Best Hockey Players Of All Time Ranked
Hockey is a sport that has been played for centuries, and there have been many great players throughout its history. The best hockey players of all time have a combination of skill, speed, and strength, as well as a deep understanding of the game. These players have left an incredible legacy in the sport, earning their spots in the record books and the hearts of fans around the world.
1. Wayne Gretzky
There is no doubt that Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player of all time. He played for 20 seasons in the NHL, and during that time he set numerous records that may never be broken. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP nine times. His career total of 2,857 points is nearly one thousand more than the second-highest point scorer in NHL history. Gretzky's incredible vision, passing ability, and goal-scoring prowess make him a true legend of the sport.
2. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr revolutionized the game of hockey as a defenseman. He was the first defenseman to lead the league in scoring, which he did twice. Orr won two Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP three times. He was also the first defenseman to win the scoring title, and he did it twice. Orr's incredible skating ability, offensive prowess, and defensive domination made him one of the most exciting players of all time.
3. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe played for 26 seasons in the NHL and WHA, setting records for longevity and toughness. He won four Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP six times. Howe was known for his toughness, scoring ability, and overall dominance on the ice. During his career, he scored 975 goals and recorded 1,850 assists, making him one of the top point scorers in NHL history.
4. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was one of the most skilled players to ever play the game. He won two Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP three times. Lemieux's combination of size, speed, and skill made him a dominant force on the ice. He scored 690 goals and recorded 1,033 assists during his career, despite missing several seasons due to injury and illness. Lemieux's ability to perform at a high level despite these setbacks makes him one of the best players of all time.
5. Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season, a feat that he accomplished in just 50 games. He won eight Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP once. Richard was known for his physical play, scoring ability, and fiery temperament. He was a leader on and off the ice, and his impact on the NHL cannot be overstated.
6. Jean Beliveau
Jean Beliveau was a dominant player for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1950s and 60s. He won 10 Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP twice. Beliveau was known for his size, skill, and leadership ability. He scored 507 goals and recorded 712 assists during his career, making him one of the most productive players of his era.
7. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull was a prolific goal scorer during the 1960s and 70s. He won one Stanley Cup and was named the league MVP twice. Hull's powerful shot and physical play made him one of the most feared players of his era. He scored 610 goals and recorded 560 assists during his career, making him one of the most productive players of all time.
8. Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is one of the most skilled players in the NHL today. He has won three Stanley Cups and has been named the league MVP twice. Crosby's combination of speed, skill, and vision make him a dominant force on the ice. He has scored over 450 goals and recorded over 800 assists during his career, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
9. Stan Mikita
Stan Mikita was a prolific scorer during the 1960s and 70s. He won two Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP twice. Mikita's skill, speed, and playmaking ability made him one of the most exciting players of his era. He scored 541 goals and recorded 926 assists during his career, making him one of the most productive players of all time.
10. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is one of the best goalies to ever play the game. He won three Stanley Cups and was named the league MVP four times. Brodeur's incredible reflexes, positioning, and durability make him a legend of the sport. He has the most wins of any goalie in NHL history, as well as the most shutouts.
In conclusion, these ten players are some of the greatest to ever play the game of hockey. They have left an incredible legacy in the sport and will be remembered for generations to come. Whether it's Gretzky's scoring ability or Brodeur's goaltending prowess, there is something special about each of these players that sets them apart from the rest. They have earned their spots in the record books and the hearts of fans around the world.
