Key Takeaways
- Wayne Gretzky is universally acknowledged as the best ever - with over 60 NHL records, including most career points, goals, and assists.
- Greatness in hockey comes in diverse forms: the top players aren’t just prolific scorers - some, like Jacques Plante, revolutionized the game through innovation.
Identifying the GOAT or "Greatest of all Time" in any sport is sure to stir up a slew of emotional arguments and opinions - especially when talking about hockey.
That being said, hockey has produced many of the greatest athletes in the world. What else can you expect from a sport that demands its athletes skate, drive a puck across the ice with precision, and deal with physically aggressive opponents?
Canada has remained at the forefront of producing the greatest hockey athletes, though countries like Russia and the United States have been home to some of the best. But who is worthy of the title of GOAT?
I like to skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.
Wayne Gretsky
10. Alexander Ovechkin
Alexander Ovechkin, known also as "Ovie", is a Russian-born player in the NHL. He started his professional career with Dynamo Moscow, and was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2005. He is regarded widely as one of the best goal-scorers in hockey, second only to Wayne Gretzky. He holds many NHL records, including:
- Most goals scored by a left-wing
- Most goals scored by a Russian-born player
- Most career 45 goal seasons
- Fastest overtime goals
- Most career power play goals
From young players on backyard rinks to packed NHL arenas, Canadians' passion for hockey is unparalleled.
9. Sidney Crosby
Even if you haven't been a follower of hockey in Canada during the last 20 years, it is hard not to know the name of Sidney Crosby. Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Crosby became the face of Canadian hockey and the NHL for his leadership, consistency, and vision.
Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cups and riveted audiences with his play. Perhaps most famously, he scored the "Golden Goal" during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics - winning gold for Canada. Career highlights include:
- 3 Stanley Cups
- 2 Hart Trophies
- 2 Olympic Gold medals
- Scored over 500 goals
Sidney Crosby was the youngest player to be the captain of a Stanley Cup winning team.
8. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is known for being one of the greatest goalies in NHL history because of his ability to thrive in high pressure situations. Playing throughout the 1980s and 1990s with the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, Roy won over 200 games and is the only player to do so.
Roy was born and raised in Quebec City, Quebec and became passionate about hockey by listening to games on the radio with his grandmother. He regretted that his grandmother passed before seeing him play for the Canadiens, her favourite team. Roy's career highlights include:
The Edmonton Oilers rose to prominence in the 1980s as one of the most famous Canadian hockey teams, led by the legendary Wayne Gretzky.
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 3 Conn Smythe Trophies
- Hockey Hall of Fame inductee
- Accomplished Junior Hockey Coach and NHL Coach
- 551 Career Wins
7. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante is famous for literally changing the face of hockey: as a goalie for the Montreal Canadiens, he popularized the use of face masks. In 1959 he was hit in the face with a puck and had to get 21 stitches. Because there was no other goalie, he had to return to play after receiving medical treatment.
He refused to return to the ice without a face mask, changing hockey forever. He developed and tested many different iterations of a goalie mask, resulting in the headgear commonly used today. It is important to note that Plante was not just a key innovator in hockey safety, but an amazing goalie. Highlights include:
- Helped Montreal win 5 consecutive Stanley Cups
- Seven-time Winner of the Vezina Trophy
- Wrote extensively about hockey for various publications
6. Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr is considered to be an all time great for the duration of his career, skating prowess, and scoring abilities. Born in Czechia, Jagr played right wing in the NHL over 3 different decades. His signature mullet and unique, physical playing style made him memorable to players and fans alike.
Jagr has the second most points in NHL history, after Wayne Gretzky. Career highlights include:
- 2 Stanley Cups
- 5 Art Ross Trophies
- Second all-time in NHL points
Jaromir Jagr is a member of the Triple Gold Club: he has won the Stanley Cup, the Hockey World Championship, and the Olympic Gold Medal in Hockey.
5. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr was a defenseman who played for the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. He transformed the position of defenseman from one who simply played a defending role to one that incorporated offensive play.
Orr was known for his exceptional skating ability and vision, becoming the first defenseman to win the NHL scoring title. His Stanley Cup winning goal in 1970 remains one of the greatest moments of hockey history. Career highlights include:
- 2 Stanley Cups
- 8 Norris Trophies for Best Defenseman
- 3 Hart Trophies
- 8 Time NHL All-Star
Some of the most famous hockey rivalries, like the Montreal Canadiens versus the Boston Bruins, date back decades and have shaped NHL history.
Have you heard of Bobby Orr?
4. Maurice Richard
Maurice "Rocket" Richard played the right wing position during the 1940s-1950s. He was the first player to score 500 goals and was the first to score 50 goals in a season. Born in Montreal to a family stricken by poverty during the Great Depression, Richard overcame significant barriers.
Richard was known for his physical and occasionally violent style of play. In one incident, Richard struck a linesman and was suspended from play for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. The suspension provoked the Richard Riots in Montreal. Richard's career highlights include:
- Winner of 8 Stanley Cups
- 2 Hart Trophies
- First player to score 50 goals in 50 games
- Inspiration for Roch Carrier's famous story, "The Hockey Sweater"
3. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe is one of hockey's most celebrated right wingers. "Mr. Hockey," as he was known, is famous for being one of the most complete players: a high scorer, tough-as-nails opponent, and physically fit. He played in 5 different decades, impacting generations of hockey fans.
Born in Saskatechewan, Howe was one of nine children. He grew up during the Great Depression and often worked in construction with his father until he left Saskatoon to pursue hockey at the age of 16.
Howe was noticed by the Detroit Red Wings, who debuted him in the NHL at the young age of 18. Howe became famous for what was known as the "Gordie Howe hat trick" - a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game. Career highlights include:
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 6 Hart Trophies
- 6 Art Ross Trophies
- Lead Detroit to number 1 place in regular season play for 7 consecutive years
- Set NHL records for career points and goals until broken by Wayne Gretzky
Photo: Ron Lach.
2. Mario Lemieux
"Super Mario," as Mario Lemieux is widely known, is a player known for his strength and superb athletic skills - not unlike the Nintendo character himself. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Lemieux has a career that includes team ownership, and is the only player to have his name on a cup as both a player and owner. His decision to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins saved the team from bankruptcy.
Lemieux was a dominant force as an NHL player, winning two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh while battling significant health issues, including Hodgkins Lymphoma, tendinitis, and. spinal disc herniation. Career highlights include:
- 2 Stanley Cups as a player, 2 more as an owner
- 3 Hart Trophies
- 6 Art Ross Trophies
Today, the history of hockey in Canada remains a source of pride, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike.
Mario Lemieux played his last season in Pittsburgh with fellow great Sidney Crosby, who was in his rookie year. Their connection went beyond the ice: Lemieux allowed the young hockey star to live with his family during Crosby's first five seasons with the Penguins.
1. Wayne Gretzky
It's hard not to think about Gretzky whenever a conversation about the greatest in Hockey comes up. "The Great One," as he is known, played for the Edmonton Oilers, LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers over a 20 year career.
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky grew up playing hockey in a backyard rink and joined a league at the age of six, playing with kids 4 years older than him. He started his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, playing alongside greats like Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, and Jarri Kurri, dominating the game for years to come.
Gretzky amassed a mind-blowing collection of over 60 NHL records including the most career points (2,857), goals (894), and assists (1,963). His impact on the game continues to this day around the world: Gretzky elevated the status of hockey in the US, particularly during his time playing with the LA Kings.
Career highlights include:
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 9 Hart Trophies (NHL MVP)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (NHL scoring champion
In Conclusion
Creating a top 10 list in a sport as beloved as hockey is sure to stir up disagreements - fans will always have their personal "GOAT" for a number of reasons! However, these 10 players are indisputably great and deserve notice on anyone's list of hockey greats.
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1.Wayne Greatzky
2.Bobby 0rr
3.Gordie Howe
4.Maurice Richard
5.Bobby Hull
The rest is preference but those 5 players changed hockey .
We agree! Is there anyone else you would add to the list we already have?