If I remember correctly, Chicago basically told him that he was too old and was slowing down so they weren't going to resign him anyway. They offered to trade him or let him retire a Blackhawk. Chelios wanted to play for another couple of (or 10 or 11) years, so he said that he would accept a trade to a contending team. Detroit was the highest bidder, sending young defenseman Anders Ericsson and 2 first round draft picks to Chicago.
People vilify Chelios now because a) he went to one of Chicago's biggest rivals, and b) he kept playing, and played better in the Wings system where he could play fewer minutes and not have to be The Man. Some people complain that they got "nothing" for him, but Ericsson, although never a top 4 d-man, had a decent career, and Chicago has nobody to blame but themselves for poor drafting.
Chris Chelios was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on March 23, 1999. The trade involved sending Chelios from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Red Wings in exchange for Anders Eriksson, a first-round draft pick, and a second-round draft pick. Chelios went on to have a successful tenure with the Red Wings, contributing to their Stanley Cup victories.
Chris Chelios is best known for playing defense in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons before retiring. He played for the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Atlanta Thrashers.
Chris Chelios is 6' 1".
Chris Chelios was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Chris Chelios goes by Chelly.
Chris Chelios was born on January 25, 1962.
Chelios is of Greek heritage.
Chris Chelios's birth name is Christos Kostas Tselios.
Chris Chelios is 55 years old (birthdate: January 25, 1962).
Yes, Chris Chelios officially retired on August 31, 2010. Chelios was subsequently hired as a consultant for the Detroit Red Wings.
Chris Chelios is married to Tracey Chelios. The couple has been together for many years and has three daughters. Tracey has been supportive of Chris throughout his hockey career and beyond.
Some include Pierre Pilote, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios and Bobby Orr.