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 of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1926, they are one of the NHL's "Original Six" teams. Originally named the Detroit Cougars, the team was known as the Detroit Falcons for two seasons before being renamed the Red Wings in 1932.

1925: Victoria Cougars Win Stanley Cup

In 1925, the Victoria Cougars, whose players were later purchased by the new Detroit franchise, had won the Stanley Cup.

May 15, 1926: NHL Approves Detroit Franchise

On May 15, 1926, the NHL owners voted to approve a franchise for Detroit to the Townsend-Seyburn group, with Charles A. Hughes as governor. The franchise purchased the players of the Victoria Cougars.

1926: Team Founded as Detroit Cougars

In 1926, the Detroit Red Wings franchise was founded and was known as the Detroit Cougars.

1926: Detroit Cougars Inaugural Season

The Red Wings wore retro jerseys for the 2009 Winter Classic based on the uniforms worn by the Detroit Cougars during their inaugural season of 1926–27.

1926: EST. 1926 on Stadium Series Jersey

The phrase "EST. 1926" was printed inside the back of the collar of the Red Wings' specially designed jersey worn on February 27, 2016.

1927: Move to Detroit Olympia and Jack Adam's First Season

In 1927, the Detroit Cougars moved into the new Detroit Olympia. This was also the first season behind the bench for Jack Adams.

1927: Olympia Stadium Home Rink

In 1927, the Detroit Red Wings started playing at the Olympia Stadium and continued to play there till December 27, 1979.

1927: Detroit Cougars Uniforms

The Red Wings commemorative jerseys worn on January 27, 1994, were based on the uniforms worn by the team (then the Detroit Cougars) in 1927–28.

1929: First Stanley Cup Playoffs Appearance

In 1929, the Detroit Cougars made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time, but were outscored 7-2 in the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1930: Name Changed to Detroit Falcons

In 1930, the Detroit Cougars changed their name to the Detroit Falcons.

1931: Start of Playoff Success

From the 1931-32 season to the 1965-66 season, the Red Wings only missed the playoffs four times.

October 5, 1932: Team Renamed to Detroit Red Wings

On October 5, 1932, the Detroit Falcons were renamed the Detroit Red Wings by new owner James E. Norris. Norris chose a red version of the MAAA "Winged Wheelers" logo for the team.

1932: Name Changed to Detroit Red Wings

In 1932, the Detroit Falcons changed their name to the Detroit Red Wings.

1932: Playoffs Appearance

In 1932, the Detroit Falcons made the playoffs.

1932: Detroit Replaced by Winged Wheel Logo

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

1934: First Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1934, the Detroit Red Wings made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time, where they were defeated by the Chicago Black Hawks.

1936: First Stanley Cup Win

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

1937: Second Stanley Cup Win

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

1938: Retirement of Larry Aurie's number

In 1938, Larry Aurie's number was retired by James E. Norris, although current team owners do not consider the number to be officially retired.

1938: First NHL Game in Europe

In 1938, the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings became the first NHL teams to play in Europe, playing in Paris and London. The Wings played nine games against the Canadiens and went 3–5–1.

1941: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1941, the Detroit Red Wings were swept by the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final.

1942: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

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

1943: Third Stanley Cup Win

In 1943, the Detroit Red Wings won their third Stanley Cup by sweeping the Boston Bruins.

1946: Gordie Howe joins Red Wings

In 1946, Gordie Howe began playing right wing for the Detroit Red Wings.

1948: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1948, the Detroit Red Wings reached the Stanley Cup Final, where they were swept by the Maple Leafs.

1949: First locally televised game at Olympia

In 1949, Lynch called the first locally televised Detroit Red Wings game at Olympia for the original WWJ-TV.

1950: Stanley Cup Win

In 1950, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the New York Rangers in seven games to win the Stanley Cup. Pete Babando scored the game winner in double overtime of Game 7.

1951: Loss in Semifinals

After being upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1951 semifinals, Detroit went on to win its fifth Stanley Cup in 1952.

December 1952: James E. Norris Dies, Marguerite Norris Becomes Team President

In December 1952, James E. Norris died and was succeeded as team president by his daughter, Marguerite, making her the first woman to head an NHL franchise.

1952: Start of the octopus throw

In 1952, the Detroit Red Wings playoffs featured the start of the octopus throw, which began when Peter Cusimano, the owner of a local fish market, threw an octopus from the stands onto the ice. The eight legs symbolized the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time. The Red Wings proceeded to sweep their opponents and win the Stanley Cup championship that year.

1953: Playoff Upset

In 1953, Detroit experienced another playoff upset at the hands of the Bruins.

1954: Stanley Cup Win

In 1954, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, beating the Montreal Canadiens. The seventh game was won with one of the oddest cup winning goals ever by Tony Leswick.

1954: End of Regular Season Title Streak

The 1954-55 season ended a run of seven straight regular season titles for the Detroit Red Wings, an NHL record.

1955: Norris Family Power Struggle

During the 1955 off-season, Marguerite Norris lost an intra-family power struggle and was forced to turn over the Red Wings to her younger brother Bruce.

1955: Detroit Red Wings Last Stanley Cup Before 1997

In 1955, The Detroit Red Wings won their last Stanley Cup before their 1997 win.

1956: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1956, the Detroit Red Wings met the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final, but this time the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

1957: Lindsay's Role in NHLPA and Trade

In 1957, Ted Lindsay, who had scored 30 goals and led the league in assists, teamed up with Doug Harvey to help start the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA). As a result, he was promptly traded to Chicago.

1958: Playoff Miss

In the 1958-59 season, the Red Wings missed the playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

1960: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

Between the 1960-61 and 1965-66 seasons, the Detroit Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Final four times, but came away empty-handed.

1965: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

Between the 1960-61 and 1965-66 seasons, the Detroit Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Final four times, but came away empty-handed.

1965: Start of Playoff Success

From the 1931-32 season to the 1965-66 season, the Red Wings only missed the playoffs four times.

1966: Playoff Drought Begins

Between the 1966-67 and 1982-83 seasons, the Red Wings only made the playoffs twice.

1966: Beginning of the "Dead Wings" Era

Only a year after making the 1966 Stanley Cup Final, the Red Wings finished a distant fifth, 24 points out of the playoffs. It was the beginning of a slump that they would not emerge from in almost 20 years, derisively known as the "Dead Wings" era.

1967: Acquisition of Frank Mahovlich

During the expansion season of 1967-68, the Red Wings acquired Frank Mahovlich from Toronto.

1968: Mahovlich's Career High

In 1968-69, Frank Mahovlich scored a career-high 49 goals and had two All-Star seasons in Detroit.

1970: Hiring of Ned Harkness

In 1970, Ned Harkness was hired as coach of the Detroit Red Wings and was promoted to general manager midway through the season.

1971: Mahovlich Traded, Howe Retires

In 1971, Frank Mahovlich was traded to Montreal, and Gordie Howe announced his retirement the same year.

1971: Gordie Howe leaves Red Wings

In 1971, Gordie Howe ended his career with the Detroit Red Wings.

1972: Retirement of Gordie Howe's No. 9

In 1972, the Detroit Red Wings retired No. 9 in honor of Gordie Howe, who played right wing for the team from 1946 to 1971.

1974: Resignation of Ned Harkness

In 1974, Ned Harkness was forced to resign, ending the period colloquially referred to as "Darkness with Harkness".

1975: Lynch becomes director of publicity

In 1975, Lynch became the director of publicity for the Detroit Red Wings organization.

December 15, 1979: Last Game at Detroit Olympia

December 15, 1979 was the last game that the Detroit Red Wings played at the Detroit Olympia, their home rink since 1927.

December 27, 1979: First Game at Joe Louis Arena

On December 27, 1979, the Detroit Red Wings officially began playing at the Joe Louis Arena after leaving the Olympia.

1979: Move to Joe Louis Arena

In 1979, the Detroit Red Wings moved their home games to Joe Louis Arena after having played for 52 years at Olympia Stadium.

1982: Playoff Drought Begins

Between the 1966-67 and 1982-83 seasons, the Red Wings only made the playoffs twice.

1982: Sale to Mike Ilitch

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

1982: Lynch becomes public address announcer

In 1982, Lynch became the public address announcer for the Detroit Red Wings, a position he held until his death.

1983: Playoff Streak Begins

From the 1983-84 season to the 2015-16 season, the Red Wings made the playoffs 30 times in 32 seasons.

1983: Drafting of Steve Yzerman

In 1983, the Detroit Red Wings drafted Steve Yzerman, who led the team in scoring in his rookie year. That season, Detroit made the playoffs for the first time in six years.

1983: Vertical Arch Lettering Introduced on Jerseys

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

1985: Lynch serves as public address announcer

In 1985, Budd Lynch served as Detroit's public address announcer until his death in 2012.

1985: Brad Park Coaching and Bob Probert Joins

In the 1985-86 season, Brad Park was asked to coach the Red Wings after they fired Harry Neale. This was also the year that Bob Probert joined the team.

June 3, 1986: Firing of Brad Park

On June 3, 1986, Brad Park was fired as coach of the Detroit Red Wings after they finished last place with a 17–57–6 record.

1986: Red Wings win a playoff series for the second time in the modern era

In 1986, the Red Wings, led by captain Steve Yzerman and featuring new additions like Petr Klima and coach Jacques Demers, won a playoff series for only the second time in the modern era.

1988: Red Wings win first division title in 23 years

In 1988, the Detroit Red Wings won their first division title in 23 years, although in a relatively weak division where no other team finished above .500. They reached the conference finals but lost to the Edmonton Oilers.

1989: Yzerman scores a career-best 65 goals

In 1989, Steve Yzerman achieved a career-best of 65 goals; however, the Red Wings were unexpectedly defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Blackhawks.

1990: 25-year Playoff Streak Begins

From the 1990-91 season to the 2015-16 season, the Detroit Red Wings made the playoffs for 25 straight years.

1991: Red Wings Commemorate League's 75th Anniversary

During select games of the 1991–92 season, the Red Wings wore alternate logos and uniforms commemorating the league's 75th anniversary.

1991: Red Wings sign Ray Sheppard

In 1991, the Red Wings signed free agent Ray Sheppard, who went on to score a career-best 52 goals three years later.

1991: Inspiration for "Reverse Retro" Uniform

The second "Reverse Retro" uniform, unveiled in the 2022-23 season, used the 1991-92 throwback uniform based on the original Cougars' uniforms but with a red base and black stripes.

1993: Scotty Bowman hired as new head coach

In 1993, Scotty Bowman, former Montreal Canadiens coach, was hired as the new head coach for the Detroit Red Wings.

1993: Red Wings Acquire Paul Coffey

In 1993, the Red Wings acquired top defenseman Paul Coffey, adding to a roster that also included draft picks like Vladimir Konstantinov and Nicklas Lidstrom.

January 27, 1994: Commemorative Game at Chicago Stadium

On January 27, 1994, the Red Wings played a commemorative game at Chicago Stadium wearing jerseys based on the uniforms worn by the team in 1927–28.

1994: Red Wings reach Stanley Cup Final

During the lockout-shortened 1994 NHL season, coach Scotty Bowman led the Detroit Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 29 years, where they were ultimately swept by the New Jersey Devils.

1995: Red Wings win a record 62 games

During the 1995 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings achieved a then-NHL record by winning 62 games; however, they lost in the conference finals to the Colorado Avalanche.

1996: "Hockeytown" Trademark

In 1996, the Detroit Red Wings registered the trademark for "Hockeytown", a name commonly used by fans and commentators to refer to the Detroit area.

1997: Vladimir Konstantinov's accident

After the 1997 Stanley Cup Final, Vladimir Konstantinov was permanently disabled in a vehicle accident, and his number 16 has not been issued to any player since.

1997: Red Wings win Stanley Cup

In 1997, after acquiring Brendan Shanahan and Larry Murphy, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup against the Philadelphia Flyers, ending a 42-year drought. Mike Vernon was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1997: Vladimir Konstantinov suffers career-ending injury

In 1997, just six days after winning the Stanley Cup, Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov suffered a brain injury in a limousine accident, abruptly ending his career.

1997: Stanley Cup Win

In 1997, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.

1998: Stanley Cup Win

In 1998, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.

March 1999: Red Wings Acquire Chris Chelios

In March 1999, the Red Wings acquired Chris Chelios from the Chicago Blackhawks, along with Ulf Samuelsson, Wendel Clark, and Bill Ranford, but lost in the conference semifinals to Colorado.

2000: Red Wings finish second in Central Division

In 2000, the Detroit Red Wings finished second in the Central Division but were defeated by the Avalanche in the Western Conference semifinals.

2001: Red Wings upset by Los Angeles Kings

In 2001, the Detroit Red Wings, who were the NHL's second-best team, were upset by the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs.

2002: Dave Lewis promoted to head coach

In 2002, Dave Lewis was promoted to head coach after Scotty Bowman's retirement. The Red Wings signed Curtis Joseph to a three-year deal and added Henrik Zetterberg to the lineup.

2002: Stanley Cup Win

In 2002, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.

2003: Fedorov signs with Mighty Ducks

In 2003, Red Wing Fedorov signed with the Mighty Ducks as a free agent, and Hasek returned from retirement to rejoin the Red Wings.

2003: Red Wings Swept by Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

In 2003, as the second seed, the Detroit Red Wings were swept by the seventh-seeded Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs.

2004: Red Wings Eliminated by Calgary Flames

In 2004, despite finishing atop the Central Division and the NHL standings, the Detroit Red Wings were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Calgary Flames.

2004: Canceled Season

The 2004-05 NHL season was canceled, interrupting the Red Wings' playoff streak.

July 15, 2005: Mike Babcock becomes new head coach

On July 15, 2005, Mike Babcock became the new head coach for the Detroit Red Wings.

November 21, 2005: Jiri Fischer Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Game

On November 21, 2005, Jiri Fischer went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the bench during a game, leading to the game's postponement.

January 23, 2006: Rescheduled Game Due to Fischer's Injury

On January 23, 2006, the game postponed due to Jiri Fischer's injury was made up; it was the first time in NHL history a game had been postponed due to an injury.

2006: Lidstrom becomes the new captain.

During the 2006-07 season, Nicklas Lidstrom became the new captain for the Red Wings.

2006: Longest Active Postseason Streak

In 2006, the Red Wings achieved the longest active streak of postseason appearances in North American professional sports.

January 2, 2007: Yzerman's jersey number retired

On January 2, 2007, the Detroit Red Wings retired Steve Yzerman's jersey number 19.

2007: Retirement of Steve Yzerman's No. 19

In 2007, the Detroit Red Wings retired Steve Yzerman's No. 19.

2007: Red Wings Update Jerseys to Rbk Edge Standard

In 2007, the Red Wings, along with all NHL teams, updated their jerseys to the new Rbk Edge standard for the 2007–08 NHL season.

2007: Zetterberg sets club record

To start the 2007-08 campaign, Henrik Zetterberg recorded at least a point in each of Detroit's first 17 games, setting a club record.

April 19, 2008: NHL bans octopus twirling

On April 19, 2008, the NHL sent a memo to the Detroit Red Wings forbidding Sobotka from twirling the tossed octopuses above his head when walking off the ice. The mandate stated that violating the rule would result in a $10,000 fine because matter flew off the octopus and got on the ice.

June 4, 2008: Red Wings win Stanley Cup against Pittsburgh Penguins

On June 4, 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Henrik Zetterberg scored the winning goal and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European captain to win the Stanley Cup.

July 2, 2008: Red Wings announce signing of Marian Hossa

On July 2, 2008, the Detroit Red Wings announced the signing of Marian Hossa.

2008: Red Wings' Logo Voted Second Best by The Hockey News

In 2008, The Hockey News voted the Red Wings' "winged wheel" logo the second best in the league.

2008: Second PA announcer added

In 2008, a second PA announcer, John Fossen, was added to work alongside Lynch.

2008: Stanley Cup Win

In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.

January 1, 2009: Red Wings Defeat Blackhawks in Winter Classic

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

2009: Return to Europe

In 2009, the Detroit Red Wings played in Sweden against the St. Louis Blues for a preseason and start of the 2009-10 NHL season.

2009: Injuries plague the Red Wings.

The 2009-10 NHL season was plagued with injuries for the Red Wings.

2009: Red Wings Wear Retro Jerseys for 2009 Winter Classic

The Red Wings wore alternative "retro" jerseys for the 2009 Winter Classic in Chicago, which were based on the uniforms worn by the Detroit Cougars during their inaugural season of 1926–27.

2010: Red Wings win Central Division title

In the 2010 NHL season, a healthier Red Wings team finished with a 47–25–10 record and 104 points to win the Central Division title.

2011: Red Wings players and coach die in plane crash.

During the 2011 off-season, Red Wings Chris Osgood and Kris Draper retired. Former assistant coach Brad McCrimmon and defenseman Ruslan Salei, along with Stefan Liv, died in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash.

May 31, 2012: Nicklas Lidstrom Retires

On May 31, 2012, Nicklas Lidstrom, long time Red Wing, announced his retirement.

July 1, 2012: Red Wings Sign Brunner, Tootoo, and Gustavsson

On July 1, 2012, the Red Wings signed Swiss forward Damien Brunner to a one-year, entry-level contract, forward Jordin Tootoo to a three-year, $5.7 million contract, and goaltender Jonas Gustavsson to a two-year, $3 million deal.

2012: Death of Budd Lynch

In 2012, Budd Lynch, a radio play-by-play announcer, passed away.

2012: Lynch's death; Freiny takes over as sole PA announcer

In 2012, Lynch passed away, and Erich Freiny took over as the sole public address announcer for the Detroit Red Wings.

2012: Red Wings Earn Playoff Berth

In 2012, The Red Wings won their final four games of the 2012–13 season to earn the seventh seed of the playoffs.

April 27, 2013: Red Wings Victory Over Stars Preserves Playoff Streak

On April 27, 2013, the Red Wings secured a 3–0 victory over the Dallas Stars, ensuring their continued streak of 22 consecutive playoff appearances.

July 5, 2013: Red Wings Sign Daniel Alfredsson and Stephen Weiss

On July 5, 2013, the Red Wings signed Daniel Alfredsson to a one-year contract and Stephen Weiss to a five-year contract.

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

On April 9, 2014, the Red Wings achieved their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance.

2014: Red Wings Use Throwback Jerseys for 2014 Winter Classic

The Red Wings used an alternate jersey mimicking throwback jerseys for the 2014 Winter Classic against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.

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

On April 9, 2015, the Red Wings secured their 24th consecutive playoff appearance, extending their streak.

2015: End of Playoff Streak

From the 1983-84 season to the 2015-16 season, the Red Wings made the playoffs 30 times in 32 seasons.

February 27, 2016: Red Wings Wear Special Jerseys for Stadium Series Game

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

April 9, 2016: Red Wings Clinch Playoff Berth After Senators Victory

On April 9, 2016, the Red Wings clinched a playoff berth, extending their streak to a 25th season, after the Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins.

June 10, 2016: Death of Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe died on June 10, 2016, and was later honored by the Red Wings with a uniform patch.

September 27, 2016: Red Wings Unveil Gordie Howe Memorial Patch

On September 27, 2016, the Red Wings unveiled a uniform patch to honor Gordie Howe, who died on June 10, 2016.

2016: End of Red Wings Playoff Streak

In the 2016–17 season, the Red Wings' playoff streak ended after 25 seasons.

January 1, 2017: Red Wings Wear Special Jerseys for Centennial Classic

On January 1, 2017, the Red Wings wore a specially designed one-time-only jersey for the Centennial Classic in Toronto against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

February 10, 2017: Death of Red Wings Owner Mike Ilitch

On February 10, 2017, club owner Mike Ilitch passed away.

April 9, 2017: Red Wings Win Last Game at Joe Louis Arena

On April 9, 2017, the Red Wings won their final game at Joe Louis Arena with a 4–1 victory against the New Jersey Devils.

August 2017: Red Wings Condemn White Supremacist Group for Logo Misuse

In August 2017, the Red Wings condemned a white supremacist group for using a modified version of their logo and threatened legal action.

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

On October 5, 2017, the Red Wings played their first regular season game at Little Caesars Arena, securing a 4–2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

2017: Move to Little Caesars Arena

In 2017, the Detroit Red Wings moved into Little Caesars Arena, starting with the 2017–18 season.

2017: Adidas Becomes Uniform Outfitter

In 2017, when Adidas became the uniform outfitter, the Red Wings kept the same basic jersey design.

2017: Centennial Classic Commemoration on Jerseys

The Silver stripes on the Red Wings' special "Reverse Retro" alternate jerseys commemorated the team's 2017 Centennial Classic.

2018: Henrik Zetterberg Retired

In 2018, Henrik Zetterberg retired, after which Dylan Larkin was named captain on January 13, 2021.

2018: Red Wings Miss Playoffs for Second Consecutive Season

The Red Wings finished the 2017–18 season with a 30–39–13 record. They missed the playoffs for the second season in a row.

February 1, 2019: Retirement of Red Kelly's No. 4

On February 1, 2019, the Detroit Red Wings retired Red Kelly's No. 4.

April 19, 2019: Steve Yzerman Rejoins Red Wings as General Manager

On April 19, 2019, it was announced that Steve Yzerman rejoined the team as general manager and executive vice president.

February 21, 2020: Red Wings Eliminated from Playoff Contention Before Trade Deadline

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 Overall Record in NHL

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 Season Over for Non-Qualifying Teams, Including Red Wings

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

2020: Red Wings Wear "Reverse Retro" Alternate Jerseys

For the 2020–21 season, the Red Wings wore special "Reverse Retro" alternate jerseys designed by Adidas, inspired by the team's road uniforms of the Original Six era.

January 13, 2021: Dylan Larkin Named Red Wings Captain

On January 13, 2021, Dylan Larkin was named the Red Wings captain, succeeding Henrik Zetterberg.

April 30, 2022: Jeff Blashill Fired as Head Coach

On April 30, 2022, Jeff Blashill was fired as head coach of the Red Wings.

June 30, 2022: Derek Lalonde Hired as Head Coach

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

2022: Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform Unveiled

In the 2022–23 season, a second "Reverse Retro" uniform was unveiled, using the 1991–92 throwback uniform based on the original Cougars' uniforms but with a red base and black stripes.

2023: Red Wings re-sign Dylan Larkin

During 2022–23 season, the Red Wings re-signed Dylan Larkin to an eight-year contract extension.

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

On February 29, 2024, the Red Wings announced their first-ever jersey patch advertisement with Priority, a local waste management company.

April 16, 2024: Red Wings Miss Playoffs for Eighth Consecutive Season

On April 16, 2024, the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention for the eighth consecutive season after the Washington Capitals won against the Philadelphia Flyers.

December 26, 2024: Red Wings Fire Head Coach Derek Lalonde

On December 26, 2024, after a slow start to the 2024–25 season, the Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde.

2024: Top ten franchise history for wins updated

As of the end of the 2024–25 season, the list of goaltenders ranking in the top ten in franchise history for wins was updated after each completed NHL season.

April 12, 2025: Red Wings Miss Playoffs for Ninth Consecutive Season

On April 12, 2025, the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention for the ninth consecutive season after the Montreal Canadiens lost in overtime to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

September 15, 2025: Red Wings Unveil Centennial Season Uniform

On September 15, 2025, the Red Wings unveiled their commemorative red and vintage white centennial season uniform, featuring visual nods from Detroit Cougars and Falcons designs.

2025: Red Wings Stadium Series Uniforms Inspired by Detroit's Automotive Industry

For the Red Wings' appearance in the 2025 Stadium Series, they wore white uniforms with a script "Detroit" lettering in red, inspired by Detroit's automotive industry and hockey culture.

2025: Likely closure of FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

In 2025, it is anticipated that FanDuel Sports Network Detroit will close following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, affecting regional Red Wings games broadcasts.

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January 12, 2026: Retirement of Sergei Fedorov's No. 91

On January 12, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings held a ceremony to retire Sergei Fedorov's No. 91.

February 4, 2026: Information updated

Information regarding the Detroit Red Wings was updated on February 4, 2026.

February 2026: Red Wings broadcasts to be distributed by MLB Local Media

In February 2026, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announced that the Detroit Red Wings will have their regional broadcasts distributed by MLB Local Media beginning in the 2026–27 season. The agreement also includes the co-owned Detroit Tigers.