Ted Lindsay's death left the hockey world in mourning, with some of the game's biggest icons paying their respects on social media Monday.
Alex Ovechkin shared a photo on Instagram of Lindsay presenting him with the inaugural Ted Lindsay Award in 2010, after the Lester B. Pearson Award for most outstanding player voted by the NHLPA was renamed in his honor, to pay his respects to the former Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks forward who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. Wayne Gretzky expressed his gratitude for Lindsay while also paying his respects.
“Terrible Ted” was one of the nicest men in hockey. Every player should be thankful for his courage to create the Players Association, which has grown into partnership between the players and owners of the NHL. He was a true champion on and off the ice and will be deeply missed.
Lindsay ranks ninth in Red Wings franchise history with 728 points in 862 games with Detroit and had his No. 7 retired by the team in 1991. Brendan Shanahan, the Toronto Maple Leafs president who is 10th in Detroit's franchise history in points, paid his respects on Twitter.
We used to walk by this photo in Olympia room at Joe Louis Arena every day. It served as inspiration and brought many of Ted’s stories to life. If they play pick-up hockey in heaven, I’d like to think everyone is nervously doing up their chinstraps today. You were a giant Ted. pic.twitter.com/ti0t8FM5u7
Former Red Wings forward Joe Kocur shared his grief and a classic photo on Twitter.
Grief. Mr.Ted Lindsay was an icon both on and off the Ice.The numbers and hockey stories are being articulated but his tremendous contribution to our foundation will be his legacy with us and the community we serve. His spirit will always be with us Rest easy and Godspeed Friend pic.twitter.com/bH9cbZA88l
Marc Crawford, the Ottawa Senators interim coach, shared a story about Lindsay's contribution both as a player and as a Red Wings coach and executive. Lindsay was Detroit's general manager for three years and won the 1977 Executive of the Year award from The Hockey News.
So Sorry to hear about the passing of Ted Lindsay. He was a Giant for our game as player, GM, Coach and even bigger for how he stood up for what was Right. We are all indebted to him for his contributions to the NHL. #RIPMr.Lindsay
Larry Robinson, a fellow Hall of Fame player, also took time to pay his respects to Lindsay.
Lost another great one today with the passing of #TedLindsay. Condolences to the Lindsay family; he will always be remembered in the Robinson Household as we have his picture hanging in the office. RIP
Darren Pang, Ray Ferraro and Jeremy Roenick, three ex-NHL players turned broadcasters, shared their thoughts and respects.
RIP Ted Lindsey, one of the @NHL very best. His courage on and off the ice was next to none. Loved seeing him as I did last summer at the @DetroitRedWings Alumni golf outing and talking hockey. pic.twitter.com/b1kozyLYrU
Only met Ted Lindsay once. Couldn’t believe that he wasn’t bigger, as I only knew he was “Terrible Ted”. Found out over the years that he had enormous respect from players past and present, and was an incredible gentleman to chat with. #RIP
RIP to @DetroitRedWings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer, Ted Lindsay. His impact on the game of hockey will never be looked past. Sending my thoughts and prayers.🙏🏻
The Lindsay family expressed their gratitude for everyone's well-wishes.
Ted Lindsay’s family appreciates all of the kind words and prayers. Ted has so much love for all of his fans. Arrangements will be announced when they are finalized.
— TedLindsayFoundation (@TedLindsay07) March 4, 2019
