Ice hockey has seen some incredible talent over the years, with legendary players leaving a lasting impact on the game. When ranking the top 10 ice hockey players of all time, the criteria often include career achievements, individual statistics, influence on the game, and leadership. Here’s a list of the top 10 ice hockey players, in no particular order, who have had the greatest influence and success in the sport:
1. Wayne Gretzky
- Overview: Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. His record-breaking career includes the most goals, assists, and points in NHL history. Gretzky revolutionized the game with his vision and playmaking abilities, leading to four Stanley Cup victories.
- Career Achievements:
- 4 Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- 2,857 career points (most in NHL history)
- 894 career goals (most in NHL history)
- 1,963 career assists (most in NHL history)
- Legacy: Gretzky’s intelligence on the ice, his exceptional leadership, and his incredible skill make him the standard by which all other hockey players are measured.
2. Gordie Howe
- Overview: Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe played for an astonishing five decades and remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the sport. Howe was known for his skill, physicality, and longevity, which allowed him to excel at the highest level into his 50s.
- Career Achievements:
- 4 Stanley Cups (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)
- 801 career goals (second-most in NHL history at the time of his retirement)
- 1,850 career points
- 23 All-Star appearances
- Legacy: Howe’s combination of skill and toughness earned him respect across the league, and his longevity set a new standard for durability in the sport.
3. Bobby Orr
- Overview: Bobby Orr is often regarded as the greatest defenseman in NHL history. His speed, offensive ability, and impact on both ends of the ice changed how the position was played. Orr’s ability to create offense from the blue line was revolutionary.
- Career Achievements:
- 2 Stanley Cups (1970, 1972)
- 8 Norris Trophies (best defenseman)
- 915 career points (as a defenseman)
- 270 career goals (as a defenseman)
- Legacy: Orr’s impact on the game, particularly as a defenseman who could score and set up plays like a forward, has influenced generations of players who model their game after him.
4. Mario Lemieux
- Overview: Mario Lemieux was one of the most talented players to ever step onto the ice. Known for his combination of size, skill, and creativity, Lemieux overcame numerous injuries and health challenges to have an extraordinary career, including leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories.
- Career Achievements:
- 2 Stanley Cups (1991, 1992)
- 1,723 career points
- 690 career goals
- 3 Hart Trophies (MVP)
- Legacy: Lemieux’s unique skill set and ability to dominate the ice despite his injuries make him a standout player in hockey history.
5. Jean Béliveau
- Overview: Jean Béliveau was a legendary figure in Montreal Canadiens history and a symbol of class and leadership. Béliveau was one of the most complete players to ever play the game, combining skill, size, and leadership.
- Career Achievements:
- 10 Stanley Cups (most by any individual player)
- 1,219 career points
- 507 career goals
- 5 Art Ross Trophies
- Legacy: Béliveau is considered one of the greatest all-around players in hockey history and a symbol of the Canadiens’ success.
6. Sidney Crosby
- Overview: Sidney Crosby has been one of the defining players of the 21st century, known for his exceptional playmaking, leadership, and work ethic. Crosby has led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup victories and has won multiple MVP awards.
- Career Achievements:
- 3 Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017)
- 2 Hart Trophies (MVP)
- 1,400+ career points (as of 2024)
- 2 Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014)
- Legacy: Crosby’s vision, leadership, and success in big moments (including his “Golden Goal” at the 2010 Olympics) solidify him as one of the greatest players in history.
7. Dominik Hašek
- Overview: Dominik Hašek is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalies of all time. His unorthodox style, quick reflexes, and dominant performances in the crease made him a nightmare for opposing shooters.
- Career Achievements:
- 2 Stanley Cups (1997, 1998)
- 6 Vezina Trophies (best goalie)
- 389 career wins
- 81 career shutouts
- Legacy: Hašek’s unique playing style and his dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s make him one of the most iconic goaltenders in the NHL’s history.
8. Nicklas Lidström
- Overview: Nicklas Lidström was a defensive genius, known for his incredible hockey IQ, ability to control play, and leadership on the ice. Lidström was a key player for the Detroit Red Wings for nearly two decades and is regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in history.
- Career Achievements:
- 4 Stanley Cups (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008)
- 7 Norris Trophies (best defenseman)
- 1,142 career points
- 1,000+ career games played
- Legacy: Lidström’s ability to shut down opposing offenses and contribute offensively made him one of the most complete defensemen the game has ever seen.
9. Jaromír Jágr
- Overview: Jaromír Jágr is one of the greatest and most durable players in the history of the NHL. Known for his size, skill, and longevity, Jágr played in the NHL for more than 30 years and continues to play professional hockey in Europe.
- Career Achievements:
- 2 Stanley Cups (1991, 1992)
- 1,921 career points
- 766 career goals
- 5 Art Ross Trophies (leading scorer)
- Legacy: Jágr’s ability to maintain his level of play into his 40s is a testament to his conditioning and commitment, and his scoring totals make him one of the greatest to ever play.
10. Larry Robinson
- Overview: Larry Robinson was one of the best defensive players of all time. A member of the legendary Montreal Canadiens teams of the 1970s, Robinson was known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to shut down top scorers.
- Career Achievements:
- 6 Stanley Cups (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986)
- 2 Norris Trophies (best defenseman)
- 1,380 career points
- Legacy: Robinson’s leadership and physical play were key to the Canadiens’ dynasty, and he is considered one of the top defensemen in NHL history.
Conclusion:
These players are some of the most influential figures in the history of ice hockey. Whether through scoring records, leadership, or revolutionizing their positions, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport. Many of them are not only recognized as legends by fans but are also celebrated for their contributions to the evolution of the game.