Top 20 Hockey Players Of All Time
1. Wayne Gretzky
Considered by many as the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky had an illustrious career that spanned 20 years. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. Gretzky holds numerous records including most goals, most assists, and most points in NHL history.
2. Bobby Orr
A defenseman who revolutionized the position, Bobby Orr is widely regarded as one of the best hockey players of all time. He played for the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks and won two Stanley Cups. Orr won the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) eight straight times and was the first defenseman to win the Art Ross Trophy (most points in a season).
3. Gordie Howe
Known as "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers. He played 26 seasons and is the only player to have played in the NHL in five different decades. Howe won four Stanley Cups and six Hart Trophies (MVP of the league). He was known for his physicality and scoring ability.
4. Mario Lemieux
A center who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mario Lemieux is considered one of the best players of all time. He won two Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies. Lemieux also won the Art Ross Trophy six times and is the only player to have scored five goals in five different ways in one game.
5. Bobby Hull
Known as "The Golden Jet," Bobby Hull played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets. He won one Stanley Cup and three Hart Trophies. Hull was known for his powerful shot and was the first player to score more than 50 goals in one season.
6. Maurice Richard
A right winger who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in one season. He won eight Stanley Cups and was the first player to score 500 goals in his career. Richard was also known for his toughness and was involved in a famous incident known as the "Richard Riot."
7. Jean Béliveau
A center who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Jean Béliveau won 10 Stanley Cups and was the captain of the team for 10 years. He was known for his leadership and skill on the ice. Béliveau was also a six-time First All-Star Team selection.
8. Mark Messier
A center who played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks, Mark Messier won six Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies. He was known for his leadership and clutch performances, especially in the playoffs. Messier is the only player to have captained two different teams to Stanley Cup championships.
9. Tim Horton
A defenseman who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, Tim Horton won four Stanley Cups. He was known for his toughness and durability, playing in 1,446 games in his career. Horton was also a successful businessman, founding the popular coffee and donut chain that bears his name.
10. Ray Bourque
A defenseman who played for the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche, Ray Bourque won one Stanley Cup and five Norris Trophies. He is second on the all-time list for points by a defenseman and is one of the greatest offensive defensemen in history. Bourque was known for his strong defensive play as well.
11. Steve Yzerman
A center who played for the Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman won three Stanley Cups and one Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the playoffs). He was known for his strong two-way play and leadership, serving as the captain of the Red Wings for 20 years. Yzerman is also the one of the highest-scoring players in NHL history.
12. Jaromir Jagr
A right winger who played for numerous teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, Jaromir Jagr is one of the best European players of all time. He won two Stanley Cups and one Hart Trophy. Jagr is also the second-highest scorer in NHL history behind only Gretzky.
13. Patrick Roy
A goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche, Patrick Roy won four Stanley Cups and three Conn Smythe Trophies. He is one of the best goaltenders in history, holding numerous records including most playoff wins and most Conn Smythe Trophies. Roy was known for his clutch performances in big games.
14. Mike Bossy
A right winger who played for the New York Islanders, Mike Bossy won four Stanley Cups and was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games. He won the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) and three Lady Byng Trophies (sportsmanship). Bossy was known for his scoring ability, scoring 50 or more goals in nine of his 10 seasons.
15. Doug Harvey
A defenseman who played for the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, Doug Harvey won six Stanley Cups and seven Norris Trophies. He was known for his intelligent play and strong defensive skills. Harvey was also an excellent offensive defenseman, recording 540 points in his career.
16. Martin Brodeur
A goaltender who played for the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues, Martin Brodeur won three Stanley Cups and four Vezina Trophies (best goaltender). He holds numerous records including most wins, most shutouts, and most playoff shutouts. Brodeur was known for his durability and consistency.
17. Denis Savard
A center who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Denis Savard won one Stanley Cup and was a six-time All-Star. He was known for his electrifying playmaking ability and was one of the most exciting players to watch during his time. Savard recorded over 1,300 points in his career.
18. Phil Esposito
A center who played for the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, Phil Esposito won two Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies. He was known for his scoring ability, leading the league in goals six times. Esposito was also a strong playmaker, recording over 1,000 assists in his career.
19. Scott Niedermayer
A defenseman who played for the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, Scott Niedermayer won four Stanley Cups and one Norris Trophy. He was known for his strong two-way play and was a key member of the Devils' dynasty in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Niedermayer scored over 700 points in his career.
20. Sidney Crosby
A center who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby has already established himself as one of the best players of all time. He has won three Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies. Crosby is known for his strong offensive and defensive play and is one of the most complete players in the game today.
Conclusion
The NHL has had many amazing players throughout its history, but these 20 players stand out as the best of the best. From Gretzky's dominance to Orr's revolutionary play, to Howe's toughness and scoring ability, these players have left an indelible mark on the game of hockey. Their skill and passion for the sport have inspired countless fans and players alike, and their legacies will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.