In the realm of ice hockey, determining the pinnacle player is a contentious endeavor. Employing a blend of intuition, observation, and historical analysis, aficionados attempt to discern the most formidable talents to ever grace the rink. Dispensing with the formality of algorithms and spreadsheets, I’ve crafted a subjective roster of the top 10 hockey players, drawing solely from my fervently held convictions. Disagree with my selections? Brace yourself for a metaphorical five-minute major penalty.
Alex Ovechkin
Within my workplace, there exists a singular colleague who holds an unwavering adoration for Alex Ovechkin. Anecdotes about Ovechkin’s prowess on the ice often punctuate our conversations, with my coworker once jesting that Ovechkin reigns as “the world’s greatest human being.” While undoubtedly hyperbolic, Ovechkin’s stature as a hockey titan is irrefutable. Bursting onto the National Hockey League (NHL) scene in 2005 with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin swiftly established himself as a scoring sensation, clinching the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals scored on numerous occasions (2008–09, 2013–16, 2018–19, 2020). Moreover, he boasts a trio of Hart Memorial Trophies (2008–09, 2013), emblematic of his status as the NHL’s most valuable player. Notably, Ovechkin’s career reached its zenith in 2018 when he hoisted the coveted Stanley Cup alongside his Capitals teammates. Beyond his on-ice exploits, Ovechkin captivates audiences with his vibrant persona, characterized by memorable quips (“Russian machine never breaks”) and whimsical antics (such as donning a fisherman’s hat during the 2009 All-Star break). As a peculiar twist of fate, the fervent Ovechkin aficionado in my workplace happens to be none other than my boss.
Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey, quite literally transforming its landscape. As the goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, he revolutionized the game by popularizing the use of face masks. The watershed moment occurred in 1959 when a fierce slap shot left him requiring 21 stitches to mend his facial injuries. Despite the adversity, Plante, the sole goaltender for his team, insisted on returning to the ice only if equipped with a protective face mask. This singular act paved the way for the widespread adoption of facial protection among goaltenders, forever altering the sport’s trajectory. Beyond his contributions to equipment safety, Plante distinguished himself as an exceptional goaltender, instrumental in guiding Montreal to five consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1956 to 1960. In recognition of his unparalleled skills, he earned the title of the league’s most valuable player in 1962 and was a seven-time recipient of the esteemed Vezina Trophy, honoring him as the NHL’s premier goaltender (1956–60, 1962, 1969).
Steve Yzerman
Hailing from Michigan undoubtedly influences my perspective, but Steve Yzerman’s inclusion on this list transcends bias. As a pivotal figure for the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman played an instrumental role in revitalizing a franchise once dubbed the “Dead Wings,” propelling them to the forefront of the hockey world and reclaiming Detroit’s identity as Hockeytown. Holding the distinction of being the longest-serving captain in NHL history, Yzerman steered the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup triumphs (1997–98, 2002), infusing a city longing for success with moments of jubilation. Beyond his on-ice prowess as a versatile player adept at both scoring and defensive play, Yzerman garnered admiration for his exemplary sportsmanship and understated leadership style.
Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk’s legacy as one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders is indisputable. Over a remarkable 21-year career, he amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including four Stanley Cup victories—three with the Detroit Red Wings (1952, 1954–55) and one with the Toronto Maple Leafs (1967)—alongside four Vezina Trophies (1952–53, 1955, 1965). Sawchuk’s dominance between the pipes is epitomized by his staggering career total of 447 wins, highlighted by an unprecedented 103 shutouts, a record that remained unchallenged until 2009. However, his illustrious career was not without its tribulations. Sawchuk endured the physical toll of the game, notably sustaining approximately 400 stitches before embracing the protection of a face mask. In a haunting testament to his sacrifices, Time magazine’s 1966 feature, which reconstructed his facial injuries, serves as a sobering reminder of his commitment to the sport. Tragically, Sawchuk’s personal battles with depression and alcoholism cast a shadow over his achievements, culminating in his untimely death in 1970 at the age of 40, following a fatal altercation with a teammate fueled by intoxication, marking the premature end of a legendary career.
Jean Béliveau
Renowned as one of the finest centers to grace the sport, Jean Béliveau’s legacy shines brightly in hockey’s annals. His illustrious career with the Montreal Canadiens saw him hoist the coveted Stanley Cup an astonishing 10 times (1956–60, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971), cementing his status as a perennial champion. Béliveau’s offensive prowess was unparalleled, evidenced by his then-record 507 career goals, a testament to his scoring prowess and indomitable spirit on the ice. Additionally, he earned the distinction of being named the league’s Most Valuable Player twice (1956, 1964), underscoring his profound impact on the game. Such was Béliveau’s stature within the hockey community that he bypassed the customary three-year waiting period post-retirement, gaining immediate entry into the revered Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard, famously known as “The Rocket,” carved his name into hockey lore by rewriting the record books. As a right winger, he achieved monumental milestones, becoming the first player to notch 500 career goals and the inaugural player to illuminate the lamp 50 times in a single season. Across his illustrious 18-year tenure with the Montreal Canadiens, Richard secured an impressive tally of eight Stanley Cup triumphs (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956–60), solidifying his status as a symbol of excellence within the sport. Renowned for his aggressive style of play and fiery temperament, Richard emerged as a beloved figure among French Canadians, whose fervent support reached a crescendo during his notorious suspension in 1955, sparking riots in the streets of Montreal.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, towering at 6 feet 4 inches (1.9 meters), defied expectations with his remarkable blend of speed and agility on the ice. Throughout his illustrious 17-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Lemieux secured two Stanley Cup championships (1991–92) and amassed an impressive tally of 690 career goals, despite facing adversity following a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, which sidelined him for several seasons. Following his retirement in 1997, he transitioned seamlessly into the role of team owner, spearheading the Penguins’ resurgence from bankruptcy, a feat that solidified his legacy as a transformative figure in the franchise’s history. Lemieux’s enduring passion for the game saw him return to the ice as a player for multiple seasons before ultimately retiring for the final time in 2006. Three years later, his indelible mark on the sport was further etched in history as the Penguins clinched another Stanley Cup victory, making Lemieux the first individual to achieve the milestone of winning the cup both as a player and an owner.
Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is unequivocally hailed as the premier defenseman in hockey history, a sentiment echoed by his unprecedented eight James Norris Memorial Trophy victories (1968–75). During his tenure with the Boston Bruins, Orr achieved a groundbreaking feat as the first defenseman to clinch the NHL scoring title in 1970, further solidifying his status as a transformative figure in the sport. His exceptional contributions on the ice culminated in three league MVP honors (1970–72) and two Stanley Cup triumphs (1970, 1972), underscoring his unparalleled impact on the game.
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky, affectionately dubbed “The Great One,” left an indelible mark on the sport with his unparalleled finesse and lightning-fast speed. Renowned for his ability to shatter records, Gretzky’s legacy is epitomized by his remarkable feat of netting an unprecedented 894 goals. His illustrious career saw him hoist the Stanley Cup four times with the Edmonton Oilers (1984–85, 1987–88) and secure the title of NHL’s Most Valuable Player an astounding nine times (1980–87, 1989). Following his transition to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, Gretzky played a pivotal role in popularizing ice hockey across the United States, laying the groundwork for the sport’s expansion and enduring legacy.
Gordie Howe
Known affectionately as “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe’s illustrious career reverberates through the annals of the sport. His remarkable tally of 801 career goals once stood as a pinnacle in the NHL, showcasing his unparalleled scoring prowess. As a key member of the Red Wings’ famed “Production Line,” Howe contributed to the team’s conquest of four Stanley Cups (1950, 1952, 1954–55), solidifying his status as a perennial champion. Beyond his scoring acumen, Howe earned the moniker “Mr. Elbows” for his gritty style of play, epitomizing the essence of resilience and tenacity on the ice. Renowned for his self-sufficiency, Howe eschewed the need for enforcers, exemplifying a rare breed of player who could seamlessly blend skill with physicality. His enduring legacy extends to the creation of the “Gordie Howe hat trick,” symbolizing a feat encompassing a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game—a testament to his multifaceted impact on the sport. Despite hanging up his skates at the age of 52, Howe’s influence on hockey transcends generations, solidifying his status as an immortal figure in the sport’s rich tapestry.