In a couple of months, the Detroit Red Wings will be celebrating their 100th year of existence. As one of the Original Six, Hockeytown has become synonymous with the NHL, with their team’s 11 Stanley Cups marking the most by an American franchise.

Today, we look back at the names and characters that made the Red Wings one of the standard bearers of the NHL, giving fans some memorable moments over the past century.

Honorable Mention

2001-02 Stanley Cup Championship team

For you kids who don’t remember what life was like in the pre-salary cap era, teams with financial resources were able to attract big names with little concern for the dollar amount. Ken Holland exposed that in the summer of 2001, bringing in names like Dominik Hasek, Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull to help make a great team a historic team. On a roster with 10 future Hall of Famers, and a Hall of Fame coach in Scotty Bowman, the Red Wings went on to win the franchise’s 10th Stanley Cup.

Yes, you’ll see many members from that team in this list, but it felt necessary to pay tribute to arguably the greatest assembly of players in the modern era.

The Russian Five

Like with the 2002 team, there are a few members of the revolutionary unit that will be featured on this list. However, I would be remiss not to include this “faction” of talent that changed how many in North America viewed the game. The group of Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Fetisov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Igor Larionov, and Sergei Fedorov played a significant role in the Wings’ success in the late 1990s. Their skill and ability to turn opponents inside out made them must-see TV.

Harry Lumley (1944-1950)

Before Terry Sawchuk, Lumley was the backstop behind a rising dynasty in the Motor City. First making his NHL debut as a 17-year-old, Lumley quickly established himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. In 1945-46, as the only goaltender to play the full 50-game season, he dragged the Wings into the playoffs, finishing fourth on the Hart ballot. In 1950, his play helped the team end a seven-year championship drought, winning the franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup. In his time in Detroit, Lumley won 163 games, good for fourth all-time in franchise history.

John Ogrodnick (1979-1987, 1992-1993)

“Johnny O” was a prolific scorer on a team that was known as the “Dead Wings.” Yet, Ogrodnick, along with a young kid named Yzerman, helped give fans something to watch on a nightly basis. The Ottawa native scored 40-plus goals three years in a row, including a career-best 55 during the 1984-85 season, earning First Team All-Star honors. Ogrodnick was named to the All-Star Team five times in his tenure in Detroit, with his 265 goals with the team ranking him 10th all-time.

25. Niklas Kronwall (2003-2019)

From thunderous hits to steady play, Kronwall was a star in Hockeytown for many years. He became a human highlight reel thanks to his ability to read the opposition’s breakouts and step and annihilate unsuspecting wingers. Learning from the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Kronwall was solid in his own zone and had some impressive offensive numbers when the Wings went to back-to-back Cup Finals in 2008 and 2009, scoring a career-high 51 points in 2008-09. An ailing body led to him coming short of 1,000 games, but his 15 years with the team were memorable. His 953 games sit him tied for ninth-most in franchise history.

24. Jimmy Howard (2006-2020)

Had his tenure not ended with the team at the beginning of their current rebuild, many might look back at Howard a little more fondly. He burst onto the scene during the 2009-10 season, taking the starting job from the aging Chris Osgood. He went on to arguably have his best season, winning 37 games, posting a .924 save percentage and being named to the All-Rookie Team. Injuries caught up to him later in his career, but Howard was a key reason the Wings managed to extend their playoff streak to 25 years. His 246 victories place him third on the team’s all-time list.

23. Darren McCarty (1993-2004, 2008)

I know what you’re thinking…what is a guy with a measly 288 points in an NHL career doing on this list? Well, if you knew what Darren McCarty meant to the Red Wings, you’d understand.

From his early days with the team, taking on the supporting enforcer role behind Bob Probert following Joey Kocur’s departure, McCarty was a beloved figure with the team. His spirit made him a fan favorite. His effort was unwavering. His ability to do incredible things in the playoffs made him a legend in Hockeytown. McCarty’s electrifying goal in Game 4 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers helped the Wings clinch their first championship in 42 years (Just over two months from an infamous dust-up with Claude Lemieux). He scored a hat trick against Patrick Roy in the 2002 playoffs. In 2008, after coming out of retirement, he scored a goal in the playoffs and won a fourth Cup with the franchise. His 1,302 penalty minutes rank fifth all-time in franchise history.

22. Kris Draper (1993-2011)

Draper might never have been an All-Star, nor is he destined for the Hall of Fame, but if you ask anyone around Hockeytown, he was just as important a player as Yzerman, Fedorov, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Famously claimed off waivers by the Red Wings in 1993 for $1, Draper became a heart and soul player, centering the Grind Line. Scotty Bowman was comfortable with putting the group against the other team’s top scorers and making their lives a nightmare. The one-time Selke Trophy winner played 17 seasons with the Wings, with his 1,137 games played placing him fifth in franchise history. His 21 shorthanded goals are also fourth all-time.

21. Jack Stewart (1938-1943, 1945-1950)

Rugged, tough and not to be messed with, “Black Jack” Stewart thrived in an era when you had to be as brave as you were skilled. He was part of the great Wings teams in the early and late ’40s, being a key part in their Cup wins in 1943 and 1950. Even though his career was interrupted by World War II, serving two years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Stewart returned in 1945-46, only to be named a Second Team All-Star and finish fifth in Hart Trophy voting. The Hall of Famer was a First Team All-Star three times in his 10 years with the Red Wings, going to four straight All-Star Games from 1947 to 1950.

20. Tomas Holmstrom (1996-2012)

If you looked at Holmstrom’s attributes, you’d probably question why he’s on this list. Nothing really stood out about the Swede’s skill set. However, when it came time for the Wings to get a goal late in a game or on the power play, No. 96 would be there. A presence in front of the net, “Homer” received the brunt of some of the toughest defensemen in the game. Yet, despite injuries coming up during the regular season, he managed to battle through and score some big goals during the team’s championship runs in 1998, 2002 and 2008. Of the 243 goals he scored, 122 came on the PP, good for fourth in franchise history. His 1,026 games with the Wings also place him seventh on the all-time list.

19. Dylan Larkin (2016-present)

The leader of today’s team, saying that Larkin is the Red Wings’ most popular player, would be an understatement. From the final days of Datsyuk and Zetterberg, the Michigan native has represented the franchise for his entire career. Even during this elongated rebuild, Larkin has managed to remain one of the game’s top players, scoring 30 or more goals in each of the past four seasons, including a career-high 79 points in 2022-23. A three-time All-Star, Larkin is hoping his efforts will be rewarded with a playoff appearance in the near future.

18. Syd Howe (1935-1946)

Before Gordie, there was Syd. After bouncing around the league in the Great Depression era, Howe settled in Detroit in 1935 and became an essential cog in the Winged Wheel as the team went on to win its first two championships in 1936 and 1937, becoming the first American franchise to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. As the team transitioned into the following decade, the future Hall of Famer became a key scorer as the team advanced to three straight Cup finals in the early ’40s, winning Lord Stanley in 1943. Howe, who scored over 50 points three times, finished in the top five in Hart voting three times, and was a Second Team All-Star in 1944-45.

17. Ebbie Goodfellow (1929-1943)

One of the early stars in the history of the franchise, the blueliner from Ottawa spent his entire career with Detroit and was an excellent player at both ends of the rink. He scored a career-high 48 points in 1930-31, when the team was known as the Falcons, finishing second in the league in scoring. Goodfellow’s play was crucial in helping the Wings win it all in 1936 and 1937. A two-time First Team All-Star, Goodfellow won the Hart Trophy in 1940, finishing with 326 points in 557 games in Detroit.

16. Vladimir Konstantinov (1991-1997)

Had the accident never happened, Konstantinov would be in the Hall of Fame, period. A physical presence on the back end, the former Soviet Union defender stood up for himself at a time when Russians were portrayed as being soft. There was nothing soft about Konstantinov. A member of the All-Rookie Team in 1991-92, he went on to become an excellent force on defense and up front, scoring over 30 points four times in his six years in the league. He finished in the top four in Norris Trophy voting in his last two years on the ice, finishing second behind Brian Leetch in 1996-97. Konstantinov’s career plus/minus of +185 is fourth all-time.

15. Chris Osgood (1993-2001, 2005-2011)

I will not adhere to any slander – Chris Osgood deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

As one of just 15 goaltenders to have won 400 games, Ozzie proved to be an important piece during the Red Wings’ Cup runs in 1997 and 1998. While Mike Vernon won the Conny Smythe Trophy in the prior, Osgood was the one who played the bulk of the games in the regular season. Even when he came back to Detroit after the lockout, reinventing the way he played, the Alberta native was exceptional, leading the league in goals-against average (2.09) in 2007-08, the year he won his second Jennings Trophy and a third Stanley Cup. Ozzie is second in franchise history in wins (317), saves (12,801) and shutouts (39).

14. Marcel Pronovost (1950-1965)

A solid defender who was feared by many during his prime, Pronovost was effective and dangerous in all areas of the ice. Not one to shy away from a good body check, the Quebec native would’ve been up there with the league leaders had hits been tracked back in his day. Never afraid to rush the puck up the ice, the Hall of Famer hit the 30-point mark twice with the Wings, scoring 11 goals during the 1958-59 season. Along with winning three Cups in Detroit, Pronovost represented the team at the All-Star Game nine times, was top three in Norris voting three times, and was a First Team All-Star twice. Pronovost’s 983 games in Detroit place him eighth all-time.

13. Norm Ullman (1955-1968)

If you made a list of the best players to have ever won the Stanley Cup, Ullman would most likely be in the top five in that group. A solid skater with great hands, the Alberta native was one of the Red Wings’ top scorers following their Cup-winning years. He went to the All-Star Game eight times in a nine-year stretch in Detroit, and had an incredible 1964-65 season. That year, he led the NHL in goals (42) and game-winning goals (10). Along with being named a First Team All-Star, Ullman finished second in Hart Trophy voting behind Bobby Hull. Ullman is seventh in franchise history in goals (324), eighth in assists (434) and points (758).

12. Brendan Shanahan (1996-2006)

Shanahan was known as an exceptional scorer with an edge when the Red Wings acquired him from the Hartford Whalers in 1996. While his playing style hardly changed, No. 14 became a legend in his nine years with the organization. He was the missing piece that helped Detroit snap its 42-year championship drought in 1997, and would be a key figure in the team’s three Cups in six years. The Mimico, Ont. native hit the 40-goal mark three times in Detroit, while also posting over 100 penalty minutes all but one of his seasons with the team. A four-time All-Star with the team, Shanny is ninth in goals (309) and points (633) as a Wing.

11. Red Kelly (1948-1960)

A gentleman and a scholar. That’s honestly how you could describe Leonard Kelly the person. He took that persona onto the ice, becoming one of the most respected players of all time. One of the eight players to have his number retired by the Wings, Kelly was a vital piece on a team that lifted Lord Stanley four times in the ’50s. The four-time Lady Byng winner won the Norris Trophy in 1953-54 after scoring 49 points, and would score 50 points twice while in Detroit. Kelly was a First Team All-Star six times, and went to the All-Star Game nine years in a row. The Hall of Famer played 13 years with the Wings, and is ninth in franchise history with 12 shorthanded goals.

10. Henrik Zetterberg (2002-2018)

One of the best two-way players in his day, Zetterberg was part of a veteran trio that carried the franchise through the 2010s. He was one of the team’s top offensive weapons, scoring 50 or more points in 10 of his 15 seasons, including a six-year stretch where Zetterberg hit the 70-point mark five times. The 2007-08 season was the Swede’s best year. Along with a career-high 43 goals and 92 points, Zetterberg led all skaters with 13 goals and 27 points in the playoffs (both franchise records), winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in helping Detroit beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the final. Zetterberg ranks fifth in franchise history in goals (337), assists (623) and points (960), while sitting sixth in games played (1,026).

9. Sid Abel (1939-1952)

The original center in the legendary Production Line, Abel was a balanced scorer who stayed a little out of the limelight alongside Ted Lindsay and Gordie Howe, but was up near the top of the league in scoring with his linemates. One of his best individual campaigns was in 1948-49, when he led the league in goals (28), winning the Hart Trophy and being named a First Team All-Star. The Saskatchewan native was a key player in four championship runs and six Finals appearances. In 12 years with Detroit, Abel hit the 50-point mark four times.

8. Pavel Datsyuk (2001-2016)

One of the most gifted players in the modern era, Datsyuk was the epitome of a two-way center, but had hands that made him mesmerizing to watch. After making his debut on the legendary 2002 Stanley Cup team, Datsyuk became one of the more prominent players in the game in the salary cap era. The Russian scored over 80 points four years in a row, including back-to-back 97-point campaigns in 2007-08 and 2008-09. His 23 points in the ’08 playoffs helped Detroit capture the Stanley Cup. Along with winning the Selke three times, and the Lady Byng four times, Datsyuk ranks sixth in all-time as a Wing with 604 assists, sitting eighth in goals (314), seventh in points (918) and tied for ninth in games played (953).

7. Alex Delvecchio (1951-1974)

The epitome of class and longevity, Delvecchio is one of the few players to have spent over two decades with the Red Wings. All 24 of his seasons in the NHL were with the winged wheel, and no one could have asked for more from “Fats.” He took over the centerman role of The Production Line from Sid Abel, and went on to be one of the greatest to play the game. No. 10 was invited to the All-Star Game 13 times, second only to Gordie Howe, and won the Lady Byng three times. The three-time Cup winner is third on the franchise list in games played (1,550), goals (456) and points (1,281) while sitting fourth in assists (825).

6. Sergei Fedorov (1990-2003)

One of the most gifted players I’ve ever laid eyes on. In an era where Lemieux, Gretzky and Messier were considered the best in the game, Fedorov proved that he could outplay them on any given night. Blessed with the speed of a gazelle, the Russian star made opponents look silly with his skill. The Hall of Famer put himself in the limelight in 1993-94, winning the Hart and Selke Trophies, along with the Ted Lindsay Award (then known as the Lester B. Pearson Award), after scoring an exceptional 56 goals and 120 points. In 13 years with the Wings, Fedorov scored 400 goals (4th), 554 assists (7th) and 954 points (6th). He’s also third in points in the postseason with 163.

5. Terry Sawchuk (1950-1955, 1957-1964, 1968-69)

It’s impressive to think that, even in an era where goaltenders played almost every game, Sawchuk held the all-time wins record (447) for over three decades (and a shutout record that lasted almost 40). He was just that good. You might chalk it up to playing on a great team, but when you consider what he did in the 1952 playoffs – 8-0 record, four shutouts and a 0.62 goals-against average – Sawchuk was clutch when called upon. He helped carry the Wings to three Cups in four years, beating Montreal Canadiens goaltender twice in the final. No. 1 ranks first in franchise history in wins (350), shutouts (5) and minutes played (43,604).

4. Ted Lindsay (1944-1957, 1964-65)

Had he not tried to create a players’ union, “Terrible Ted” would’ve been a Red Wing for life. Yet, even in his 14 years with the organization, there were few players who became more recognizable in the NHL than Lindsay. People might remember him for being the bigger antagonist on the Production Line, but Lindsay was one of the premier playmakers in the game. He led the NHL in assists twice, and in 1949-50, won the Art Ross Trophy with 78 points. Lindsay went to 11 straight All-Star Games from the inaugural event in 1947 to 1957, and was named a First Team All-Star eight times. No. 7 won four Cups in Detroit, and is sixth in team history in goals (335), and ninth in assists (393) and points (728).

3. Nicklas Lidstrom (1991-2012)

There are too many words to describe “The Perfect Human.” Off the ice, he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. On the ice, he was simply one of the best ever. I could explain the fact that he won seven Norris Trophies, six in a seven-year span. I could tell you that he was known for averaging just under 30 minutes a game during the regular season, and even more during the playoffs. I could also remind you that, among winning four Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy, he’s the first European-born and bred captain to lead a team to a championship. Yet, it wouldn’t be enough. Lidstrom is second in franchise history in games played (1,564), third in assists (878), fourth in points (1,142) and first in plus/minus (+450). He also ranks second in career playoff scoring (183) as a Red Wing.

2. Steve Yzerman (1983-2006)

In the history of sports, few individuals have revitalized franchises the way Yzerman did. After going fourth overall in the 1983 Entry Draft, Stevie Y brought the team from the depths of the Detroit River to the game’s greatest heights. What might make Yzerman’s legacy even more outstanding is that he went from a high-scoring All-Star, scoring a franchise-record 65 goals and 155 assists in 1988-89, to being arguably the best two-way center ever. The adjustment came when Bowman took over in 1993, and it helped Yzerman lead his team to three Stanley Cups, capturing the Conn Smythe in 1998. No. 19 is the franchise leader in playoff goals (70) and points (185), second in regular-season goals (692) and points (1,809), and first in shorthanded goals (50) and assists (1,063).

1. Gordie Howe (1946-1971)

Was there any doubt?

Mr. Hockey was not only one of the greatest to ever lace up his skates, but he also helped bring hockey into the mainstream in the United States. His larger-than-life presence made him a fan favorite around the country. It also helped that he played on a pretty dominant team in the ’50s and consistently led the league in scoring. No. 9 won the Art Ross and Hart Trophies six times, and was invited to the All-Star Game in 22 of his 25 years with the franchise. He was one of the first players in NHL history to crack the 100-point barrier and was a 12-time First Team All-Star. Howe is the Red Wings’ all-time leader in just about every offensive category, including goals (786), points (1,809), and playing a franchise record 1,687 games.

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