Chris Chelios sports a backwards Bob Probert Blackhawks jersey during the 7th inning stretch at the Cubs-Reds game on Friday. (Phil Velasquez / Tribune) The Sports Network
DETROIT -- Veteran defenseman Chris Chelios has apparently decided to hang up his skates and join the Detroit Red Wings front office.
According to a report on Fox Sports Detroit, the 48-year-old revealed his plans after singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during a Cubs home game.
The station also quotes Red Wings general manager Ken Holland as confirming the move, but without a specific role.
Chelios played in a record-tying 26th NHL season last year, a brief seven-game stint with the Atlanta Thrashers where he failed to record a point. He tied Gordie Howe's original mark, first set when he played from 1945-71 and 1979-80.
Since breaking into the league with Montreal after the 1984 Winter Olympics, the Chicago native compiled 185 goals and 948 points over 1,651 regular-season games with the Canadiens, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Thrashers.
He also played for the Chicago Wolves last season.
In addition, the often-punishing backliner recorded 31 goals and 144 points in 266 playoff contests. He was part of three Stanley Cup-winning clubs, the 1986 Canadiens and the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008.
Chelios played for the Wings from the tail end of the 1998-99 campaign through 2009.
Since breaking into the league with Montreal after the 1984 Winter Olympics, the Chicago native compiled 185 goals and 948 points over 1,651 regular-season games with the Canadiens, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Thrashers.
He also played for the Chicago Wolves last season.
In addition, the often-punishing backliner recorded 31 goals and 144 points in 266 playoff contests. He was part of three Stanley Cup-winning clubs, the 1986 Canadiens and the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008.
Chelios played for the Wings from the tail end of the 1998-99 campaign through 2009.
I can understand why he originally left. Hawk ownership was bent on providing Chicago with a mediocre team. He wanted a chance to win again and he got it in Detroit. After the trade I always figured he would come back because his core was still a Hawk and his hometown was still Chicago.
Then he won the cup with Suck-troit and rubbed our noses in it during his day with The Cup. This was completely disrespectful. I still hadn't given up hope that he was still a Hawk...I just figured he was sticking it to D. Bill.
Since the Age of Rocky, he continues to poop on the Hawks and Chicago. It almost seems he can't let go of his hatred for the old Hawk management. I am sad to say that I am convinced he is a Detroit guy now and no longer a Hawk. The old #7 is dead to me. He should stay in Detroit and the Hawks should forget about ever doing a Chelios heritage night.
I understand the point of the comments talking about his family etc. If he didn't still hold any animosity about the Hawks, then he wouldn't be announcing his new job at a Cubs game.
I also don't think people should be talking about his 'olympic achievements'. If I remember correctly the 1998 team didn't make it to the medal round and then they trashed their apartments in the olympic village. Way to represent your country Cheli! We should have known that you would find a good fit with the Detroit Scum.
Wouldn't he be inducted into the Hall with a Canadiens jersey?
This guy is a hometown hero with his profession and olympic achievements and the Chicagoan's here bad mouth him so bad cause he's with the Wings , now wait til he says the heck with the Chicago people that show no appreciation for what was given in the past and sport a Wings jersey when he is inducted to the coveted hall of fame. If Chris isn't in a Blackhawks jersey when inducted it's because of the attitudes Chicagoan's have toward personal decisions he's made with his wife and kids in mind. Shame on Chicago !
Lord forgive those self centered individuals that think decisions that effect not only you but your wife and children too, should be to appease everyone other than who is most important. I grew up near Chris and you all loved him when he was a Blackhawk. And look at how your turning your back on him now. So i ask who has made a decision to do whats best for his family life and who are the hypocrites ?
You all shame me with your eagerness to turn hostile toward someone that you thought so highly of for so little reason.
Jesus Marie the guy was born and raised in Evergreen Park Il. Spent 10 years a wing thanks to dollar bill.When the news broke of him to the wings in 99, i said now the man will win as he so deserves. And he deserved to be with a winner. He has a family and those selfish people out there that think Chelli can do what ever he wants are absurd. You all think every things so darn easy. How many of you have kids and a wife and are family men. To Chris from a buddy you do what you feel is best for your family and the people that dislike it, you don't want friends like that anyway. When the time is right And you need to be back home your always welcome. P.S. Chris I bank on your love for Chicago is Genuine there's no place like home, and the day your inducted your decision to wear a Blackhawks or Wings jersey will be your decision and a tough one. Regardless of that decision your induction will be well deserved. Born 61 in little co. of Mary hosp. And pray Chris see's this post.
I still have a poster of Chelios as an A Captain from my very first Hawks game. I'll always treasure that poster, and Chelios was my favorite player growing up. But this is nuts. Bringing the Cup to Chicago as a Redwing was bad enough, but he chooses to announce getting back in bed with Detroit at a Chicago game? Must have gotten the idea from LeBron James, and we know how good of an idea THAT was.
He can say he loves Chicago, but he keeps disrespecting it every time he returns. I hope not to see him again until he learns some manners.
Have no use for this turncoat...You like Detroit, fine with us. Oh, and nice headline... As though the Hawks offered him a job....
That had better be the last time he sings or shows up at Wrigley Field---unless Len and Bob want to be part of the boo mess that will happen if he does. It was bad enough he paraded around 2 summers ago with the Cup with Ledba, both Red Wings in Wrigley and all over town...We didnt need him to rep Probie anywhere in this Town. Go to Greek Town if you got to go anywhere in Chicago again ok DEE-troit guy?.
That place so bad even the people at his restaurant got murdered---terrible city. Yet he chooses it over Chicago. And who said he's got what it takes to be a GM? He spent too much time on the ice, not enough off it taking classes...GMs these days need to know business, finance, the law, politics, negotiations...his expertise is in cross checking, rib poking, calf slapping, and talking dirty on the ice. Greeks for Ginouallis.
Your talking about him being close to his family. Thats fine stay close to your family. Quit hanging out in chi town then. Like i said go back to detroit take your front office job and hang out with the malibu mob. Im sick of him popping up all over the city when hes a detroit guy now.
Chelios' family calls Detroit home (its where his kids grew up--he has 20, 18, 16, 14 yr olds and they have been in Detroit 11 years now. That means to them it just as much as home as Malibu was where they spent summers). Having grown up there it means their friends are there. It has been in many articles, "I've always said, the biggest reason [I played so long] was that I stayed in Detroit for 10 years and never had to move my family," he said on Thursday.
(Chelios) "And I always said, if it had come [to moving his family], I'd have to make a decision.
"It's tough even being only four hours away [in Chicago]. I've never been in that situation before. That has been the only downside about this, and I'm glad it didn't happen until this late in my career, at 48.
"I'm lucky because a lot of guys end their careers early because of that."
And that was with living with his parents and son Jake playing in the area.
And why sign with Detroit's management vs Chicago (skipping the whole wants to be close to family and not move kids in high school and move away from his sons in college at MSU--well lets see one has a recent history of teaching/producing GM's and the other a history of firing them. Another could be one is a rookie GM the other is considered one of the top in the game.
Chelios always claimed he was a "chicago" guy. The man was in tears the day he got traded to detroit. But now im having my doubts. Detroit front office? C'mon what a joke cheli! Get your butt back to detroit and stop popping up all over chitown!!
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! And this drunken clown is singing at Wrigley Field why? And you notice his being hired by the Commie Wings was announced afterward. Gee, go figure. Go to stink town and stay there Chelios.
yeah he and his loser friend Cuasck are Cubs fans too.
Great...but why he keep coming here? He's a Detroit guy now. No ambassordship, banners, or fan convention for him, ok? Enough of this guy. Why didnt he work something out with the Bowmans? Please sing in Detroit next time. Thanks for your efforts.