The Detroit Red Wings' beloved broadcaster, Mickey Redmond, is taking a medical leave of absence after 47 years of calling NHL games. Redmond, who has been a fan favorite for 41 seasons in Detroit, is scheduled to undergo cervical spine fusion surgery next week to address chronic neck issues. The team announced that Redmond will be out until sometime after the NHL's Olympic Break, missing several nationally televised games.
Redmond expressed his excitement about lining up the procedure with nationally televised games and the Olympic Break, stating, "It's been an incredible season so far in Hockeytown, and I'm looking forward to being back behind the microphone for our exciting playoff run."
The Red Wings have announced that play-by-play broadcaster Ken Daniels will be working with Chris Osgood, Stu Grimson, and Frankie Corrado in Redmond's absence. Redmond's broadcasting career has been a remarkable journey, having helped Detroit earn the No. 1 ranking in The Athletic's 2025 broadcast survey, voted on by fans.
Prior to his broadcasting career, Redmond played nine seasons in the NHL between Montreal and Detroit, serving as a former Red Wings captain and achieving consecutive 50-goal seasons with the team in 1972-73 and 1973-74.
The Red Wings praised Redmond for his dedication to the team and fans, stating, "Mickey has the support of his Red Wings family, and we appreciate that he’s prioritizing health. Mickey decided to wait on having this procedure until a time that was best for the broadcast, for the team, and ultimately for the fans — a great example of what an incredible teammate he is both on and off the air. Everyone in the organization will keep him in our thoughts and will do anything needed to support his recovery."
This is a significant moment for the Red Wings organization and their fans, as Redmond has been an integral part of the team's broadcasting history. His absence will be felt, but the team has shown their support and commitment to his recovery, ensuring that he will be back behind the microphone soon.
