The Detroit Red Wings are one of the NHL's original six teams and have a history that goes back almost 100 years. The Red Wings have been populated by some of the all-time great players to skate in the NHL over the decades. Identifying the top 5 Red Wings in team history is not an easy task considering how much talent has passed through this organization. Still, In a comprehensive look at what they produced on the ice and their leadership of how we came to watch the game today, here's our lineup of true Red Wings immortals. 

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#1 - Gordie Howe: "Mr. Hockey"

It's only fitting that the greatest Red Wing of all time is also considered one of the greatest players in NHL history. Gordie Howe, affectionately known as "Mr. Hockey," spent an astonishing 25 seasons with the Red Wings, cementing his legacy as a true icon of the sport. Howe's unparalleled skill, physicality, and longevity are the stuff of legend - he ranks second all-time in NHL goals (801) and third in points (1,850). A six-time Hart Trophy winner and six-time scoring champion, Howe could do it all, from scoring to playmaking to physical play. As former Montreal Canadiens GM Frank Selke once said, "The only thing Gordie Howe couldn't do was sit on the bench." Howe's dominance and versatility make him the undisputed king of Red Wings hockey.

#2 - Nicklas Lidstrom: "The Perfect Human"

Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen to ever play the game, Nicklas Lidstrom's impact on the Red Wings franchise is undeniable. Lidstrom, nicknamed "The Perfect Human," won seven Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman, cementing his status as a generational talent. His exceptional two-way play, hockey IQ, and longevity (he played 20 seasons, all with the Red Wings) make him a clear-cut choice for the second spot on this list. As former teammate Steve Yzerman aptly stated, "Lidstrom was the most important player on our team." Lidstrom's unparalleled defensive prowess and leadership were crucial to the Red Wings' sustained success, including four Stanley Cup championships.

#3 - Steve Yzerman: "The Captain"

No list of the greatest Red Wings would be complete without Steve Yzerman, the longest-serving captain in NHL history. Yzerman spent his entire 22-year career with the Red Wings, leading the team to three Stanley Cup titles. Known for his exceptional two-way play, Yzerman ranks seventh on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 1,755 points. While he may not have been considered the league's best center during his era (with the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux around), Yzerman's impact on the Red Wings franchise is unmatched. As Lidstrom himself stated, "Yzerman was the greatest leader in franchise history." Yzerman's dedication, skill, and leadership make him an undisputed legend in Hockeytown.

#4 - Pavel Datsyuk: "The Magic Man"

One of the most skilled and creative players of his generation, Pavel Datsyuk earned the nickname "The Magic Man" for his incredible puck-handling abilities and two-way dominance. Datsyuk spent his entire 14-year NHL career with the Red Wings, compiling 953 games, 314 goals, 604 assists, and 918 points - all of which rank him in the top 10 in franchise history. A three-time Selke Trophy winner as the league's best defensive forward and a four-time Lady Byng Trophy recipient for sportsmanship and gentlemanly play, Datsyuk's impact went far beyond just his offensive prowess. His combination of skill, defensive responsibility, and leadership made him an invaluable asset to the Red Wings, helping the team win two Stanley Cup championships.

#5 - Alex Delvecchio: "The Graceful Skater"

A true Red Wings lifer, Alex Delvecchio spent his entire 24-season NHL career with the franchise, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats. Delvecchio's numbers are staggering - he played in 1,550 regular-season games, scored 456 goals, recorded 825 assists, and tallied 1,281 points, all of which rank him in the top 10 in Red Wings history. Known for his graceful skating and gentlemanly play, Delvecchio won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1959 and was a key member of the Red Wings' "Production Line II" alongside Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. Delvecchio's longevity, skill, and leadership make him a true Red Wings legend.

Honorable Mentions

While the top 5 players on this list stand out as the true icons of Red Wings hockey, the franchise has been blessed with an abundance of talent over the years. Honorable mentions include defenseman Terry Sawchuk, the team's all-time leader in games played and shutouts; forward Ted Lindsay, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and member of the "Production Line"; and defenseman Red Kelly, a seven-time Stanley Cup winner and eight-time First-Team All-Star.

The Detroit Red Wings' rich history is a testament to the incredible talent that has graced the ice in Hockeytown over the decades. From the unparalleled skill of Gordie Howe to the defensive brilliance of Nicklas Lidstrom, this list of the top 5 Red Wings of all time represents the very best of a storied franchise. As the team continues to write new chapters in its history, these legends will forever be remembered as the true icons of Red Wings hockey.