Top 10 Best Hockey Players Of All Time
Hockey is one of the most beloved sports in the world, and it has produced some of the most iconic athletes of all time. Picking the top best players is no easy task, but we’ve managed to compile a list of the top 10 best hockey players of all time. From Gretzky to Crosby, these players have not only left their mark on the sport but have also become household names.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky, also known as “The Great One,” is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. He holds 61 NHL records, including the most points in a season and the most career goals. Gretzky played 20 seasons in the NHL and won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. He was a dominant force on the ice and his skills and vision revolutionized the game of hockey.
2. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is one of the most iconic defensemen in NHL history. His speed, skill, and ability to read the game were unmatched, and he won two Norris trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman. He led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup victories and scored the memorable overtime goal in 1970 that won them their first title in 29 years. Orr revolutionized the position of defense in hockey and set a standard that is still emulated by players today.
3. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, also known as “Super Mario,” was an incredible player both on and off the ice. He battled back from cancer to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories and won three Hart trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player. Lemieux was a dominant force on the ice, and his size, skill, and instinct made him one of the game’s greatest players.
4. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey,” was a legend of the game. He played professional hockey for an incredible 33 years, winning four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. Howe was a complete player, combining scoring ability with toughness and physicality. He was known for his longevity and his ability to play at a high level well into his 40s.
5. Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby, also known as “Sid the Kid,” has had a remarkable career so far. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup victories and has won two Hart trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player. Crosby is one of the game’s most complete players, combining elite skill, vision, and leadership. He has already cemented his place among the all-time greats and has the potential to climb even higher on this list.
6. Jean Beliveau
Jean Beliveau was one of the game’s most elegant and graceful players. He played for 18 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and won 10 Stanley Cups. Beliveau was known for his size, skill, and leadership, and he was a dominant force on the ice. He was also a true gentleman off the ice, earning respect and admiration from fans and players alike.
7. Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard, also known as “Rocket,” was a goal-scoring machine. He played for the Montreal Canadiens for 18 seasons and won eight Stanley Cups. Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in a season and he finished his career with 544 goals, a record that stood for more than two decades. He was also known for his fiery temper and his willingness to stand up for himself and his teammates, earning him the nickname “Rocket.”
8. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is widely considered the best goaltender of all time. He played for the New Jersey Devils for 21 seasons and holds almost every major goaltending record, including most wins, most shutouts, and most games played. Brodeur won three Stanley Cups with the Devils and was a dominant force in net, with his size, quickness, and positional play making him incredibly difficult to score on.
9. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull, also known as “The Golden Jet,” was one of the game’s most prolific goal scorers. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks for 15 seasons and won the Hart trophy twice as the NHL’s most valuable player. Hull was known for his incredible speed and powerful shot, with his legendary slapshot clocking in at more than 118 mph. He finished his career with 610 goals, a remarkable achievement in an era when goal-scoring was much harder to come by.
10. Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr is one of the most enduring and productive players in NHL history. He has played for nine different teams over the course of his 30-year career and has won two Stanley Cups. Jagr is known for his size, skill, and durability, with his longevity setting him apart from other players. He has scored more than 700 goals and is second all-time in career points, behind only Wayne Gretzky.
So there you have it, our list of the top 10 best hockey players of all time. These players have not only left their mark on the sport but have also become legends in their own right. They have set the standard for future generations of hockey players and their legacies will continue to inspire for years to come.
