Hockey is a sport that has produced many legendary players who have left their mark on the game. These players demonstrated exceptional skill, perseverance and passion for the game, achieving many milestones that continue to inspire fans and players today.
Key Takeaways
- Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” holds numerous records, including the most goals and points in NHL history.
- “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe played for 26 seasons and was known for his toughness and scoring prowess.
- Bobby Orr revolutionized the defensive position with his offensive skill and won eight Norris Trophies.
Greatest Hockey Players of All Time: Top 20 List
So let's take a look at our list of the top 20 greatest hockey players of all time. From scoring sensations to defensive geniuses, these legends have left their mark on the sport and continue to inspire fans around the world, contributing to some of the biggest milestones in hockey history.
1. Wayne Gretzky: The Great
Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” is often considered the greatest hockey player of all time.
He holds numerous records, including the most goals (894) and points (2,857) in NHL history. Gretzky's vision, skill and ability to read the game set him apart.
He revolutionized the sport with his playmaking ability and offensive prowess, leading the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s.
Additionally, Gretzky scored 50 goals in 39 games during the 1981-82 season, a record that remains unmatched today.
2. Gordie Howe: The Legacy of Mr. Hockey
Another legendary player who dominated the sport was Gordie Howe, known as “Mr. Hockey.” He played 26 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Detroit Red Wings, and is known for his toughness, scoring ability, and longevity.
Howe scored 801 goals and accumulated 1,850 points during his career, and his physical style of play and incredible consistency made him a fan favorite and a key figure in hockey history.
Howe is still playing professional hockey into his 50s, a testament to his incredible perseverance and passion for the game.
3. Bobby Orr: Greatest Defenseman
Bobby Orr is widely considered the greatest defenseman in the history of hockey. Orr revolutionized the position by combining offensive skill with defensive prowess.
He won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman eight times and led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships.
Orr's skating, scoring and defensive ability made him a unique and dominant player on the ice. Orr was the first defenseman to ever lead the league in scoring, a feat he accomplished twice.
4. Mario Lemieux: Super Mario Victory
Mario Lemieux, also known as “Super Mario,” was one of the most talented players in the game's history.
Lemieux scored 690 goals and recorded 1,723 points in just 915 games despite battling serious health issues, including cancer.
He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup titles and was known for his incredible skill, size and ability to control the game. Lemieux's career goals-per-game average of 1.88 is second only to Wayne Gretzky.
5. Maurice “Rocket” Richard: A Montreal Legend
Maurice “The Rocket” Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games and finished his career with 544 goals.
Richard played his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens and led the team to eight Stanley Cup victories.
His fierce competitive nature and scoring ability made him a Montreal legend and a key figure in the NHL's early history.
Richard's impact on the game is further honored through the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award, presented annually to the NHL's top goal scorer.
Want to know why fights are allowed in hockey? Check out our article on the biggest hockey fights.
6. Jean Beliveau: A graceful leader
Jean Beliveau is a Montreal Canadiens centre highly regarded for his leadership and skill. He recorded 507 goals and 1,219 points in his career and led the Canadiens to 10 Stanley Cup victories.
He was known for his grace on the ice, his sportsmanship and his ability to perform in big moments.
Beliveau captained the Canadiens for a record 10 seasons and provided leadership both on and off the ice.
7. Mark Messier: Moose Advantage
Mark Messier, better known as “The Moose,” was a dominant force in the NHL for over 25 years, scoring 694 goals and 1,887 points in his career.
He has won six Stanley Cup championships, five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers. Messier's leadership and ability to step up in the playoffs has earned him a place among the greatest players of all time.
He is the only player to win the Stanley Cup as captain of two different teams.
8. Jaromir Jagr: Eternal Star
Jaromir Jagr's longevity and skill have made him one of the best players in NHL history. Jagr played for multiple teams throughout his career, scoring 766 goals and recording 1,921 points.
Known for his incredible work ethic and physical style, Jagr has demonstrated his adaptability and talent while finding success in many different eras of the game.
Jagr is second in career scoring to Wayne Gretzky and won two Stanley Cup titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
9. Steve Yzerman: Red Wings Icon
Steve Yzerman played his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 692 goals and recording 1,755 points.
Yzerman has led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships and is known for his leadership, decision-making and offensive and defensive play.
Under coach Scotty Bowman, he developed into a complete player and became one of the most respected figures in hockey.
Yzerman's number 19 jersey was retired by the Red Wings in recognition of his contributions to the team.
10. Martin Brodeur: Goalkeeping pioneer
Martin Brodeur is considered one of the best goalies in NHL history. He holds the records for most wins (691) and shutouts (125) by a goaltender.
Brodeur spent the majority of his career with the New Jersey Devils, leading the team to three Stanley Cup titles.
Known for his puck-handling skills and consistency, Brodeur revolutionized the goaltending position and was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's best goaltender.
11. Patrick Roy: Playoff Hero
Patrick Roy is another legendary goalkeeper known for his decisive performances in the playoffs.
Roy is the only player to win four Stanley Cup championships and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP three times.
He played for the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche and set the record for most playoff wins by a goaltender.
Roy's attacking style and ability to make key saves at crucial moments cemented his legend.
12. Alexander Ovechkin: Goal-scoring machine
Alexander Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, with 812 goals and counting.
Ovechkin has spent his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals, leading the team to its first Stanley Cup victory in 2018.
Known for his powerful shot and physical game, Ovechkin has been the league's leading scorer on multiple occasions and is one of the defining figures in modern hockey. He is on pace to challenge Wayne Gretzky's all-time goalscoring record.
13. Sidney Crosby: Modern Superstar
Sidney Crosby, better known as “Syd the Kid,” is one of the greatest players of his generation.
Crosby won three Stanley Cup titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring more than 500 goals and 1,400 points.
Since his debut, his playmaking ability, vision and leadership have made him one of the top players in the NHL.
Crosby is a two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP and is known for his competitive performance in pressure situations.
14. Ray Bourque: Defensive powerhouse
Ray Bourque is one of the most prolific scoring defencemen in NHL history, having recorded 410 goals and 1,579 points over 22 seasons, primarily with the Boston Bruins.
Bourque won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman five times and won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in his final season.
Bourque's number 77 jersey was retired by both the Bruins and Avalanche in recognition of his contributions to baseball.
15. Paul Coffey: Offensive defenseman
Paul Coffey was an offensive defenseman known for his skating ability and scoring prowess. He scored 396 goals and recorded 1,531 points during his career.
Coffey won four Stanley Cups, three with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
His speed and aggressiveness made him unique among defensemen, and Coffey holds the record for most goals scored in a season by a defenseman with 48 goals in the 1985-86 season.
16. Phil Esposito: Goal-scoring centre
Phil Esposito was a standout center in the 1970s who led the league in scoring six times and points five times. He scored 717 goals and recorded 1,590 points in his career.
Esposito played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers and was known for his goal-scoring ability and physical play.
Esposito is the first player in NHL history to score 70 goals in a single season.
17. Dominik Hasek: Legacy of the Dominator
Dominik Hasek, known as “The Dominator,” is considered one of the best goalies in NHL history.
Hasek won six Vezina Trophies as the league's best goaltender and two Hart Trophies as league MVP.
He led the Detroit Red Wings to two Stanley Cup titles and was known for his unconventional playing style and incredible reflexes, and he also holds the record for the best career save percentage in NHL history.
18. Mike Bossy: Pure goal scorer
Mike Bossy was one of the best pure goal scorers in NHL history, scoring 573 goals in just 752 games and averaging over 50 goals a season.
Bossy played his entire career with the New York Islanders, leading the team to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s.
Bossy's scoring prowess and consistency have made him a key part of the Islanders' dynasty, with nine straight seasons of 50 or more goals.
19. Jean Ratel: The playmaking gentleman
Jean Ratel was a talented center known for his playmaking ability and sportsmanship. He scored 491 goals and 1,267 points during his career.
Ratel played for the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins and was known for his smooth skating and offensive skills.
Ratel was a two-time recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
20. Teemu Selane: Finnish Flash
Known as the “Finnish Flash,” Teemu Selane is one of the most exciting players to watch. He scored 684 goals and 1,457 points in his career.
Selanne won the Calder Trophy and the Stanley Cup as Rookie of the Year with the Anaheim Ducks.
His speed, scoring ability and longevity made him a fan favorite, and Selanne still holds the record for most goals scored by a rookie with 76 goals in the 1992-93 season.
What can we learn from today's best hockey players?
These hockey legends showed what can be accomplished with skill, hard work and passion, and their stories remind us that greatness is possible in any field.
Be inspired by their dedication and achievements to reach your own goals on and off the ice. Embrace the spirit of these iconic players and strive for excellence in all you do.
