By the Letters: A Look at NHL "Z" Icons Who Refuse(d) to Sleep on the Job
While letter “Z” is the final entry in the alphabet, it has consistently punched above its weight in NHL history. Here is a quick look at three NHL icons, all who have had letter “Z” as the beginning letter sewn onto the back of their jerseys.
Zubov, Sergei (1992–2009): One of the NHL’s “most reliable offensive defensemen” in NHL history, Sergei Zubov—drafted in the fifth round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers—was a major piece of the puzzle for the Rangers’ historic 1994 Stanley Cup championship run (19 points; 22 playoff games). Across 1,068 games, the Hockey Hall of Famer tallied 152 goals and 619 assists for 771 points and won two Stanley Cups (New York Rangers; 1994 and Dallas Stars; 1999).
Zetterberg, Henrik (2002–2018): Henrik Zetterberg was a superstar in Detroit. In 1,082 games, Zetterberg scored 337 goals and 623 assists for 960 points. The 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy winner didn't just help lead Detroit to a Stanley Cup championship; he served as team captain (after Lidstrom retired in 2012). Zetterberg played his 1,000th NHL game in April 2017 (1 goal & 1 assist) in the final game played at Joe Louis Arena.
Zegras, Trevor (2021-Present): Selected ninth overall by Anaheim in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Trevor Zegras became a highlight reel sensation with the Ducks (e.g., scoring a ”lacrosse-style goal”). As of April 4, 2026, now playing for Philadelphia, Zegras has scored 90 goals, 157 assists for a total of 247 points in 344 NHL games.
Cool Fact: Growing up, Trevor Zegras “studied and emulated” three-time Stanley Cup champion, Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks).
Z: The Alphabet’s Final Word on NHL Greatness
You’d think a “ZZZ” lineup would put a crowd to sleep, but these three did (and continue to do) the exact opposite. Zubov, Zetterberg, and Zegras have done their part to help keep NHL crowds wide awake. Think about Sergei Zubov and that Hockey Hall of Fame vision on the back end, or the way Henrik Zetterberg skated his way to a Conn Smythe-winning playoff performance. Now, Trevor Zegras is out there performing highlight reel plays on the ice. It’s proof that while letter “Z” might be the last letter on the roster, it stands for pure greatness on the ice.