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We took a look back at some iconic figures from the first two teams, highlighting players who began their NHL journeys with other clubs before donning the winged wheel jersey. Names such as Brendan Shanahan, Brett Hull, Dominique Hasek, and Igor Larionov hold a special place for Red Wings fans thanks to their significant roles in securing multiple Stanley Cup championships.
However, several other players remain cherished by Red Wings supporters for their lasting impact on the franchise.
Mickey Redmond
Redmond is a notable figure among the generations of former Red Wings players, remembered not only for his playing days but also for his long-standing career as a TV color commentator. He launched his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, capturing two Stanley Cups before being traded to Detroit in the 1970-71 season in exchange for Frank Mahovlich. Although Redmond never won a Stanley Cup as a Red Wing, he was a standout player for many years and made history as the first Red Wings player to score 50 goals in a single season. Unfortunately, a back injury forced his early retirement in 1976 at just 28 years old.
Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios ranks among the longest-tenured players in NHL history. Starting his career with the Canadiens, he won the Stanley Cup in 1986 before moving to his hometown team, the Chicago Blackhawks, where he became one of the league’s premier defensemen and eventually team captain. Surprisingly, near the 1999 trade deadline, Chelios was traded to the Red Wings— a team he once claimed he would never play for. He quickly became a fan favorite in Detroit, spending the next decade contributing to Stanley Cup victories in 2002 and 2008. Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
Brian Rafalsky
After losing Matthew Schneider to free agency in 2007, the Red Wings addressed a critical defense gap by signing one of the best free agents in team history. Detroit native Brian Rafalsky was brought in by GM Ken Holland on a multi-year deal and formed a strong partnership with fellow defenseman Niklas Lidstrom, helping lead the Red Wings to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, including a championship win in 2008. Rafalsky had already earned two Stanley Cup rings with the New Jersey Devils in 2000 and 2003, having originally signed with New Jersey as an undrafted free agent before the 1999-2000 season.
Fan Take: These stories highlight how players’ journeys through multiple teams can ultimately create legendary careers and meaningful legacies. For hockey fans, this underscores the importance of perseverance and how trades and free agency can dramatically reshape team histories and fuel future championships.
