25 Greatest Hockey Players Of All Time
Hockey is a game that has been enjoyed by millions of people over the years. It is a sport that requires incredible skill, speed, and athleticism. Over the years, there have been many great hockey players who have made their mark on the game. In this article, we will discuss the top 25 greatest hockey players of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky is widely considered to be the greatest hockey player of all time. He holds countless records, including the most goals, assists, and points in NHL history. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP nine times.
2. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe was known as "Mr. Hockey" and is considered one of the toughest players to have ever played the game. He played for 32 seasons and scored over 1,800 points. Howe won four Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP six times.
3. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr revolutionized the game of hockey with his incredible skating ability and offensive prowess from the defense position. He won two Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP three times. Orr is also the only defenseman to lead the league in scoring, accomplishing the feat twice.
4. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was a dominant force during his 17-year career. He won two Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP three times. Lemieux also overcame cancer to return to the game and win an Olympic gold medal.
5. Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard was a pioneer in the game of hockey and is widely regarded as one of the best scorers in NHL history. He won eight Stanley Cups and was the first player to score 50 goals in a season.
6. Jean Beliveau
Jean Beliveau was a prolific scorer who won 10 Stanley Cups during his career. He was also known for his leadership, as he was the captain of the Montreal Canadiens from 1961 to 1971.
7. Doug Harvey
Doug Harvey was a defenseman who won seven Norris Trophies during his career. He was known for his incredible defensive play and ability to control the game from the blue line.
8. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante was a dominant goaltender who revolutionized the position by introducing the use of a mask. He won six Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP seven times.
9. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull was known for his incredible speed and powerful shot. He won the Hart Trophy twice and was the first player to score 50 goals in a season.
10. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk is widely considered to be one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. He won four Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP four times.
11. Steve Yzerman
Steve Yzerman was a versatile player who played for the Detroit Red Wings for 22 seasons. He won three Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP in 2000.
12. Mark Messier
Mark Messier was a dominant force during his 25-year career. He won six Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP twice. Messier is also known for his leadership, as he captained both the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers to Stanley Cup victories.
13. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders of all time. He won four Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP three times.
14. Phil Esposito
Phil Esposito was a dominant scorer during his career. He won two Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP twice. Esposito was the first player to score 100 points in a season.
15. Eddie Shore
Eddie Shore was a defenseman who played for the Boston Bruins in the 1920s and 1930s. He won two Hart Trophies and was known for his tough, physical play.
16. Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque was an offensive-minded defenseman who played for the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche during his career. He won a Stanley Cup and was the league's MVP in 2001.
17. Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr has played for eight different NHL teams during his career. He has won two Stanley Cups and was named the league's MVP in 1999. Jagr is known for his scoring ability and longevity, as he played until the age of 49.
18. Pavel Datsyuk
Pavel Datsyuk played for the Detroit Red Wings for 14 seasons. He won two Stanley Cups and was known for his incredible defensive play and stickhandling skills.
19. Saku Koivu
Saku Koivu played for the Montreal Canadiens for over a decade. He was known for his leadership and was the team's captain for several seasons. Koivu was also a skilled scorer and playmaker.
20. Teemu Selanne
Teemu Selanne is one of the greatest Finnish players to have ever played the game. He won a Stanley Cup and was the league's MVP in 1993. Selanne was known for his speed and scoring ability, and he retired as the highest-scoring Finnish player in NHL history.
21. Sergei Fedorov
Sergei Fedorov played for the Detroit Red Wings for over a decade. He won three Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP in 1994. Fedorov was known for his offensive skills and all-around play.
22. Joe Sakic
Joe Sakic played for the Colorado Avalanche for his entire career. He won two Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP in 2001. Sakic was known for his scoring ability and leadership.
23. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is the NHL's all-time leader in wins by a goaltender. He won three Stanley Cups and was the league's MVP four times. Brodeur was known for his durability and consistency.
24. Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios played for over 25 seasons in the NHL. He won three Stanley Cups and was known for his toughness and leadership.
25. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek is widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders of all time. He won two Hart Trophies and was the league's MVP six times. Hasek was known for his unorthodox style and incredible reflexes.