Icons of the Winged Wheel
From Gordie Howe’s dominance to Steve Yzerman’s captaincy and Nicklas Lidström’s calm perfection, certain players have come to represent eras of Red Wings hockey. Their influence extends beyond statistics: work ethic, leadership, and the standard they set remain benchmarks for every roster that follows.
These legends shaped Detroit’s identity as much as the city shaped them. Their numbers in the rafters are reminders of what’s possible when elite talent meets relentless drive—and why the winged wheel still inspires.
| Player | Why They’re Legendary |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | All-around greatness; toughness with skill over decades. |
| Steve Yzerman | Iconic captain; led the ‘97–‘02 Cup era and front office rebuilds. |
| Nicklas Lidström | Defensive masterclass; consistency and positioning. |
