Steve Yzerman, nicknamed “The Captain,” played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League, all of which came with the Detroit Red Wings. During his tenure in Detroit, Yzerman served as captain from 1986-2006, earning him his moniker. The Captain is known as one of the best forwards of all time, being a force on both the offensive and defensive ends. Throughout his career, he earned many awards including a Pearson Award in 1989, a Selke Trophy in 2000, and 10 All-Star appearances. Without regard to his personal achievements, how many Stanley Cups has Steve Yzerman won?
Steve Yzerman won 3 Stanley Cups in his career as a Red Wing. Earning his first in 1997, Yzerman was 31 when he got his first Cup. He then went on to win another Cup the following year in 1998, giving him back-to-back cup runs. Finally, Yzerman added his third and final Cup in 2002 at the age of 36.
Stanley Cup 1996-1997: Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers
At this point in his career, Yzerman was a mainstay for the Red Wings, serving as their captain and one of top two-way forwards on the team. After much doubt in the public eye over Yzerman’s leadership ability, The Captain was vindicated in winning his first cup, solidifying himself as one of the best forwards in his era. The Red Wings swept the Flyers, in many ways because of Yzerman’s leadership and on-ice performance. Yzerman finished the series with 3 goals, 2 of which came on power plays, on 12 shots. He also added an assist in the series.
Watch: Yzerman’s goal in Game 1 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals
Stanley Cup 1997-1998: Detroit Red Wings vs Washington Capitals
Riding the momentum from the previous year, the Red Wings were able to go back-to-back in 1998. Again, the contributions from Yzerman were vital to the team, especially when it came time for the Cup Finals. After earning 69 points in the regular season, Yzerman was electric in the playoffs, carrying that energy into the Finals.
The Captain finished the playoffs with 24 points, 6 of which were goals. This stat line earned him his first and only Conn Smythe Trophy for the best player in the playoffs. Once earning their way to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Red Wings pulled another sweep to win Yzerman’s second Cup. Yzerman led all forwards in Time on Ice, and finished the series with 2 goals and 2 assists.
Stanley Cup 2001-2002: Detroit Red Wings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Coming towards the end of his career, Yzerman missed nearly half of the regular season with a knee injury. However, he rallied the team behind him to return to yet another Stanley Cup against the Carolina Hurricanes in 5 games. While maybe not the same athlete he once was, Yzerman was determined to will his team to his last Stanley Cup in his career.
He finished the series as second in TOI for forwards and contributed 4 assists. After winning and shirking the tradition of the captain being the first to lift the Cup, he instead passed the Stanley Cup to Head Coach Scotty Bowman, who retired following the game.
Yzerman retired from hockey in 2006, after playing over two decades. At the time of his retiring, he was 6th all-time in goals with 692. After retiring, he joined the front office of the Detroit Red Wings, where he was a part of another Stanley Cup run in 2007-2008, earning yet another Cup as an executive.
He became a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. He has maintained a presence as an executive in the National Hockey League, as he is currently the Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Red Wings.
See how many times other NHL players have won the Stanley Cup here:
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.
