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The Chicago Blackhawks announced late on Thursday night that Chris Chelios' No. 7 jersey would be retired. During the Pearl Jam concert at the United Centre, the Hockey Hall of Famer's close friend Eddie Vedder gave him the unexpected news on stage.
On Sunday, February 25, 2024, against the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he won two of his three Stanley Cups, Chelios will have his number retired. Chelios will join Glenn Hall (No. 1), Keith Magnuson (No. 3), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18), Stan Mikita (No. 21), Tony Esposito (No. 35), and Marian Hossa (No. 81) as the ninth player in franchise history to have his number retired.
The President of Business operations at Blackhawks, Jaime Faulkner stated, "We are thrilled to have Chris Chelios’ number hang forever in the United Center rafters. There is a lot to come for the organization as we celebrate achievements of the many great players who have worn the Blackhawks sweater.”
“With our upcoming Centennial celebration during the 2025-26 season, plans to celebrate our alumni and additional jersey retirements will continue to emerge as we look forward to sharing that with our fans,” Faulkner further added.
In his native Chicago, where he spent nine of his 26 NHL seasons, Chelios had 487 points (92 goals, 395 assists) over 664 regular-season games and an additional 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) during 65 post-season games. He was fourth among defensemen in team history to score 487 points. On November 8, 2013, Chelios was also admitted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Chelios won two Norris Trophies as the league's best defenseman while playing for the Blackhawks. He also participated in five NHL All-Star Games and received votes for the Hart Trophy twice, the league MVP award. From 1995 to 1999, he also served as the team's captain.
