The NHL has been home to some of the greatest athletes ever to lace up skates. Some players changed the game with their skill, others dominated with sheer power, and a few left behind legacies that will never be forgotten.
Here’s a ranking of the 20 most iconic players in NHL history.
20. Brett Hull
Few players in NHL history could match Hull’s ability to score goals. With a lethal shot and an uncanny knack for finding open space, Hull finished his career with 741 goals, ranking among the best snipers of all time. While his offensive focus sometimes left his defensive play lacking, his impact on the game remains undeniable.
19. Joe Sakic
A leader both on and off the ice, Sakic was one of the most respected players of his generation. Known for his clutch performances and wicked wrist shot, he led the Colorado Avalanche to two Stanley Cups and recorded over 1,600 career points. He was so well-liked that even during heated rivalries, opponents refused to fight him—because, as they put it, “everybody loves Joe.”
18. Steve Yzerman
Yzerman wasn’t just a great player; he was the heart and soul of the Detroit Red Wings. As captain, he helped transform the franchise into a dynasty, leading them to three Stanley Cup victories. While he was never the flashiest player, his leadership and two-way play earned him a permanent place in hockey history.
17. Paul Coffey
The 1980s Edmonton Oilers were an offensive powerhouse, and Coffey was a major reason why. A defenseman with a forward’s scoring ability, he racked up points at an unheard-of rate from the blue line. Though often overshadowed by his superstar teammates, Coffey remains one of the most dynamic defensemen ever.
16. Ray Bourque
Bourque was the definition of consistency. Over 22 NHL seasons, he set the record for most points by a defenseman, a mark that still stands today. His loyalty to Boston was legendary, but it was his final season with the Colorado Avalanche—where he finally won a Stanley Cup—that provided the perfect ending to his career.
15. Phil Esposito
While Bobby Orr often stole the spotlight in Boston, Esposito was a goal-scoring machine in his own right. He led the league in goals six times and was a driving force behind the Bruins’ dominance in the 1970s. His ability to find the net in any situation made him one of the best scorers of his era.
14. Mike Bossy
Bossy’s career was cut short by injury, but his goal-scoring ability was unmatched. Averaging over 57 goals per season during his prime, he helped lead the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cups. To this day, he holds the record for most goals per game in NHL history.
13. Guy Lafleur
Lafleur was the face of the Montreal Canadiens during their late-‘70s dominance. His speed, shot, and effortless playmaking made him a fan favorite, and his flowing blonde hair made him an icon. With five Stanley Cups to his name, he remains one of the greatest Canadiens of all time.
12. Dominik Hasek
Hasek’s unconventional, acrobatic style made him one of the most entertaining goaltenders ever. With six Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies as league MVP, he redefined what it meant to be an elite goalie. His ability to make impossible saves led the Detroit Red Wings to two Stanley Cups.
11. Patrick Roy
If there’s one goalie who could challenge Hasek for the title of greatest ever, it’s Patrick Roy. Known for his fiery personality and playoff heroics, Roy won four Stanley Cups and revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style. His confidence and big-game performances made him a legend.
10. Bobby Hull
Before his son Brett took the NHL by storm, Bobby Hull was already rewriting the record books. His 610 career NHL goals are even more impressive considering he spent seven seasons in the WHA. With his blazing speed and booming shot, “The Golden Jet” was one of hockey’s earliest superstars.
9. Nicklas Lidstrom
Lidstrom was the perfect defenseman—calm, composed, and nearly flawless in his decision-making. Over his two-decade career, he won seven Norris Trophies, four Stanley Cups, and was the backbone of the Red Wings’ dynasty. While others were flashier, few were more effective.
8. Connor McDavid
McDavid is still in his prime, but he’s already cemented himself as one of the greatest offensive players in NHL history. In 2024, he became just the seventh player ever to record 120 points in three consecutive seasons. His speed and playmaking ability are unmatched, and he continues to push the limits of what’s possible on the ice.
7. Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin is one of the most dominant goal scorers the NHL has ever seen. With over 800 career goals and counting, he’s within striking distance of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. His 2018 Stanley Cup win with Washington solidified his legacy as one of the greatest pure goal scorers of all time.
6. Mark Messier
Messier was the ultimate leader. A six-time Stanley Cup champion, he remains the only player in NHL history to captain two different teams to championships. Tough, skilled, and driven, his leadership was so revered that the NHL created the Mark Messier Leadership Award in his honor.
5. Sidney Crosby
Crosby has lived up to every ounce of the hype that surrounded him when he entered the league. With three Stanley Cups, multiple scoring titles, and an Olympic gold medal-winning overtime goal, he’s been the face of the NHL for nearly two decades. His combination of skill, vision, and work ethic makes him one of the all-time greats.
4. Maurice Richard
Richard was more than just a hockey player—he was a cultural icon. The first player to score 500 goals, he inspired generations of fans in Montreal and beyond. His intensity and fiery competitiveness led to countless memorable moments, and the NHL’s top goal-scoring trophy now bears his name.
3. Jean Béliveau
Béliveau’s resume is ridiculous—10 Stanley Cups as a player, another seven as an executive, and a career full of clutch performances. He was the embodiment of class and skill, dominating the NHL for two decades and leaving a legacy that remains unmatched.
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2. Bobby Orr
Orr changed the way defense was played. Before him, blueliners rarely contributed offensively. After him, offensive defensemen became the norm. His speed, skill, and vision revolutionized hockey, and his legendary Stanley Cup-winning goal remains one of the most famous images in sports history.
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1. Wayne Gretzky
We’re not ranking political stances so there’s no debate. Gretzky is the greatest player in NHL history. His records are untouchable—2,857 career points, 894 goals, and more assists than anyone else has total points. He dominated every aspect of the game, led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cups, and redefined what was possible in hockey. “The Great One” will always be the gold standard.
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