Ten of Our Favorite Detroit Red Wings Nicknames

Apr 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

#6: Pavel Datsyuk- The Magic Man

Drafted 171st overall in the 1998 NHL Draft, Pavel Datsyuk is one of the fanbase’s favorite players of all time. Datsyuk is known for his skills on and off the puck.  He has led the Red Wings to two Stanley Cups in his 14 years with the Wings. As of the the 2014-2015 season Datsyuk has 298 goals and NHL 571 assists. But he earned his nickname from his magical plays on the ice that have left opponents befuddled and made them victims of a “Datsyukian” play. His nickname became lore when iPhone owners could ask Siri about the “Magic Man” and she would respond with Datsyuk’s hockey profile. It goes to show that Datsyuk’s best plays are not reserved to just the ice.

#5: Johan Franzen- The Mule

Johan Franzen’s nickname originated from Steve Yzerman.  Yzerman was outskated by Franzen in a practice, and “The Mule” all but barreled through the Captain–earning him the nickname he’s known for.  Franzen is a hard worker and is notorious for getting hot in the playoffs. Franzen debuted for the Wings in the 2005-2006 season and has 187 goals and 182 assists.

But it was the 2008 playoffs where Franzen cemented his nickname. While his stature and skating strength birthed his nickname, it was the phrase “Feed the Mule” that solidified it. Franzen shattered the Red Wings record for most goals in a series when he notched nine in just four games against the Colorado Avalanche. His torrid scoring helped pace the Wings to their fourth Stanley Cup in eleven years. Franzen would memorably score four goals in a single game against the San Jose Sharks during Game 4 of the 2010 Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Next: The Professor and The Perfect Human