In the pantheon of NHL greats, certain names transcend individual skill and statistical prowess, becoming synonymous with the very essence of leadership. Steve Yzerman and Mark Messier stand as two such titans, their careers defined not just by their prolific scoring or numerous accolades, but by their unparalleled ability to elevate teams, inspire teammates, and ultimately, hoist the Stanley Cup.1 Their leadership styles, though distinct, shared core tenets of relentless competitiveness, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to team success.
Steve Yzerman’s journey with the Detroit Red Wings is a story of profound transformation, both for himself and the franchise he captained for a record 20 seasons. Drafted fourth overall in 1983, Yzerman burst onto the scene as a dynamic offensive force, consistently racking up points.2 For years, he was the lone superstar on often-underperforming Red Wings teams, a burden he carried with immense individual brilliance but without collective triumph.
His early leadership style was primarily one of offensive production and leading by example through sheer effort. He was a quiet, intense competitor. However, a pivotal shift occurred in the mid-1990s under the guidance of legendary coach Scotty Bowman. Bowman challenged Yzerman to evolve, to become a more complete, two-way player, prioritizing defensive responsibility and team structure over individual scoring exploits.3 Yzerman embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, sacrificing some of his offensive flash for defensive grit and becoming a master of the faceoff circle and penalty kill.
This transformation was the catalyst for the Red Wings’ dynasty. Yzerman’s selfless adaptation sent a powerful message to his teammates: if “The Captain” could change his game for the betterment of the team, then everyone else could too. He fostered a culture of accountability, trust, and shared purpose. He led by example, working tirelessly, playing through excruciating injuries (most notably his debilitating knee issues late in his career), and embodying the relentless pursuit of the Stanley Cup.4
Under Yzerman’s captaincy, the Detroit Red Wings ended a 42-year Stanley Cup drought in 1997, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998, and adding a third in 2002.5 His iconic goal in Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference Semifinals against the St. Louis Blues, a long slapshot in double overtime, remains one of the most clutch moments in NHL history, a testament to his ability to deliver when it mattered most.6
- Quiet Intensity and Dedication: He wasn’t a vocal fiery leader, but his unwavering focus, relentless work ethic, and commitment to winning spoke volumes.7
- Selfless Adaptation: His willingness to transform his game from a pure scorer to a two-way force demonstrated profound humility and a team-first mentality.
- Leading by Example: He consistently played through pain and pushed himself to the limits, inspiring his teammates to do the same.
- Respect Earned: His integrity, professionalism, and consistent effort earned him universal respect from teammates, opponents, and coaches alike.
After retiring as a player in 2006, Yzerman continued his legendary leadership in management.8 He served as Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Red Wings, winning another Stanley Cup in 2008 in a management role. He then took over as General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he meticulously built a perennial contender, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 and establishing the core that would win back-to-back Cups in 2020 and 2021 (though he had returned to Detroit by then, the team he built achieved that success). In 2019, he returned to Detroit as General Manager, embarking on a rebuild to restore the franchise’s former glory, a testament to his enduring commitment to the Red Wings.
Mark Messier, affectionately known as “The Messiah,” possessed a different, yet equally impactful, brand of legendary leadership. A formidable power forward, Messier’s career was defined by his raw physicality, fierce competitiveness, and an almost mythical ability to inspire those around him.
Messier first rose to prominence as a key component of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups alongside Wayne Gretzky.10 While Gretzky was the offensive maestro, Messier was the emotional engine, the enforcer, and the vocal leader who instilled a winning swagger in the team. He famously took on a larger leadership role after Gretzky’s trade to Los Angeles, leading the Oilers to a surprising sixth Stanley Cup in 1990.
His most iconic display of leadership, however, came after he joined the New York Rangers in 1991. The Rangers had suffered through 54 years without a Stanley Cup, a drought that seemed insurmountable. Messier immediately took on the captaincy and, with his unparalleled will to win, transformed the franchise.
His leadership style was characterized by:
- Vocal and Demanding: Messier was not afraid to challenge teammates, hold them accountable, and deliver fiery speeches when necessary.11 His famous “guarantee” before Game 6 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils (promising a Rangers victory while down 3-2 in the series) is legendary, a bold proclamation he backed up with a hat trick.
- Fearless and Physical: Messier led by example through his physical play, often driving through checks and battling in the toughest areas of the ice.12 He was a dominant force, particularly in the playoffs, setting a tone that resonated throughout the lineup.
- Unwavering Belief: He possessed an almost unshakable belief in himself and his team, a confidence that was infectious and allowed his teammates to perform beyond their perceived limits.
- Personal Connection: Despite his intimidating presence, Messier made an effort to connect with his teammates on a personal level, understanding their individual motivations and needs.13 He focused on uplifting those around him and ensuring every player felt valued.
- Clutch Performance: Like Yzerman, Messier had an uncanny ability to deliver in the biggest moments, scoring crucial goals and making game-changing plays when the stakes were highest.
In 1994, Messier famously led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, a triumph that solidified his “Messiah” nickname in New York.14 He continued his career with the Vancouver Canucks and then returned for a second stint with the Rangers, playing until 2004. He finished his playing career with six Stanley Cups (five with Edmonton, one with New York), two Hart Trophies (league MVP), and a Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP). He ranks third all-time in NHL points and second in games played.
While Yzerman and Messier approached leadership with different temperaments – Yzerman the quiet, adaptive force, Messier the vocal, commanding presence – both achieved extraordinary success and left indelible marks on their respective franchises and the NHL. Both understood that true leadership transcended individual statistics, demanding sacrifice, setting relentless standards, and inspiring teammates to reach for collective glory. They embody the multifaceted nature of leadership in professional sports, proving that there is more than one path to becoming an all-time legend. Their impact continues to resonate, serving as benchmarks for aspiring captains and executives across the league.
