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The Shocking Truth Behind Ted Lindsay's NHL Legacy: Secrets of a Hockey legend Recounted on his Birthday Today

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Sam Walker
July 29, 2025 (10:55)

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Photo credit: NHL.com

A special announcement involving Detroit Red Wings forward Ted Lindsay has been made on this special day in NHL history.

Ted Lindsay was born 100 years ago on this day, July 29th. He was one of the best to ever lace up the skates and proved doubters wrong, who criticized his small size of 5-foot-8 and 163-pound frame.

He earned the nickname as "Terrible Ted", using his size physically despite being so small.

Lindsay revealed when he was on the ice he felt as though he was a force to be reckoned with, in a response to PGA Tour great Billy Kasper.

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Billy Casper asked:

"You were the scourge of the NHL?" Lindsay responded, "When I put my skates on, I'm 6-foot-5."

Lindsay was a huge figure off of the ice, as he has been deemed one of the "most beloved ambassadors" by NHL commissioner Gary bettman and others.

He co-founded the NHL Players Association.

"One of the game's fiercest competitors during his 17-season NHL career, Lindsay was among its most beloved ambassadors," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

He faced backlash for starting the players union which ultimately led to his being stripped of his captaincy in 1956 and a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks.

In 2009-10, the leagye named the NHLPA MVP (most valuable player) award after him.

"Ted's willingness to stand up for his fellow players helped lay the foundation for modern sports unions," said NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh.

Lindsay's last time presenting his own trophy to a new winner was in 2017 to Connor McDavid, where he stated:

"I'm honored to have my name on a trophy to the game I loved and still love, and will do anything for, if I can, in the twilight years of my life."Named among the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017, Lindsay reflected, "There have been so many great hockey players, a lot of them deceased, a lot of older gentlemen who didn't make the top 100."

Ted Lindsay's personal life marked by devastating loss of his wife Joanne

Lindsay was quite emotional after the loss of his wife, affecting his personal life greatly.

"She'll never leave me. She was a gem, a real gem."Lindsay's principled stand extended to the Hockey Hall of Fame, skipping his 1966 induction due to family exclusion, stating, "Families put up with us when we were temperamental idiots, they should be able to enjoy the benefits."

He established the "Ted Lindsay Foundation" in 2001 and rasied roughly $6 million for autism research.

Previously on Red Wings Insider

Intriguing Montreal Canadiens player spotted with Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin sparks trade rumors

Major trade completed between the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers today in NHL history

Transaction completed: Detroit Red Wings complete surprising move and they're the first team to do so

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