Detroit Red Wings: Who are the All-Time Top Scoring Forwards

In their history, the Detroit Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups.  There were two time periods where the Red Wings were dominant.  During the 1950’s, Detroit won four Stanley Cups.  From 1990-2016, the Red Wings made the playoffs 25 consecutive years and once again won the Stanley Cup four times.  During these two periods, the Red Wings were blessed with Hall of Fame players, particularly at forward.  Here is a list of the Top 10 scoring forwards in Red Wings History.

Gordie Howe

GP: 1,687

G: 786

A: 1,023

PTS: 1,809

Gordie Howe started playing for the Detroit Red Wings in 1946.  He was 18 when he played his first NHL game.  Howe played 25 consecutive seasons for the Red Wings.  He also served as captain of the Red Wings for four seasons.  He retired for two years before joining his sons in the WHA.  Howe played six seasons in the WHA for Houston and New England.  In 1979, New England joined the NHL as the Hartford Whalers and Howe played one last season in the NHL with both his sons.  He is the oldest player (52) to ever play an NHL game.

In 26 NHL seasons, Howe scored an incredible 801 goals, 1,049 assists, and 1,850 regular season points.  During 20 playoff seasons, Howe scored 160 points in 157 games.

During the 1950’s, Howe played on four Stanley Cup Championship teams in Detroit.  Howe was selected as an NHL All-Star 23 times.  He was the NHL scoring leader and MVP of the NHL six times.  In 1967, Howe was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for NHL Contribution to U.S. Hockey.

In 1972-73, Gordie Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

During his retirement years, Howe could be seen at Joe Louis Arena during game days signing autographs and meeting fans. In 2006, I was fortunate enough to get his famous #9 book signed on one of my visits to a Red Wings game at Joe Louis Arena.  Mr. Hockey was truly an amazing hockey player and a true gentleman.

Steve Yzerman

GP: 1,514

G: 692

A: 1,063

PTS: 1,755

Steve Yzerman was selected by Detroit 4th overall in the 1983 draft.  He played his entire 22 year career for the Red Wings.  At 21, Yzerman was named captain and at the time was the youngest captain in NHL history.  Yzerman served as captain of the Red Wings for 19 years.

In 1984, Yzerman was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.  He was named an NHL All-Star ten times.  In 1989, Yzerman was awarded the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL MVP as selected by the NHLPA.  In 1998, Yzerman won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.  In 2000, Yzerman was awarded the Frank J. Selke Award as the NHL’s Top Defensive Forward.  In 2003, Yzerman won the Bill Masterton Trophy for NHL Sportsmanship.  In 2006, Yzerman won the Lester Patrick Trophy for his NHL Contribution to U.S. Hockey.

During 20 playoff seasons, Yzerman played 196 games and scored 185 points.  As a player, Yzerman is a three time Stanley Cup Champion.

Internationally, Yzerman played in one World Junior Championship (Bronze Medal in 1983), one World Cup, one Canada Cup (Gold Medal in 1984), three World Championships (Silver Medals in 1985 and 1989), and two Olympic Games (Gold Medal in 2002).

Steve Yzerman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009-10.  In 2013-14, Yzerman was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame.

After his retirement from playing, Yzerman has been a highly successful NHL executive.  Next season, Yzerman will begin his 3rd season as General Manager of the Red Wings.

Alex Delvecchio

GP: 1,550

G: 456

A: 825

PTS: 1,281

Alex Delvecchio played his entire 24 year NHL career with Detroit.  During the 1950-51 season, Delvecchio played his first NHL game.  Delvecchio was named captain of the Red Wings in 1962 and remained captain for 11 seasons.

Delvecchio played in the playoffs 14 times scoring 104 points in 121 games.  Delvecchio played on three Stanley Cup Championship teams during the 1950’s.

Delvecchio was named to the Second NHL All-Star Team twice during his career.  He was a Lady Byng recipient three times during his career, a testament to how clean  Delvecchio played the game.  In 1974, Delvecchio was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for his NHL Contribution to U.S. Hockey.

In 1973, after only playing 11 games, Delvecchio retired and immediately became Head Coach of the Red Wings.  He held the position of GM/Head Coach for three additional seasons.

In 1977-78, Alex Delvecchio was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Delvecchio played in alumni games for charity for many years following his retirement.  I was fortunate enough to watch Delvecchio play an alumni game in Welland, ON.  After the game I went into the dressing room and got a chance to meet Mr. Delvecchio for the first and only time.  He was funny and a true gentleman during my interaction with him.

Henrik Zetterberg

GP: 1,082

G: 337

A: 623

PTS: 960

Henrik Zetterberg was a 7th round draft pick of Detroit in 1999.  Zetterberg played his entire 15 year NHL career for Detroit.  In 13 years of playoff competition, Zetterberg played 137 games and scored 57 goals and 120 points.

In 2002-03, Zetterberg was selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team.  For his career, Zetterberg was selected to one All-Star Game.  In 2008, Zetterberg played on a Stanley Cup Championship team and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP.  He was also voted onto the NHL Second All-Star Team.  Zetterberg was awarded the Viking Award three times as NHL’s Best Swedish Player (2007, 2008, 2013).  In 2013-14, Zetterberg was the recipient of the NHL Foundation Player Award.  In 2014-15, Zetterberg won the King Clancy Trophy awarded to the NHL’s best example for Leadership-Humanitarianism.

Internationally, Zetterberg played for Sweden in one World Junior Championship, one World Cup, four Olympic Games (Gold Medal in 2006, Silver Medal in 2014), and six World Championships winning one Gold Medal (2006), one Silver Medal (2003), and two Bronze Medals (2001, 2002).

Prior to the 2018-19 season, with three years remaining on his contract, a serious back injury ended Zetterberg’s career.

Pavel Datsyuk

GP: 953

G: 314

A: 604

PTS: 918

Pavel Datsyuk was originally drafted by Detroit in the 6th round of the 1998 draft.  At the age of 23, Datsyuk moved from Russia to play with the Red Wings.  Datsyuk played his entire 14 year NHL career with Detroit and was an alternate captain for ten consecutive years.

Datsyuk played in the NHL playoffs every year scoring 113 points in 157 playoff games.  He played on two Stanley Cup Championship teams during his NHL career.

Datsyuk was a four-time recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy presented for NHL Gentlemanly Conduct.  He was also a three-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy awarded annually to the NHL’s Top Defensive Forward.  Datsyuk was also selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game on four occasions.

Internationally, Datsyuk has represented Russia in seven World Championships winning four medals, two World Cups, and five Olympic Games winning a Bronze Medal in 2002 and a Gold Medal in 2018.

After playing 14 NHL seasons, Datsyuk moved back to Russia and at age 43 continues to play in the KHL.

Norm Ullman

GP: 875

G: 324

A: 434

PTS: 758

Norm Ullman started playing in the NHL with Detroit in 1955.  He played parts of 13 seasons with Detroit before being traded to Toronto in 1968.  Ullman played parts of eight seasons in Toronto before signing a free-agent contract to play in the WHA for Edmonton.

In 20 NHL seasons, Ullman played 1,410 regular season games.  He scored 490 NHL regular season goals and earned 1,229 points.  Ullman also played in the playoffs 14 times earning 83 points in 106 playoff games.

Ullman was named to the NHL First All-Star team once and the Second All-Star Team once during his career.

In 1963, Ullman led the NHL in playoff assists and points.  In 1964-65, Ullman led the NHL in goals scored during the regular season with 42.  In 1965, Ullman led the NHL in playoff goals and points.

In 1982-83, Norm Ullman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Ted Lindsay

GP: 862

G: 335

A: 393

PTS: 728

Ted Lindsay started playing professionally for Detroit in 1944.  He played 12 years for the Red Wings before being traded to Chicago in a controversial trade in 1957.  Lindsay was acting captain for four seasons with Detroit.  Lindsay played three seasons with Chicago before retiring from the NHL.  His retirement lasted four years before joining Detroit for one final season before retiring again after the 1965 season.

Lindsay played 17 seasons in the NHL and scored 851 points in 1,068 regular season games.  In 16 playoff seasons, Lindsay scored 96 points in 133 games.

Lindsay was named to the NHL First All-Star Team eight times and to the Second All-Star Team once.  Lindsay was a four-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Red Wings.  In 1947-48, Lindsay led the NHL with 33 goals.  In 1949-50, Lindsay won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in scoring.

After his playing career ended, Lindsay was the General Manager of the Red Wings for four years.  In 1979-80, Lindsay was also named Head Coach, a position he held for one season.

In 1966-67, Ted Lindsay was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  In 2007-08, Lindsay was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for his NHL Contribution to U.S. Hockey.

Ted Lindsay was a fixture at Detroit Red Wings home games.  He regularly met fans and signed his famous #7 book in the lobby at Joe Louis Arena.  In 2015, I sat with Ted Lindsay during the intermission of the Hall of Fame game in Toronto.  He was soft-spoken and a true gentleman.

Lindsay’s legacy off the ice will always be remembered by his generosity in starting his own foundation Impacting Autism.

The Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually to the most outstanding player as voted by the members of the NHLPA.

Brendan Shanahan

GP: 716

G: 309

A: 324

PTS: 633

Brendan Shanahan was originally drafted 2nd overall to the New Jersey Devils in 1987.  Shanahan played two seasons for the London Knights (OHL) before turning professional with New Jersey.

Shanahan played four years in New Jersey, four years in St. Louis and parts of two seasons in Hartford before being traded to Detroit two games into the 1996-97 season.  Shanahan was an alternate captain with Detroit for nine seasons.

In 21 NHL seasons, Shanahan played 1,524 games and scored 656 goals and 1,354 regular season points.  Shanahan also played in the playoffs 19 times, playing in 184 games and scoring 134 points.

Shanahan was a three-time Stanley Cup Champion with Detroit.  He was also named to NHL First All-Star Team twice and the Second All-Star Team once.  In 2003-04, Shanahan won the King Clancy Trophy which is the NHL Leadership-Humanitarian Award.  In 2006-07, Shanahan played in his only NHL All-Star game.

Internationally, in 1987, Shanahan played for Canada in the World Junior Championships.  He also represented Canada in one Canada Cup tournament, one World Cup, two World Championships (winning Gold in 1994), and two Olympic Games (winning Gold in 2002).

In 2013-14, Shanahan was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

I was fortunate enough to meet Shanahan at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto during Nicklas Lidstrom‘s Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2015.  I found him to be easy to talk to and a genuine person during our brief encounter.

Today, Brendan Shanahan is entering his 8th season as President of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

John Ogrodnick

GP: 558

G: 265

A: 281

PTS: 546

John Ogrodnick was a 4th round draft pick, #66 overall in the 1979 draft.  Ogrodnick played in the NHL immediately after playing three years of  junior hockey for New Westminster (WHL).  His WHL teams won two Memorial Cups and Ogrodnick played in one World Junior Championship representing Canada.

Ogrodnick played parts of eight seasons in Detroit before playing for Quebec and the New York Rangers.  He finished his career with the Red Wings.  In 14 NHL seasons, Ogrodnick played 928 regular season games and scored 402 goals and 827 points.

Ogrodnick only played seven playoff games with Detroit and registered two points.  For his career, Ogrodnick played 41 playoff games in eight playoff seasons and scored 18 goals and 26 points.

In 1984-85, Ogrodnick played on a line with Steve Yzerman and Ron Duguay.  Ogrodnick led the Red Wings in scoring, placed 7th in league scoring, and was selected to the NHL First All-Star team when he scored 55 goals and 105 points in 79 games.

Today, Ogrodnick is an active member and past VP of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association.