The 10 Best NHL Centers of All Time: Legends, Records and Impact on the Game

After already covering the best NHL players of all time, we now dive deeper into a specific niche. We start with arguably the most prestigious position in hockey: the center. Few roles shape the game as much as this one – playmaker, goal scorer, leader and often the tactical heart of a team.

In this list, we rank the 10 best NHL centers of all time. It’s not just about points, but also dominance, championships, influence on the game and legacy.

Table of Contents

• Highlight Video
• The 10 Best NHL Centers of All Time
• Honorable Mentions
• Why Centers Are So Important in Hockey
• Conclusion
• FAQ: NHL Centers

Highlight Video: Two of the Greatest Centers of All Time

Wayne Gretzky/Mario Lemieux Highlights - 1987 Canada Cup

The 10 Best NHL Centers of All Time

1. Wayne Gretzky

When talking about the greatest centers in NHL history, there is no way around Wayne Gretzky. “The Great One” is not only the best center of all time, but for many also the greatest hockey player ever. He holds the NHL record for most career points and clearly leads all centers in both goals and points. His unmatched hockey IQ redefined offensive play.

Gretzky was not a typical power player, but his anticipation, vision and creativity were on another level. Four Stanley Cups with Edmonton cement his place at the top.

2. Mario Lemieux

When it comes to pure talent, Mario Lemieux is for many the only player who truly came close to Gretzky. “Super Mario” combined size, hands, shot, vision and elegance in a way rarely seen. He ranks second in NHL history in points per game among players with at least 500 points and also second in goals per game among players with at least 200 goals.

The fact that Lemieux achieved this despite major health setbacks and missed games makes his legacy even more impressive. Had he stayed healthy throughout his career, the GOAT debate might be even closer.

3. Mark Messier

Mark Messier was the perfect combination of production, toughness, leadership and a winning mentality. He is one of the highest-scoring centers in NHL history and one of the most influential captains the league has ever seen. His career includes six Stanley Cups – five with Edmonton and one with the Rangers.

His impact on the Rangers’ 1994 championship run cemented his legendary status. Messier may not have been as flashy as Gretzky or Lemieux, but as a complete winner, he was unique.

4. Jean Béliveau

Jean Béliveau was the definition of class both on and off the ice. The longtime Montreal Canadiens center won ten Stanley Cups as a player and remains one of the most elegant and dominant figures in NHL history. He is also officially listed among the 100 greatest NHL players.

Yes, he played in a different era – but his impact, championships and reputation as a franchise cornerstone make him essential in any all-time center discussion.

5. Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is the modern benchmark for a complete center. He combines skill, hockey IQ, faceoff ability, defensive play, leadership and consistency at an elite level. Crosby has won three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and two Conn Smythe Trophies, along with the Hart Trophy as MVP.

His longevity at an elite level is a huge factor. He is already the all-time points leader in the Penguins franchise, which is especially impressive given that Mario Lemieux played there.

6. Marcel Dionne

Marcel Dionne is often underrated in all-time debates, despite his elite production. He is one of the highest-scoring and most dangerous centers in NHL history and ranks just behind Gretzky in goals among centers.

The main criticism is his lack of major team success. Individually, however, Dionne was undoubtedly one of the best centers ever.

7. Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic was one of the most dangerous snipers among centers and an outstanding leader. His wrist shot was legendary, and his game was extremely efficient. He was the face of the Nordiques/Avalanche era and led Colorado to two Stanley Cups. Sakic is also part of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list.

What makes Sakic special: he was never loud or overhyped – but almost always exceptional.

8. Phil Esposito

Phil Esposito was one of the most dominant offensive players of his era and helped redefine the role of the scoring center. He is one of the most prolific goal-scoring centers of all time and also part of the NHL 100 list.

Especially in Boston, Esposito was an absolute machine. His numbers remain incredibly impressive even decades later.

9. Steve Yzerman

Steve Yzerman had two careers in one: first as an offensive superstar, then as a complete two-way leader and perfect captain. This transformation makes him historically unique. He was the heart of the Detroit Red Wings and won three Stanley Cups as a player.

Yzerman may not have had the same raw talent as Lemieux or Crosby, but his overall package and leadership were exceptional.

10. Bryan Trottier

Bryan Trottier was a key part of the Islanders dynasty and a center who was extremely valuable both offensively and defensively. Four consecutive Stanley Cups with New York speak for themselves, as does his inclusion in the NHL 100 list.

Trottier often receives less attention in modern debates, but his peak performance and contribution to one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history cannot be ignored.

Honorable Mentions

• Connor McDavid – In terms of talent and points per game, already historically great. However, he still needs more career longevity and major team success to break into the top 10.
• Ron Francis – Incredible longevity and among the top all-time in points among centers.
• Patrice Bergeron – One of the best two-way centers of all time.
• Stan Mikita – Historically very important and offensively elite for many years.

Why Centers Are So Important in Hockey

Centers are often the most complete players on the ice. They need to create offense, score goals, win faceoffs, contribute defensively and read the game. That’s why many of the greatest NHL legends played this position.

If you dominate as a center, you influence every zone of the game – and that’s exactly what we see with almost every player on this list.

If you're interested in more historical rankings, check out our articles on the top 15 NHL players of all time, the top 5 NHL goalies of all time, or the 10 biggest trades in NHL history.

Conclusion: Who is the best NHL center of all time?

In the end, there is no way around Wayne Gretzky. His records, dominance and influence on the NHL remain unmatched. Mario Lemieux is perhaps the most talented challenger, while Sidney Crosby represents the most complete modern center.

Our top 10 NHL centers of all time:

1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Mario Lemieux
3. Mark Messier
4. Jean Béliveau
5. Sidney Crosby
6. Marcel Dionne
7. Joe Sakic
8. Phil Esposito
9. Steve Yzerman
10. Bryan Trottier

Of course, rankings like this are always debatable – and that’s exactly what makes them so interesting. Who would you rank higher or lower?

Sticks for Center Players

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FAQ: NHL Centers

Who is the best NHL center of all time?

Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the best NHL center of all time, as he holds the record for most points in league history.

Is Connor McDavid one of the best centers of all time?

Yes, in terms of talent and points per game, Connor McDavid is already among the best centers ever, but he still needs more longevity and achievements to reach the top 10.

What makes a good center in hockey?

A great center combines vision, faceoff ability, scoring, and defensive responsibility, often acting as the tactical core of the team.