Top 25 Greatest NHL Players of All Time
The NHL has delivered more than a century of breathtaking moments, legendary rivalries, and generational talent since its founding in 1917. From the elegance of Bobby Orr to the dominance of Wayne Gretzky, the league’s greatest stars have helped shape hockey into the fast-paced, skill-driven sport we know today. This list celebrates the 25 most iconic players in NHL history—those who redefined greatness, set records, and left a legacy that transcends the ice.
25. Brett Hull
A pure goal scorer with one of the deadliest shots in hockey history, Brett Hull racked up 741 goals and two Stanley Cups. His attitude and one-dimensional play may have limited his ranking, but his offensive output speaks for itself.
24. Ken Dryden
In just seven seasons, Dryden won six Stanley Cups and five Vezina Trophies with the Montreal Canadiens. He also helped Team Canada win the 1972 Summit Series. Short career, massive legacy.
23. Joe Sakic
The quiet leader of the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, Sakic was admired league-wide. He won two Cups, scored over 100 points three times, and defined clutch play in big moments.
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22. Steve Yzerman
Detroit's captain for over two decades, Yzerman evolved into a complete two-way player under Scotty Bowman. He won three Stanley Cups and tallied over 1,700 points in a storied career.
21. Martin Brodeur
The winningest goalie in NHL history, Brodeur's puck-handling changed the game. With three Cups, four Vezinas, and countless records, he redefined goaltending in the modern era.
20. Paul Coffey
Overshadowed in Edmonton, Coffey was still a generational defenseman. Four Cups, three Norris Trophies, and offensive records for blueliners cement his status among the elite.
19. Phil Esposito
Esposito dominated the '70s with unmatched goal-scoring runs and fiery leadership. A two-time MVP and key part of the Summit Series, he scored 717 goals in his career.
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18. Ray Bourque
The highest-scoring defenseman ever, Bourque was a 13-time First-Team All-Star. After years of playoff frustration, he finally won a Cup in Colorado, ending his career on a storybook note.
17. Dominik Hasek
"The Dominator" had a style all his own. A six-time Vezina winner and two-time MVP, he backstopped Detroit to two Cups and won Olympic gold with the Czech Republic.
16. Mike Bossy
Bossy's career was short but spectacular. He won four Cups, averaged 57 goals a season, and owns the highest goals-per-game mark in NHL history. A pure sniper.
15. Patrick Roy
The most clutch goalie ever, Roy won four Cups and three Conn Smythes. He pioneered the butterfly style and elevated his play when it mattered most.
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14. Bobby Hull
A power forward before the term existed, Hull combined speed and strength to score 610 goals. Though WHA years and controversy clouded his legacy, his impact on the game is undeniable.
13. Guy Lafleur
Montreal's golden boy in the '70s, Lafleur dazzled with flair and finesse. A five-time Cup winner and two-time MVP, he captivated a generation of Habs fans.
12. Mark Messier
The ultimate leader. Messier won six Cups, is third all-time in points, and brought a title to New York. His mix of skill and intimidation made him a once-in-a-generation player.
11. Connor McDavid
Already one of the fastest, most skilled players ever, McDavid has redefined offensive dominance in the modern era. Multiple 120+ point seasons and a trip to the Finals in 2024 are just the beginning.
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10. Nicklas Lidstrom
The perfect defenseman. Four Cups, seven Norris Trophies, and unmatched consistency over 20 years in Detroit. Lidstrom was so good, you barely noticed him—and that was the point.
9. Alex Ovechkin
Arguably the greatest goal-scorer ever, Ovechkin passed Gretzky's goal record in 2025. A Cup in 2018 and three MVPs underline a legendary career defined by power and passion.
8. Sidney Crosby
Three Cups, two Olympic golds, and over 1,600 points—Crosby led with class and clutch. His golden goal in 2010 and leadership in Canada’s 2025 triumph add to his iconic résumé.
7. Jean Béliveau
The epitome of grace and excellence, Béliveau won 10 Stanley Cups and earned universal respect. A dominant center with leadership that transcended eras.
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6. Maurice Richard
The first to score 50 in 50 and 500 goals total, Richard's legacy is immortal. A fiery competitor, his impact goes far beyond the scoresheet—he became a cultural icon in Quebec.
5. Jaromir Jagr
Second all-time in points, Jagr played forever and dominated for decades. Two Cups, five scoring titles, and elite longevity make him one of the game’s all-time greats.
4. Gordie Howe
"Mr. Hockey" defined toughness and talent. He played in five decades, won six MVPs, and embodied the sport. Howe was hockey’s first complete player.
3. Mario Lemieux
Lemieux’s stats defy belief: nearly two points per game despite cancer and back injuries. With two Cups and generational brilliance, he’s arguably the most talented player ever.
2. Bobby Orr
Orr revolutionized defense, skating end-to-end and dominating games like a forward. Eight Norris wins and two Cups don’t tell the full story—he changed how hockey is played.
1. Wayne Gretzky
The Great One. Over 2,800 points, 60+ records, and a legacy that elevated the NHL to global relevance. Gretzky was not just the best, he was transformative.
