The Top 10 NHL Players of All Time

Since its founding in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) has produced countless players who have taken ice hockey to a new level. From fast goal scorers to creative playmakers and dominant defensemen, the league has brought forth athletes who shaped the game and created unforgettable moments. In this article, we take a look at the Top 10 NHL Players of All Time, their impressive careers, records, and unique skills that made them legends.

Whether it’s Wayne Gretzky’s unmatched point totals, Mario Lemieux’s combination of power and skill, or Bobby Orr’s revolutionary offensive style as a defenseman, these players redefined ice hockey. Beyond the absolute stars, there are also players whose contributions may not always appear in statistics but who significantly influenced the game through leadership, longevity, or defining moments.

Our list considers statistics, impact on the game, and unforgettable highlights to paint a comprehensive picture of the greatest players in NHL history. Additionally, we have embedded highlight videos for each player, showcasing their most impressive plays and key goals. These videos allow readers not only to read the story of each player but also to experience it visually — from Gretzky’s masterful assists to Ovechkin’s powerful goals.

Beyond the Top 10, we’ve also included some honorable mentions at the end of the article — players who are also legendary but just outside the main list. This provides readers with an even deeper insight into NHL history and the players who have shaped the game.

Whether you’re a long-time hockey fan or just starting to explore the NHL, this overview offers both statistical facts and exciting stories and videos that bring the fascination of hockey to life. Get ready to discover some of the greatest names in NHL history and relive their unforgettable moments.

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1. Wayne Gretzky – The "Great One"

Position: Center
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers

Highlights:

• Record-holder for the most points in NHL history (2,857 points)

• 4 Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers

• 9-time Hart Trophy winner (Season MVP)

Wayne Gretzky is considered the undisputed king of hockey. His ability to read the game and elevate his teammates remains unmatched. His records — including 894 goals — seem unreachable, making him the undisputed number one.

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2. Mario Lemieux – "Super Mario"

Position: Center
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Highlights:

• 2 Stanley Cups (1991, 1992)

• 6-time Art Ross Trophy winner (Top scorer)

• Came back to the ice after a battle with cancer

Lemieux combined size, strength, and skill like few others. Despite health setbacks, he scored an incredible 1,723 points in just 915 games. His impact on the Penguins and the NHL as a whole is enormous.

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3. Bobby Orr – Revolutionary Defenseman

Position: Defenseman
Teams: Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks

Highlights:

• 8-time Norris Trophy winner (Best defenseman)

• 2 Stanley Cups

• First defenseman to finish a season as the top scorer

Bobby Orr fundamentally changed the role of a defenseman in hockey. With his offensive style and incredible speed, he brought a new dynamic to the game. His iconic flying goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals remains unforgettable.

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4. Gordie Howe – "Mr. Hockey"

Position: Right Wing
Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers

Highlights:

• 6-time Hart Trophy winner

• Over 1,700 NHL games and more than 800 goals

• Played professionally until the age of 52

Gordie Howe represents longevity and versatility. His name stands for an era of tough but fair players who could both score and fight. The term "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" (goal, assist, and fight in one game) was named after him.

5. Jaromír Jágr – The Eternal Point Collector

Position: Right Wing
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and more

Highlights:

• 2 Stanley Cups

• Second-highest point total in NHL history (1,921)

• Over 1,700 NHL games

With his unmistakable style and longevity, Jágr is a legend on and off the ice. His incredible fitness allowed him to compete at the highest level even past the age of 40.

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6. Sidney Crosby – The Modern Superstar

Position: Center
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Highlights:

• 3 Stanley Cups

• Golden Goal at the 2010 Olympic Games

• Multiple MVP awards

Crosby is often considered the best player of his generation. With a perfect mix of skill, leadership, and work ethic, he has turned the Penguins into a dynasty and is an icon of modern hockey.

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7. Maurice "Rocket" Richard – The First Goal-Scoring Star

Position: Right Wing
Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Highlights:

• 8 Stanley Cups

• First player with 50 goals in 50 games

• Namesake of the Maurice Richard Trophy (top goal scorer)

Rocket Richard ushered the NHL into a new era. With his passion and killer instinct in front of the net, he became a role model for many players who followed.

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8. Patrick Roy – The "King of Goalies"

Position: Goalie
Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche

Highlights:

• 4 Stanley Cups

• 3-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner (Playoff MVP)

• Led the Avalanche to their first championship

Roy revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style. His mental strength and ability to perform under pressure make him the greatest goalie of all time.

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9. Alex Ovechkin – The Modern Goal-Scoring King

Position: Left Wing
Teams: Washington Capitals

Highlights:

• Over 800 goals (and counting)

• 1 Stanley Cup (2018)

• 9-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner

Ovechkin has redefined hockey with his hard shot and explosive offense. He is on track to break Gretzky’s goal record and is already regarded as one of the best players of all time.

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10. Jean Béliveau – The Gentleman on Ice

Position: Center

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Highlights:

• 10 Stanley Cups

• 2-time Hart Trophy winner

• Over 1,200 points

Jean Béliveau was not only an outstanding player but also a true gentleman and leader. His elegance and class made him one of the most respected players in NHL history.

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Honorable Mentions – Players Who Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Beyond the Top 10, there are other legends who shaped hockey:

1. Dominik Hašek – "The Dominator," considered one of the most spectacular goalies of all time, 2-time Hart Trophy winner.
2. Mark Messier – 6-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest leaders in NHL history.
3. Nicklas Lidström – 7-time Norris Trophy winner and one of the best defensemen ever.
4. Martin Brodeur – Record-holder for most wins and shutouts as a goalie.
5. Steve Yzerman – Longtime captain of the Detroit Red Wings, 3 Stanley Cups, the epitome of leadership.

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What Makes a Player a Legend?

The Top 10 reflect different eras and styles. But what unites them is their ability to leave a lasting impact on the game. Here are some criteria that make them legends:

• Statistics: Points, goals, wins, and titles always count.

• Impact: Players like Gretzky and Orr fundamentally changed the game.

• Longevity: Athletes like Jágr and Howe played at the highest level for decades.

• Unforgettable Moments: Whether it’s Gretzky’s 50 goals in 39 games or Crosby’s "Golden Goal" — the best players created magical moments.

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Conclusion

The discussion about the best NHL players of all time will always be subjective, as every fan has their own favorite players. But one thing is certain: These 10 players — complemented by the honorable mentions — elevated hockey to the next level and inspired generations of fans.

Which players do you think belong in the Top 10? Let’s discuss in the comments!