Blackhawks Will Retire Chelios’ No. 7 Before Game vs. Red Wings

Chris Chelios will see his No. 7 hanging from his rafters in the city where he played the second-most seasons in his lengthy NHL career.

His hometown Chicago Blackhawks will retire his number before a Feb. 25 in a United Center game against the Detroit Red Wings. Chelios played 10 seasons with the Red Wings, and nine with Blackhawks.

The announcement was made by lead vocalist Eddie Vedder at a Pearl Jam concert Thursday night. Chelios and Vedder are close friends, and Chelios was on stage with him.

A Blackhawks Legend and Chicago Icon: Cheli is going to the rafters 👏 pic.twitter.com/6fyOeQ34v1

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 8, 2023

After retiring, Chelios stayed in Detroit and worked for the Red Wings. He moved back to Chicago in 2018 to be closer to his family. The Blackhawks hired him to be a goodwill ambassador.

Even though Chelios played more seasons in Detroit, he played more games in Chicago. He won two of his three Norris Trophies while playing in Chicago. He won his other Norris while playing for the Montreal Canadiens. He finished second in the Norris voting in 2001-02 when he was playing for the Red Wings. His plus-minus that season was +40.

Chicago native, Hockey Hall of Fame member and @NHLBlackhawks legend Chris Chelios will have his No. 7 retired to the rafters of United Center on Feb. 25, 2024. 👏

Scroll for more #NHLStats on his decorated career with the Blackhawks. pic.twitter.com/ssKFO134yl

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) September 8, 2023

He grew up in the Chicago area and he is more celebrated in that city. But fans in Detroit are quite fond of him as well.  He wore No. 24 in Detroit. Bob Probert also wore that number while playing in Detroit.

Chelios will be the ninth Blackhawks’ player to have his number retired, but only the third defensemen. The others:  Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson who both wore No. 3.