Who are the best Detroit Red Wings players of all time? One of the “Original Six”, they’ve forged a legacy which has made them one of the fiercest of NHL rivals for many.
Having built a reputation for producing Hall of Fame-caliber talent, here are the ten best Red Wings’ players of all time:
10. Norm Ullman
Norm Ullman was an exceptional two-way centre who showed remarkable consistency, and leadership. Playing for the Red Wings from 1955, he was the league’s top goalscorer in 1965 and played in Detroit until a move to Toronto in 1968.
Ullman was well known for his hockey IQ, passing, and goal-scoring ability. He scored 1,229 points in his career across 20 seasons. A total of 758 of those were scored in Detroit in 13 seasons.
9. Red Kelly
Red Kelly is one of the best Detroit Red Wings players of all time due to his unique blend of offensive skill and defensive prowess. A Hall of Famer, Kelly played for the Wings from 1947 for 13 seasons, winning four Stanley Cups as a defenseman.
Kelly remarkably left the Red Wings dynasty and helped create one in Toronto in 8 seasons with the Maple Leafs. Even more remarkable was the fact he was moved to centre where he formed a deadly partnership with Frank Mahovlich.
8. Ted Lindsay
Ted Lindsay was a pioneer both on and off the ice. Known for his fiery personality, relentless work ethic, and undeniable skill, Lindsay was a key figure in the Red Wings’ success during the 1940s and 50s.
As part of Detroit’s legendary 50’s dynasty he helped lead the franchise to four Stanley Cups during the decade. A Hall of Famer, Lindsay was known for his tenacity at left wing and he was instrumental in founding the NHL Players’ Association .
7. Pavel Datsyuk
Known for his sensational stickhandling skills, defensive prowess, and uncanny playmaking ability, Pavel Datsyuk was a fan favorite and one of the best Detroit Red Wings players in history. A two-way player, the Russian could do it all.
A three-time Selke Trophy winner, Datsyuk was a key contributor to the 2002 and 2008 Stanley Cup victory winning teams. Notably his ability to create turnovers and carve out beautiful plays across 14 seasons for Detroit left a lasting impression on the franchise.
6. Alex Delvecchio
Alex Delvecchio played his entire 24-season career with Detroit. After debuting in 1950 he could line up at center or at left wing and showed spectacular playmaking ability and vision, registering 1,281 points in 1,550 games.
A true leader, Delvecchio featured in the All-Star Game 13 times, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship three times, and he guided the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships during the dynasty of the 1950s.
5. Terry Sawchuk
One of the best Detroit Red Wings players of all time, Terry Sawchuk debuted in 1949 and across 14 seasons built a legacy as one of the most fearless and consistent goaltenders. Starting out during the maskless era his fearlessness epitomized a Detroiter.
Across his 21-season career he registered 103 shutouts which was a record which stood for 46-years, 85 of those for Detroit. Along with four total Stanley Cups – three with the Red Wings – Sawchuck won the Vezina Trophy four times on the back of his remarkable reflexes.
4. Sergei Fedorov
With the 74th pick of the 1989 draft the Detroit Red Wings selected Sergei Fedorov and in the process got one of the best centres to ever play the game. So versatile was the Russian, he could also play on the wing or as a defenseman.
In 13 seasons in Detroit he won three Stanley Cups and formed arguably one of the greatest lines in Red Wings history. In 1994 Fedorov also became the only player in history to win both the Selke Trophy and Hart Trophy in the same season.
3. Steve Yzerman
Long serving Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzermam became the heart and soul of the franchise and was the face of the franchise during the ’90s and early 2000s. At centre the two-way forward scoring 1,755 points with 1,063 assists.
Yzerman loyally served the Red Wings for all 22 seasons of his career, with 20 of those as captain. The offensive juggernaut led Detroit to three Stanley Cups with his excellent vision, playmaking ability, and clutch performances.
2. Nicklas Lidström
Regarded by many as the best defensemen in NHL history, Nicklas Lidström redefined the modern defenseman. Over his 20-year career in Detroit, Lidström guided the Red Wings to four Stanley Cups on the back of his physicality and ability to read the game.
The Swede won an incredible seven Norris Trophies and scored 1,142 points during his career. No matter the situation he had an unmatched calmness and consistency belling cement a legacy as one of the best Red Wings players ever.
1. Gordie Howe
Not only is Gordie Howe the greatest ever Detroit Red Wings player ever, he’s one of best NHL players in history transcending the entire sport. Debuting in 1946 the right winger played all but one of his 26 NHL seasons in Detroit.
Howe finished with a then-record 1,850 points including 801 goals when he retired in 1980. That was until Wayne Gretzky overtook his record. On the back of his physical play and all-around game the Red Wings won four Stanley Cups.
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