1
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
15 Interesting Facts About Chris Chelios
A Hockey Hall of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion, he was an incredibly durable defenseman who played an NHL-record 26 seasons.
Position
Defense
Jersey
#7
Status
Retired
Teams
8
Facts
15
2
He won three Stanley Cups during his career.
3
He is tied with Gordie Howe for the most NHL seasons played with 26.
4
He holds the NHL record for most career playoff games played with 266.
5
He led the United States national team to a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
6
He was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still active in the league.
7
He holds the record for most career postseason losses in any professional sport in North America, with 117.
8
He became the oldest active player to win the Stanley Cup in 2008.
9
His jersey number 7 was retired by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2024.
10
His teammates in Montreal affectionately called him "Soft Hands Chelios" early in his career.
11
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, he played for the Motor City Mechanics in the UHL.
12
He became the oldest player in the 73-year history of the AHL during a conditioning stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
13
He served as captain for both the Montreal Canadiens (co-captain) and the Chicago Blackhawks.
14
He only lost one Game 7 in his career, an overtime loss in the 1985 Adams Division Finals.
15
He attempted to form the first Greek bobsled team for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
About Chris Chelios
An American defenseman, he was a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a three-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. Renowned for his exceptional longevity, he played an NHL-record 26 seasons, becoming the oldest active player in the league and setting records for most playoff games played by a defenseman. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Stanley Cup Champion
1986
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Stanley Cup Champion
2002
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Stanley Cup Champion
2008
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James Norris Memorial Trophy
1989
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James Norris Memorial Trophy
1993
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James Norris Memorial Trophy
1996
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Hockey Hall of Fame Induction
2013
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100 Greatest NHL Players
2017
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World Cup of Hockey Gold Medal
1996
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Chris Chelios.
Player Info
Country: United States
Position: Defense
Jersey #: 7
Status: Retired
Age: 63 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 5' 11" (180 cm)
Weight: 191 lbs (87 kg)
Born: Chicago, Illinois
Career Stats
Seasons: 26
Goals: 185
Assists: 763
Points: 948
Teams: 8
Drafted: 1981
Round: 2nd
Hall of Fame: ✓ Inducted
Teams & Career
Montreal Canadiens Chicago Blackhawks EHC Biel Detroit Red Wings Motor City Mechanics Grand Rapids Griffins Chicago Wolves Atlanta Thrashers
Chris Chelios played for 8 different teams during his 26 seasons career. He was originally drafted 2nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981.