Daily Faceoff’s Tyler Kuehl was tasked with compiling a list of the top 25 players in Detroit Red Wings history this morning, and here are three of his selections:
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.
Continued; this is a very good representative list.
