The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen countless exceptional players throughout its history, but a select few have risen above the rest to be considered the greatest of all time. This Christmas, we asked the editors at NHL Guide to give us their Top Five Players of all time. Here’s a look at the top five NHL players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
1. Wayne Gretzky – The Great One
No surprise here. Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player ever, holds an unparalleled position in NHL history. Nicknamed “The Great One,” Gretzky’s career was extraordinary. He has 61 NHL records, a testament to his unmatched skill and dominance. Gretzky’s offensive prowess was legendary, as he remains the all-time leader in goals, assists, and total points. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates revolutionized the sport.
2. Bobby Orr – The Revolutionary
Bobby Orr redefined the role of a defenseman in hockey. His end-to-end rushes and incredible scoring ability from the blue line changed how the position was played. Orr won eight consecutive James Norris Memorial Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman from 1968 to 1975, a still-standing record. His most iconic moment came when he scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1970, captured in a famous photograph of him soaring through the air after scoring.
3. Mario Lemieux – The Magnificent One
Mario Lemieux’s career was marked by both brilliance and adversity. Despite battling serious health issues, including cancer, Lemieux’s on-ice performance was spectacular. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories as a player and three more as an owner. Lemieux’s size, skill, and scoring ability made him nearly unstoppable when healthy. He remains the only person to have his name on the Stanley Cup as a player and an owner.
4. Gordie Howe – Mr. Hockey
Gordie Howe’s career spanned an incredible five decades, a testament to his longevity and enduring skill. Nicknamed “Mr. Hockey,” Howe was a complete player, combining scoring prowess with physical toughness. He won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and held many NHL records before Wayne Gretzky broke them. Howe’s impact on the game was so significant that the “Gordie Howe hat trick” (a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game) was named after him.
5. Jaromir Jagr – The Ageless Wonder
Jaromir Jagr rounds out the top five with incredible skill and longevity. With the second-most points in NHL history, Jagr’s career spanned over three decades. He won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and captured five Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer. Jagr’s combination of size, strength, and skill made him nearly impossible to defend against in his prime. His ability to remain productive well into his 40s is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
These five players have dominated the sport during their respective eras and left lasting legacies that inspire new generations of hockey players. Their exceptional skills, record-breaking performances, and contributions to the game have solidified their places among the greatest to ever lace up skates in the NHL.
One for the Road
Building on the list of the top five NHL players of all time, let’s consider one more player who is just outside that elite group.
Mark Messier – The Ultimate Leader
Mark Messier was the perfect combination of toughness and skill. Known as the ultimate captain, the NHL has a leadership award in his honor that they give out at the annual awards show. Messier’s career was remarkable, as he ranks second all-time in scoring and is considered perhaps the best two-way player in NHL history. He won six Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies as league MVP. Messier’s leadership and consistency on the ice make him a strong contender for the top five, but he falls short due to the extraordinary accomplishments of those above him.
