Top Ten Hockey Players of All Time

Wayne Gretzky revolutionized the sport with his unparalleled skills and vision. "The Great One," he holds numerous NHL records, including most career points (2,857), goals (894), and assists (1,963). Gretzky led his teams to four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers and earned the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player an unprecedented nine times. His ability to read the game and make split-second decisions set him apart, influencing generations of players.

Bobby Orr, an iconic defenseman for the Bruins and Blackhawks, won two Stanley Cups (1970, 1972). Orr revolutionized the defense position, capturing the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman eight times and winning the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer twice. His offensive prowess was highlighted by his 915 career points, including 270 goals and 645 assists. Orr also earned three Hart Trophies as the league’s MVP. His influence on the game remains unparalleled.

Mario Lemieux, a legendary forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, amassed 1,723 points, including 690 goals and 1,033 assists. Lemieux led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories (1991, 1992) and earned the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP twice. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer six times and was named to 13 All-Star teams. Lemieux's skill and determination solidified his status as one of the greatest players in hockey history.

Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," is a legendary figure in the NHL with a career spanning over five decades. He scored 1,850 points, including 801 goals and 1,049 assists. Howe led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cups in the 1950s and won the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP six times. His exceptional longevity and versatility, including playing in the WHA with the Houston Aeros, further solidify his status as one of hockey’s greatest players. Howe's impact on the game remains profound and enduring.

Maurice Richard, known as "The Rocket," was a legendary hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens. Over his illustrious career from 1942 to 1960, Richard scored 544 goals and 965 points in 978 NHL games. He was a 14-time All-Star and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP twice. Richard led the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cups and was the first player to reach 50 goals in a single season, achieving this feat in 1944-45. His groundbreaking achievements solidified his status as one of hockey's greatest icons.

Guy Lafleur, a legendary Canadian hockey player, was a prolific forward known for his exceptional scoring ability. Over his career, he amassed 1,353 points in 1,126 NHL games. Lafleur won five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979) and was awarded the Hart Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player three times (1977, 1978, 1979). His remarkable speed, skill, and offensive prowess cemented his place as one of hockey's all-time greats.

Terry Sawchuk, a legendary NHL goaltender, is renowned for his exceptional career. He won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings (1952, 1954, 1955) and was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender four times (1952, 1953, 1955, 1956). Sawchuk amassed 447 career wins and recorded 103 shutouts, both among the highest in NHL history at the time of his retirement. His remarkable reflexes and consistency established him as one of the greatest goaltenders in the sport.

Jean Beliveau accumulated 1,219 points in 1,125 NHL games, showcasing his exceptional playmaking skills. Béliveau led the Canadiens to 10 Stanley Cup championships, earning him a place among the greatest players in history. His accolades also include the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player twice and the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer once. Béliveau's contributions and leadership solidified his legendary status in hockey.

Doug Harvey was a legendary NHL defenseman known for his exceptional skill. Over his 13-season career, he accumulated 1130 points (182 goals and 948 assists) and earned the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman seven times. Harvey led the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cup championships (1953- 1960). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973.

Sidney Crosby, an elite NHL player, has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. As of 2024, he has amassed over 1,500 points, including more than 500 goals and 1,000 assists. Crosby has led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016, 2017) and has earned the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP twice. He has also won the Art Ross Trophy as the leading scorer twice and was named to multiple All-Star teams, cementing his status as one of the game's greats.