Darrell Davis: Lindsay wasn’t terrible

“Terrible” Ted Lindsay was actually tiny, except for his contributions to hockey.

Although he was only 5-foot-8 and 163 pounds, his aggressive style convinced the NHL to establish penalties for kneeing and elbowing. A four-time champion with the Detroit Red Wings, he initiated the idea of carrying the Stanley Cup aloft after its presentation, which he did ostensibly to give it to the fans. With Montreal Canadiens defencemen Doug Harvey, he helped develop the NHL Players’ Association; both players were subsequently punished when they were traded away from their teams by enraged owners. The NHLPA’s top player now earns a trophy bearing Lindsay’s name. He boycotted his Hall of Fame induction because his wife and children weren’t allowed to attend. The Hall subsequently changed its policy.

NHL players have been paying tribute to Lindsay, who died Monday at age 93. They admired him as a member of the Production Line with Gordie Howe and Sid Abel and praised his 17-year career, which earned him 600-some stitches, but they were moreso thankful for what he accomplished with the players’ association.