Chris Chelios

Lore & Background

Chelios played for the Canadiens, Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Atlanta Thrashers. He was the oldest active player in the NHL and the second-oldest of all time. He is the former record-holder for most games played in the NHL by a defenseman, holds the record for most career playoff games played (266), and is tied with Gordie Howe for most NHL seasons played (26). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.

Reader's Guide

Chelios was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy three times (1989, 1993, 1996). He served as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks and later captained the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 2006. He is of Greek heritage.

Did You Know?

• Chelios is the record-holder for most career postseason losses, with 117.
• He only lost one Game 7 in his career, a 3–2 OT loss in the 1985 Adams Division Finals.
• He was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017.
• His cousin, Nikos Tselios, also played professional hockey.