In any sport, there are always those who stand out and become legends. In hockey, the greatest NHL players of time is likely Gordie Howe. Over his storied career, he won five Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings and was named MVP of the playoffs four times.
He also won seven Art Ross Awards as the league’s top scorer. In this blog, we take a look at the 10 greatest NHL players of all time. From legendary goal scorers to dominant defenseman, these players made an impact on the game that can never be ignored.
10 greatest NHL players of all time
So put on your skates and prepare to crack open a cold one in tribute to these legends!
Alex Ovechkin
When it comes to ranking the top NHL players, there is no one better than Alex Ovechkin. He has won four Stanley Cups and holds numerous records, including the most goals in a season (65).
He is an exciting player to watch and will entertain during your next game or match. So put on your hockey jersey, light up the arena, and get ready for one of the greatest hockey players of all time!
Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante was a goalie extraordinaire. He was named an all-star nine times and won three Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. He was also a beloved figure in Montreal, as he helped raise money for numerous charities over his career.
Steve Yzerman
Steve Yzerman is one of the greatest NHL hockey players of all time. He’s been successful at both the professional and international levels and has been a key player in many teams’ successes.
Some of his more notable accomplishments include being elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006 and being a leader on the ice. He has also won numerous awards, including the Stanley Cup.
Terry Sawchuk
There is no doubt that Terry Sawchuk was one of the greatest NHL hockey players of all time. He was a dominant defenseman who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. Sawchuk won five Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which is more than any other player in NHL history.
He remains an iconic figure in Canadian hockey and his contribution to the sport should not be undervalued! Ranking the Top NHL Hockey Players is a difficult task, but with his accomplishments and stats, it’s a no-brainer that Sawchuk belongs at the top of the list.
Jean Béliveau
When it comes to the greatest players of all time, there can be no doubt that Jean Béliveau belongs on the list. Known for his skills both offensively and defensively, this Quebecois legend helped lead his team to numerous championships.
His record-breaking career is undeniable, and he deserves to be ranked as one of the top hockey players of all time.
Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard is considered to be one of the greatest goal scorers in league history. He has scored 778 goals in his illustrious career, which ranks him third on the NHL’s all-time goal scorer list. Not only is he a prolific scorer, but he is also one of the most decorated players in league history.
He has won numerous awards and records, including Most Assists (1,243) and Most Points (2,819). Richard was also a vital part of Team Canada’s victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. His skills and accomplishments make him a top NHL hockey player of all time.
Mario Lemieux
If you’re a hockey fan, there’s no doubt that you know of Mario Lemieux. He is one of the most famous athletes in North America and has had an immense impact on the game of hockey.
Here are four of his greatest accomplishments:
1. He was one of the greatest shooters of all time, scoring over 600 goals in his career.
2. He played in what is now called the “Mickey Mantle era” of hockey, which was a time when scoring was at an all-time high.
3. He was also a very unselfish player with the puck, which helped lead his teams to championships.
4. He has been honored with numerous awards and has his number 7 jersey retired by multiple teams.
Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He was drafted first overall in 1967 and won three Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins. His skills on ice inspired many young people to pursue a career in professional hockey.
As such, Orr is an influential figure in this sport. He played an important role on the team, earning him the nickname “The Legend”. Orr’s career spanned over five decades and he still holds the record for most points in a season (70) and most assists in a season (43).
He’s also the second player to score 50 goals in a season, and the first player to score 60 goals in a season.
Wayne Gretzky
It’s no secret that hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world. So, it’s no surprise that countless hockey players have achieved great things. But, of all of them, Wayne Gretzky is without a doubt the greatest.
He was a genius on the ice and his longevity as an NHL player is something to admire. If you’re a fan of the sport, make sure you check out some of his famous goals. He was also a master of the art of hockey trickery, which makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch.
Gordie Howe
There’s no doubt that Gordie Howe is one of the greatest NHL hockey players of all time. He led his Detroit Red Wings to record-breaking four Stanley Cup championships, cementing his place as one of hockey’s legends.
Howe was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978 and was voted as one of the 100 Greatest Players by The Hockey News in 1991. Ranked #1 on ESPN’s Top 25 Greatest NHL Players list, Gordie Howe is sure to be remembered for years to come!
Conclusion
Who will be the next NHL hockey superstar? After reading through this blog, you will have a better understanding of who the greatest NHL players are. From Alex Ovechkin to Wayne Gretzky, these players have achieved incredible success on the ice.
So, who will be the next player to make history? Stay tuned to my blog for updates on the latest hockey news and rankings!