Red Wings clinched the worst overall record in the NHL for the first time since the 1985–86 season.

May 26, 2020: NHL Ends Season Early

On May 26, 2020, the NHL announced that the season was over for the seven teams that did not qualify for the 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs, including the Red Wings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Reverse Retro Jerseys for 2020–21 Season

For the 2020–21 season, the Detroit Red Wings wore special 'Reverse Retro' alternate jerseys designed by Adidas, featuring a white base and silver stripes.

January 13, 2021: Dylan Larkin Named Captain

On January 13, 2021, Dylan Larkin was named the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, succeeding Henrik Zetterberg, who retired in 2018.

April 30, 2022: Jeff Blashill Fired as Head Coach

On April 30, 2022, Jeff Blashill was fired as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings after missing the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

June 30, 2022: Derek Lalonde Hired as Head Coach

On June 30, 2022, Derek Lalonde was hired as the new head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

2022: Top Ten Scorers in Franchise History

As of the end of the 2022-23 season, the Detroit Red Wings updated their list of the top ten scorers in franchise history. These figures are revised after each completed NHL season.

2022: Second Reverse Retro Uniform Unveiled

In the 2022–23 season, the Detroit Red Wings unveiled a second 'Reverse Retro' uniform inspired by their 1991–92 throwback uniform, with a red base and black stripes.

February 29, 2024: Red Wings Announce First Jersey Patch Advertisement

On February 29, 2024, the Detroit Red Wings announced their first-ever jersey patch advertisement with Priority, a local waste management company. This marked a significant shift in the team's approach to advertising and sponsorships.

April 16, 2024: Red Wings Eliminated from Playoffs

On April 16, 2024, the Detroit Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention for the eighth consecutive season due to a tiebreaker after the Washington Capitals' victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.