DETROIT RED WINGS MAKE STUNNING MOVE TO RE-SIGN LEGENDARY GOALTENDER CHRIS OSGOOD FOR SPECIAL SEASON-LONG TRIBUTE RUN…read more…
In a move that has electrified the Motor City and sent shockwaves across the hockey world, the Detroit Red Wings have announced that they are re-signing franchise legend and fan favorite Chris Osgood to a special, ceremonial contract for a season-long tribute celebration.
At a packed press conference held at Little Caesars Arena, Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman confirmed the news, revealing that the team had orchestrated a unique arrangement allowing Osgood to rejoin the organization in a limited, symbolic playing capacity during the 2025–26 NHL season.
“Chris is one of the greatest goaltenders in Red Wings history,” Yzerman said. “This is about honoring not only his legacy, but also what he meant — and still means — to this city, to our fans, and to the sport of hockey.”
The announcement comes 15 years after Osgood last wore the Winged Wheel in a regular-season game. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Jennings Trophy winner played 14 of his 17 NHL seasons in Detroit, earning a permanent place in team lore with clutch performances, remarkable consistency, and fierce loyalty.
Although he officially retired in 2011, Osgood has remained close to the Red Wings organization as a studio analyst and mentor to young goalies. But fans never imagined they would see the 52-year-old legend suit up again — until now.
“I never thought I’d put the pads back on, at least not in an NHL rink,” Osgood said with a smile. “But when Steve called and said the team wanted to do something special to celebrate my career and the era we shared, I couldn’t say no.”
The unique contract, approved by the NHL for ceremonial purposes, allows Osgood to participate in select pregame warmups throughout the season, don the iconic red-and-white jersey during tributes, and even be listed as an emergency backup for one game — a move sure to have longtime fans holding their breath in excitement.
“It’s not about stats or minutes,” Osgood said. “It’s about closure, celebration, and connecting with the fans one more time.”
The “Ozzie Tribute Season,” as it’s being dubbed by the team, will include themed nights, exclusive merchandise, in-arena tributes, and a rotating video series featuring former teammates like Nicklas Lidstrom, Brendan Shanahan, and Dominik Hasek. Perhaps the biggest moment will come in March, when Osgood will be honored with a banner-raising ceremony for his induction into the Red Wings’ Ring of Honor — a long overdue gesture, fans say.
“He deserves it all,” said lifelong Red Wings fan Mike Langer, who attended the press conference draped in a vintage Osgood jersey. “He was the heart and soul of the crease for years. Seeing him back in net, even for a moment, is something I thought I’d never witness again.”
Current Red Wings players, many of whom grew up watching Osgood, also expressed their enthusiasm for the move.
“I remember pretending to be Osgood in my driveway,” said 24-year-old goaltender Sebastian Cossa. “To be able to share the locker room with him, even briefly, is surreal.”
The NHL also weighed in on the unique arrangement.
“We recognize the importance of honoring legends in creative ways,” said Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “Chris Osgood’s contributions to the game and to one of the league’s most storied franchises warrant every bit of this tribute.”
Behind the scenes, Osgood has already begun light training to prepare for his brief return to action. He joked about the process on social media, posting a video of himself attempting butterfly saves with the caption, “Rusty, but ready.”
While Osgood has no intention of actually playing in a competitive game, the emotional significance of the tribute cannot be understated.
“I’m doing this for the fans,” he said. “They supported me through highs and lows, wins and losses. This is my way of saying thank you — one last time.”
The Red Wings are planning to kick off the tribute season on opening night with Osgood leading the team onto the ice in full gear, as he once did countless times before.
As the cheers swell in Little Caesars Arena and across Hockeytown, one thing is clear: Chris Osgood’s return is more than just a nostalgic stunt. It’s a love letter to an era, a city, and a man whose legacy in the crease will never fade.