1.  Wayne Gretzky

Why No. 1? Because no one is even close.

• 2,857 career points (NHL record)
• 894 goals (second all-time)
• 1,963 assists (more than anyone else has total points)
• 4 Stanley Cups
• 9 Hart Trophies (MVP)

Gretzky owns or shares 61 NHL records. His dominance in the 1980s was so overwhelming that his point totals remain untouchable decades later. Simply put, he is “The Great One” for a reason.

2.  Mario Lemieux

The most talented pure player ever.

• 1,723 points in just 915 games
• 690 goals
• 2 Stanley Cups
• 3 Hart Trophies

Lemieux averaged 1.88 points per game, second only to Gretzky. He battled injuries and even cancer, yet still dominated. Many argue that if fully healthy his entire career, he may have challenged Gretzky statistically.

3.  Bobby Orr

The greatest defenseman ever.

• 915 points as a defenseman
• 8 Norris Trophies
• 3 Hart Trophies
• 2 Stanley Cups

Orr revolutionized the defense position. He remains the only defenseman to win the scoring title (Art Ross Trophy). His skating and offensive production changed hockey forever.

4. Gordie Howe

Longevity + dominance across eras.

• 801 NHL goals
• 1,850 NHL points
• 4 Stanley Cups
• 6 Hart Trophies

Howe played professionally across five decades and was the league’s dominant power forward long before the modern era.

5. Sidney Crosby

The best player of the modern era.

• 1,500+ career points (and counting)
• 3 Stanley Cups
• 2 Hart Trophies
• 2 Conn Smythe Trophies

Crosby restored the NHL’s spotlight after the 2004 lockout. His all-around skill, leadership, and clutch playoff performances define his legacy.

6. Alexander Ovechkin

The greatest goal scorer of all time.

• 800+ career goals
• 1,500+ points
• 1 Stanley Cup
• 3 Hart Trophies

Ovechkin is chasing Gretzky’s goal record and has already become the most prolific pure goal scorer in NHL history. His one-timer from the left circle is iconic.

7. Maurice Richard

The original superstar.

• 544 goals in an era with fewer games
• 8 Stanley Cups
• First player to score 50 goals in 50 games

Richard was hockey’s first true icon and helped shape the Montreal dynasty years.

8. Jaromir Jagr

Elite longevity and production.

• 766 goals
• 1,921 points (second all-time)
• 2 Stanley Cups

Jagr remained productive into his 40s. His strength on the puck and scoring touch made him one of the most durable stars ever.

9. Mark Messier

The ultimate leader.

• 1,887 career points
• 6 Stanley Cups
• 2 Hart Trophies

Messier captained two different franchises (Edmonton and New York) to Stanley Cups a rare achievement that cements his legacy.

10. Patrick Roy

The greatest playoff goaltender ever.

• 4 Stanley Cups
• 3 Conn Smythe Trophies
• 551 career wins

Roy revolutionized the butterfly goaltending style and elevated his game in the postseason like no goalie before him.

Honorable Mentions

• Nicklas Lidstrom
• Steve Yzerman
• Dominik Hasek
• Connor McDavid

The Final Debate

Some fans prioritize championships. Others value pure talent. Some look at raw stats, while others adjust for era.

But one thing is clear: Wayne Gretzky remains the undisputed No. 1, while the debate for spots 2–10 will rage on forever.

And with Connor McDavid still in his prime, this list could change in the coming years.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons