Get ready to dive into the heart of the NHL! We're about to uncover the definitive faces of each franchise, the players who've left an indelible mark on their teams' histories. But here's where it gets controversial: who takes the crown when it comes to defining a franchise's identity? Is it the all-time greats, the record-breakers, or the leaders who steered their teams to glory?
Let's start with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Earlier this season, Sidney Crosby, in his 21st NHL season, surpassed the legendary Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time leading scorer. This moment sparked a debate: who truly embodies the Penguins' legacy? Crosby, with his incredible stats and longevity, or Lemieux, the icon who led the team to its first Stanley Cup triumphs?
This question snowballed into a quest to find the face of every NHL franchise. TSN assembled a panel to decide, defining the 'Face of the Franchise' as the person who instantly comes to mind, not just the best player ever.
The results? Four teams had unanimous decisions: Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth (Arizona Coyotes), and Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators came close, missing out on unanimity by just one vote. At the other end, Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks had seven players receiving votes each, while Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, and Seattle Kraken had six.
Intriguingly, five of the chosen faces haven't yet been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and four never won a Stanley Cup with their respective teams. Wayne Gretzky, Teemu Selanne, Pavel Bure, and Scott Niedermayer were the only players to receive votes for multiple franchises, showcasing their iconic status. Ron Francis, a unique case, received votes as both a player and an executive with two different franchises.
Now, let's dive into the individual team choices, starting with the Anaheim Ducks. Teemu Selanne, known as the 'Finnish Flash,' beat Paul Kariya by a single vote. Selanne and Kariya were the faces of a new expansion franchise in the 90s, and Selanne's prolific goal-scoring, including two 50-goal seasons, and his inaugural Rocket Richard Trophy win in 1999, secured his place in Ducks' history.
For the Boston Bruins, it's Bobby Orr, one of the greatest NHL players ever. Orr revolutionized defensive play and was a key part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup wins in 1970 and 1972. He won the Norris Trophy a record eight times and was the first defenseman to lead the league in scoring.
The Buffalo Sabres' face is Dominik Hasek, known as 'The Dominator.' Hasek was Buffalo's anchor in the late 90s, winning multiple awards and leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999. He's second in franchise history for wins and shutouts.
Jarome Iginla is the face of the Calgary Flames. Iginla led the Flames to their highest peak since their 1989 Stanley Cup win, and he's the franchise leader in goals and points. His magical 2001-02 season, where he won multiple awards, is a highlight of his career.
In Carolina, it's Rod Brind'Amour. Brind'Amour was acquired by the Hurricanes in 2000 and soon became the face of the franchise during its most prosperous period. He helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 and win the championship in 2006.
Chicago's face is Jonathan Toews. Toews captained the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years in 2010 and led the team to three championships in six seasons. He's known as 'Captain Serious' and was a key part of Chicago's golden age, leading the team to multiple division titles and playoff appearances.
Joe Sakic is the unanimous choice for the Colorado Avalanche. Sakic was the team's superstar upon arrival and led them to Stanley Cup wins in their inaugural season and again in 2001. He's at the top of the Avalanche's record books in almost every category.
Rick Nash is the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets, narrowly missing out on a unanimous vote. Nash, drafted first overall in 2002, was the Blue Jackets' most marketable forward in their early years, helping them establish a foothold in Columbus.
For the Dallas Stars, it's Mike Modano. Modano came to Dallas when the team relocated in 1993 and became the face of hockey in Texas. He helped the Stars win their first Stanley Cup in 1999 and led them back to the final in 2000.
Gordie Howe, known as 'Mr. Hockey,' is the face of the Detroit Red Wings. Howe helped the Red Wings to four Stanley Cups in the 50s and was one of the most feared and talented players of his era.
Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One,' is the face of the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky dominated during his nine seasons with the Oilers, leading them to four Stanley Cups in five years. His goal-scoring feats, including a record 92 goals in a single season, are legendary.
Roberto Luongo is the face of the Florida Panthers. Luongo was acquired by Florida prior to the 2000-01 season and became the marquee star for a franchise struggling for team success. He helped the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
In Los Angeles, it's Wayne Gretzky again. Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles sparked a wave of hockey interest in California and led to more expansion teams in the American sunbelt. He passed Gordie Howe for most points and goals in a career and won multiple awards during his time with the Kings.
Mikko Koivu is the face of the Minnesota Wild. Koivu beat out long-time head coach Jacques Lemaire and others to become the highest-scoring player in franchise history. He led the team to nine playoff appearances and helped them win the Central Division in 2008.
Maurice Richard is the iconic face of the Montreal Canadiens. Richard captured the hearts and minds of French Canadians throughout Quebec and helped Montreal win eight Stanley Cup titles, including five straight from 1956 to 1960.
Pekka Rinne is the face of the Nashville Predators. Rinne is the franchise leader in wins, shutouts, save percentage, and goals-against average. He led the Predators to their most successful run since the team's inception and took them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
Martin Brodeur is the face of the New Jersey Devils. Brodeur is one of the best goaltenders in hockey history and played a key role in the Devils' three Stanley Cup wins in the 90s and early 2000s.
Mike Bossy is the face of the New York Islanders. Bossy, drafted 15th overall in 1977, scored 50 or more goals in nine of his 10 seasons with the Islanders. He helped create a dynasty in the early 80s, leading the team to four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-1983.
Mark Messier is the face of the New York Rangers. Messier is known as the epitome of leadership in hockey and was a cornerstone of the Rangers' efforts to end their historic Stanley Cup drought. He became the first player in NHL history to captain two different teams to a Stanley Cup title.
Daniel Alfredsson is the face of the Ottawa Senators. Alfredsson took Ottawa by storm during the 1995-96 season, winning the Calder Trophy. He became the marquee player the team needed, leading them to four division titles, 14 playoff appearances, and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007.
For the Philadelphia Flyers, it's Bobby Clarke. Clarke was the heart and soul of the 'Broadstreet Bullies,' leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. He won three Hart Trophies and his defensive play was recognized with a Selke Trophy.
Mario Lemieux is the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lemieux joined a struggling Penguins team and soon challenged Wayne Gretzky as the best player in the NHL. He led the Penguins to their first two Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992 and won multiple awards, including the Hart Trophy three times.
Joe Thornton is the face of the San Jose Sharks. Thornton made history when he was acquired by the Sharks, becoming the first player to win the Hart Trophy after being traded mid-season. With Thornton leading the way, the Sharks were always contenders, winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2009 and making 13 playoff appearances.
Jordan Eberle is the face of the Seattle Kraken. Eberle was named the face of a Seattle franchise that's still finding its place in the NHL history books. He beat out general manager Ron Francis, who received the most votes of any executive.
Brett Hull is the face of the St. Louis Blues. Hull was known as one of the best pure goal scorers in NHL history and led the Blues to playoff appearances every year of his 11-season tenure with the team.
Steven Stamkos is the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos, drafted first overall in 2008, instantly became the face of a new era of Lightning hockey. He captained the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021 and led them to four Stanley Cup Final appearances.
Wendel Clark is the face of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Clark, drafted first overall by Toronto in 1985, had three stints with the team during his 15-year career. He personified the blue-collar spirit of Toronto with his rough and tumble style of play.
Shane Doan is the face of the Utah Mammoth (Arizona Coyotes). Doan came over to Phoenix when the Winnipeg Jets relocated for the 1996-97 campaign and played 20 seasons in Arizona. He captained the Coyotes for 13 seasons and helped lead the team to eight playoff appearances.
The Vancouver Canucks' face is the Sedin Twins, Henrik and Daniel. The Sedins played 17 seasons in Vancouver and are at the top of all major offensive categories in the Canucks' record books. They led the Canucks to some of their best regular season runs in franchise history and won multiple awards.
Mark Stone is the face of the Vegas Golden Knights. Stone was acquired by the Golden Knights prior to the trade deadline in 2018-19 and has helped the team to six playoff appearances and four division titles. He was named the first captain in team history and led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2023.
Alex Ovechkin is the face of the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin has dominated the scoresheet since arriving in the NHL, winning multiple awards and breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal-scoring record. He's captained the Capitals for 17 seasons and led them to three Presidents' Trophies, 11 division titles, and a Stanley Cup title in 2018.
Finally, for the Winnipeg Jets, it's Dale Hawerchuk. Hawerchuk was the key piece for the Winnipeg franchise throughout the 1980s. He leads all Winnipeg scorers and won the Calder Trophy during the 1981-82 campaign.
So, there you have it! The definitive faces of each NHL franchise. But remember, these choices are open to debate and interpretation. Who do you think best represents your favorite team's identity? Vote and have your say!
Now have your say and make your own vote here for each Face of the Franchise (https://sportscentre.mega.page/face-of-the-franchise).
