The incredible story of former Detroit Red Wing, Frank Mahovlich
Frank Mahovlich, a Hall of Famer and one of hockey's most storied players had an extraordinary career that spanned 22 seasons and 1,418 professional games in the NHL and WHA.
Known as "The Big M," Mahovlich was a six-time Stanley Cup champion who made a significant impact with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens.
Mahovlich's career took off with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he quickly established himself as a top talent, winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1957. Over the next decade, he became a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs' success, leading them to four Stanley Cup victories in the 1960s. However, his time in Toronto was fraught with tension, including a well-publicized contract dispute and struggles with mental health, which led to his trade to the Detroit Red Wings in 1968.
In Detroit, Mahovlich excelled, particularly when paired with legends like Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio. He recorded a career-high 49 goals in the 1968-69 season, further cementing his status as one of the league's elite players.
1971 Mahovlich was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he experienced a career resurgence. He contributed to two more Stanley Cup wins, bringing his total to six, and was a key player in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.
Beyond his playing career, Mahovlich served as a Canadian Senator from 1998 to 2013, focusing on sports, business, and environmental issues. His legacy is a testament to his resilience, skill, and contributions to hockey and public service.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Frank Mahovlich: Highs & Lows of a Hall of Fame Career
Source: NHL
Frank Mahovlich stats
| POLL | ||
Do you remember seeing Frank Mahovlich with the Detroit Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 63 % |
| No | 20 | 37 % |
| List of polls | ||
