The Detroit Red Wings signed red Kelly in 1947, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, who had passed on him, hung their head in shame for that decision for 13 years.

The importance of Ted Lindsay extends far beyond what he did on the ice, but we will get there later.

From a Ukrainian background in the tundra of Winnipeg, Terry Sawchuk is one of the greatest hockey players to come out of the province of Manitoba.  The Red Wings signed the Goalie in 1947, and after a stint in the minors, he was called up to replace the injured Harry Lumley late in the 1949-50 Season.  Lumley never played for Detroit again.

The Detroit Red Wings were an awful team in the years leading up to the selection of Steve Yzerman Fourth Overall in 1983.  We don't think it is hyperbole to state that it was "Stevie Y" who turned around the fortunes of Detroit's member of the Original Six.