Red Wings Broadcaster Mickey Redmond Takes Medical Leave for Surgery

Veteran play-by-play announcer schedules procedure to coincide with Olympic break

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:55am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey broadcast booth, with sharp planes of color and form representing the disruption caused by Mickey Redmond's temporary departure from the Red Wings' airwaves.A cubist interpretation of the iconic Red Wings broadcast booth, reflecting the absence of a beloved voice during Mickey Redmond's medical leave.Today in Detroit

Iconic Detroit Red Wings broadcaster Mickey Redmond is taking a medical leave of absence to undergo cervical spine fusion surgery next week. Redmond, who's in his 47th year calling NHL games and 41st season in Detroit, strategically scheduled the procedure to coincide with several nationally televised games and the NHL's Olympic Break. While he'll be out until after the Olympic Break, Redmond is optimistic and plans to return for the team's playoff run.

Why it matters

Redmond's broadcasting prowess has helped Detroit earn the No. 1 ranking in The Athletic's 2025 broadcast survey, as voted on by fans. His insightful commentary and engaging style will be missed during his recovery, but the Red Wings have praised him for prioritizing his health and being a great teammate, both on and off the air.

The details

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 began after a nine-season NHL playing career with Montreal and Detroit, where he was a former Red Wings captain and had consecutive 50-goal seasons.

  • Redmond will undergo the cervical spine fusion surgery next week.
  • He plans to return after the NHL's Olympic Break.

The players

Mickey Redmond

A veteran play-by-play broadcaster for the Detroit Red Wings, in his 47th year calling NHL games and 41st season in Detroit.

Ken Daniels

The Red Wings' play-by-play broadcaster who will fill in for Redmond during his absence.

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What they’re saying

“We must support Mickey during this time and look forward to his return after the Olympic Break.”

— Chris Osgood, Red Wings color commentator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Redmond's dedication to the Red Wings and his fans over the past four decades has earned him a special place in Detroit sports history. His absence will be felt, but the team and community are rallying behind him as he prioritizes his health and recovery.