The Red Wings acquired Chelios from the Blackhawks on March 23, 1999, for Anders Eriksson and first-round picks in the 1999 NHL Draft and 2001 NHL Draft. His son, defenseman Jake Chelios, agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Red Wings on July 1 after playing three seasons with Charlotte of the American Hockey League.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Red Wings organization over the last 19 years," Chelios said. "Admittedly I was skeptical about the 1999 trade that brought me to Detroit. As a Chicago guy who was playing for the Blackhawks at the time, we despised those Detroit teams of the 1990s. After the trade, however, things changed quickly and I began to feel right at home. What an unbelievable experience, playing on some of the greatest teams in League history, with some of the greatest players of all-time. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been a part of it all. The Cup-winning teams in 2002 and 2008 are the obvious highlights, but I'm grateful for every chance I had to put on a Red Wings sweater.
"For me, this is an opportunity to move back to Chicago to be closer to family, and in particular my mother. I began to seriously consider moving home last February after the passing of my father. Now that my children have all graduated, it seems like the ideal time for my wife, Tracee, and I to make the move.
"To the fans in Detroit, I want to say thank you. You embraced me from Day One. My experience in Detroit was a lot of fun and we definitely had some unforgettable times together. Just know that I won't be a stranger. I plan on visiting the area whenever I can, especially now that my son, Jake, is playing in the Wings organization."
