The NHL has had many phenomenal players through it’s 106 years of existence. Although the NHL has seen many legends grace the ice, there are five skaters who stand out as the best of the best.
Number 5: Mark Messier
In the 1980’s the Oilers were considered the team of the decade by winning 4 Stanley Cups. A big part of their success was due to the stellar play of Mark Messier. Although Messier won the 1984 Conn Smythe Trophy, the Oilers were considered to be Wayne Gretzky’s team. However, when Gretzky was traded, Messier showed the NHL world what he could do as the number 1 option. In 1990, Messier won the Memorial Hart Trophy and led the Oilers back to the promised land to secure their first Cup without Gretzky. In 1992, Messier left for New York and found more success with the Rangers, where he won the Memorial Hart Trophy once again. In the 1994 playoffs, the Rangers were facing elimination against the Devils, but thanks to Messier’s hat trick, the Rangers won the series and eventually the Stanley Cup. Mark Messier won 6 Stanley Cups (5 with the Edmonton Oilers and 1 with the New York Rangers), which is tied for the most Stanley Cups by any player since 1980.by
Number 4: Bobby Orr
The player with the most James Norris Trophies is Bobby Orr, also known as the best defenseman of all time. From 1968-1975, Bobby Orr won the James Norris Trophy 8 consecutive times. However, Bobby Orr changed the way defensemen played by showcasing offensive ability. As most defensemen were known to stay back and help the goalie, Orr would help attack the defense. From his quick speed and IQ of the game, Orr could maneuver his way to score. Orr remains as the only defenseman to win the Art Ross Trophy, in which he accomplished this twice, in 1970 and 1975. To compliment his six 100 point seasons, Orr also led the Bruins to great success as a team. In 1970 and 1972, the Bruins were Stanley Cup Champions, where Orr would earn the Conn Smythe Trophy in both those seasons. Bobby Orr isn’t only the greatest defensemen of all time, but he is one of the best players as well.
Number 3: Gordie Howe
“Mr. Hockey” is the nickname given to the one and only great Gordie Howe, who is the only player to ever play in four different decades. Howe played from 1947-1971 with the Detroit Red Wings and 1980 with the Hartford Whalers. In his 26 seasons in the NHL, Howe has made an All Star appearance in 23 of those seasons. Howe won 4 Stanley Cups from 1950-1955 and secured 6 Hart Memorial Trophies. To match the Hart Memorial, Howe also has won 6 Art Ross Trophies. Howe is the only player to make a first or second NHL All Star team in four different decades. The longevity and consistency of Gordie Howe is what makes him one of the greatest players to ever play the game. While Marleau did pass Howe’s all-time games played, there may never be a player who can constantly put up the all-star numbers that Gordie Howe has done in his career.
Number 2: Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is regarded by many hockey fans as the most talented player to ever play the game. When it comes to passing, puck handling, and scoring, Lemieux could it all. In 1984, the Pittsburgh Penguins were dead last in points and had never made the Stanley Cup Finals in their existence. Fortunately for the Penguins, Lemieux would be the savior of the franchise. Through Lemieux’s tenure, he recorded 10 seasons with more than 100 points and would win the Art Ross Trophy six times. In the 1991 playoffs, Lemieux would have 44 points in the playoffs, which is the second most in any postseason. The individual excellence of Lemieux resulted in back-to-back Championships for the Penguins in 1991 and 1992. Lemieux is also in the 1,000 points club, but he is the only one to play less than 1,000 games. The NHL has never seen a talent like Mario Lemieux who could do it all as a leader.
Number 1: Wayne Gretzky
The number 1 spot belongs to none other than the man they call the “The Great One” of hockey. Wayne Gretzky holds 55 NHL records from the regular season and playoffs that have not been broken to this day. This includes the most total goals, assists, and points ever scored. To go along with the all-time records, Gretzky has won the Hart Memorial Trophy nine times, which is not only the most MVPs in hockey but also the most MVPs in any professional American sport. Gretzky has also led the league in scoring 11 times, which is the most Art Ross Trophies won by any player. To add on to the individual dominance, Gretzky is also a four-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Edmonton Oilers, where he won two Conn Smythe trophies as well. Gretzky has the championship and individual accolades to live up to the spot as the greatest NHL player to ever play the game.
