Blackhawks to retire Chelios' No. 7 on Feb. 25

Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hall of Famer Chris Chelios will have his No. 7 retired during an on-ice ceremony Feb. 25 prior to a game against the the Detroit Red Wings, the Blackhawks confirmed Thursday.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder brought his friend Chelios on stage and surprised him with the news during a sold-out show at Chicago's United Center on Thursday night.

Chelios will be the ninth player in franchise history to have his number retired. He joins Glenn Hall (No. 1), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Keith Magnusson (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18), Stan Mikita (No. 21), Tony Esposito (No. 31), and Marian Hossa (No. 81).

The 61-year-old Chelios ranks fourth among blue-liners in assists (395) and points (487) and is fifth in goals (92) in club history. He's also the team's all-time leader in penalty minutes (1,495).

Defenseman Brent Seabrook also notably wore No. 7 for the Blackhawks and won three Stanley Cups with the franchise.

Chelios, who was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 following a 26-year career, sits eighth among defensemen with assists (763) and 10th in points (948) in NHL history.

He also played for the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets).

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