Detroit Red Wings: Top 10 toughest players of all-time
By Tyler Samson
5. Darren McCarty
Darren McCarty might as well be Detroit’s heartbeat. His career as a Red Wing is symbolic of the city of Detroit making him an idolized treasure by fans. Sitting with the sixth highest penalty minutes in Red Wings history (1,302), there is a lot to admire about Darren.
In his career, McCarty has gone from beating the daylights out of some of the toughest players in the NHL to scoring a Stanley Cup Final clinching goal. When drafted by the Detroit Red Wings 46th overall in the 1992 NHL draft, expectations were high for the 6’1” and 219-pound winger to produce.
In his rookie season with the Wings (1993-94), McCarty proved to be a grinder with his physical play, ironically enough earning him a spot on the Grind Line with Kirk Maltby and Kris Draper.
The Grind Line proved to be a force to be reckoned with for numerous seasons. McCarty, in-particular, stood out to fans because he showed signs of brilliance with the puck as well as with his fists. When people think of him, they probably see the image of him beating down on a cowering Claude Lemieux.
That fight against Lemieux showed the dominance of both McCarty and the Red Wings. Together, they won four Stanley Cups.
McCarty’s fourth Stanley Cup was no simple feat. After struggling with alcohol and substance abuse issues after playing with the Calgary Flames in 2007, he attempted a comeback with the Red Wings in 2008. After spending time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, McCarty clawed his way back to the Red Wings where he proved to be a vital factor to the teams Stanley Cup win.
Darren McCarty embodies hard work and determination, much like the city and people of Detroit. It is because of that work ethic that made fans embrace McCarty as one of their own. Not only is McCarty one of the toughest players to play the game, but he has one of the greatest stories to come through the NHL.