The Detroit Red Wings are known for their storied franchise and hard-nosed hockey. From the ice to the locker room, some players have embodied the ultimate toughness. Here’s a list of the 10 toughest to ever wear the Red Wings sweater, each leaving a mark with their grit, resilience, and physical play.
1. Bob Probert
Probert’s sheer presence on the ice was enough to send opponents running. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he wasn’t afraid to mix it up, delivering brutal hits and engaging in legendary fights. His legacy as an enforcer who played through pain has earned him a permanent spot in Red Wings lore.
2. Gordie Howe
“Mr. Hockey” wasn’t just a scoring machine—his physical play made him a nightmare for opponents. Howe’s ability to keep playing through broken bones and even a fractured skull solidified his spot as one of the toughest players ever.
3. Joe Kocur
A towering figure at 6-foot-1, Kocur was another enforcer who could dominate both physically and mentally. His famous brawls and ability to play through injuries made him a fan favorite, especially during the 1996 playoffs, when he returned from a broken orbital bone to continue his ferocious play.
4. Ted Lindsay
Though smaller at 5-foot-8, Lindsay’s heart was as big as any player on the roster. His aggressive style of play and resilience through injury—including playing with a broken leg—made him a key figure in the Red Wings’ physical approach.
5. Chris Chelios
Chelios was a rock-solid presence on the blue line, renowned for his toughness and leadership. He played through broken bones, including a significant leg injury in 2002, and was never afraid to stick up for teammates in intense situations.
6. Nicklas Lidstrom
Though not known for his physical play, Lidstrom’s mental toughness was unmatched. His ability to play through injuries, his leadership, and his consistent, high-level performance made him one of the toughest players to ever suit up for the Red Wings.
7. Darren McCarty
McCarty was the definition of a hard-hitting forward, with unforgettable moments like his game-winning goal in the 1997 Stanley Cup Final. His toughness and resilience, including playing through back injuries, cemented his legacy as a Red Wings tough guy.
8. Niklas Kronwall
Known for his bone-crunching hits, Kronwall wasn’t afraid to dish out punishment. He also displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back from knee surgery to continue playing at a high level, contributing both physically and defensively.
9. Vladimir Konstantinov
Konstantinov’s physical style of play made him one of the most feared defensemen in the league. Off the ice, his strength and resilience after a tragic car accident in 1997 made him an inspiration to fans and teammates alike.
10. Steve Yzerman
Yzerman may not have been the most aggressive fighter, but his physical play and leadership were crucial to the Red Wings’ success. He played through countless injuries, including a knee surgery that would sideline most players, and always led by example.
Bottom Line: The Detroit Red Wings have a long history of players who’ve exemplified toughness, from the classic enforcers to skilled leaders who showed their grit in the toughest of circumstances. This toughness is part of the team’s identity, influencing future generations of Red Wings players.
10 Toughest Players to Ever Wear the Detroit Red Wings Jersey
