Top 10 NHL Goal Scorers

Hockey is all about scoring as many goals as possible and some players are just really, really good at it. Listed below are the leading 10 goal scorers in the NHL. These players just know how to make that puck hit the back of the net more than anyone else.

1. Wayne Gretzky – The Great One (894 Goals)

Imagine a player so good at scoring goals that they called him “The Great One.” That’s Wayne Gretzky. Born in 1961 in Canada, Gretzky wasn’t just good; he was a phenomenon. From a young age, he showed a talent for handling the puck like no one else. His journey to becoming the top goal scorer started in the late ’70s and continued through the ’80s and ’90s.

Gretzky’s ability to see the game in a way others couldn’t was his secret weapon. He wasn’t the fastest or the strongest, but he had this incredible hockey sense. His career took him through teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

2. Alexander Ovechkin – The Modern Sniper (826 Goals)

Moving into the modern era of hockey, we encounter a force to be reckoned with – Alexander Ovechkin, known as “Ovi.” Hailing from Russia, Ovechkin burst onto the NHL scene in the mid-2000s and has been scoring goals at a relentless pace. As of now, his goal count is 826 and counting.

Ovechkin’s powerful shots and goal-scoring celebrations have become iconic. He plays for the Washington Capitals, and his style of play has redefined the role of a goal scorer in the contemporary NHL. Ovi’s career is still unfolding, and his impact on the game is ongoing.

3. Gordie Howe – Mr. Hockey (801 Goals)

Mr. Hockey, they called him. Gordie Howe, born in 1928, was a legend in the NHL. Hailing from Canada, Howe’s journey started in the 1940s and continued until the 1980s. His incredible career spanned five decades, and in that time, he scored 801 goals.

Howe was more than just a goal scorer; he was a physical force on the ice. He played for the Detroit Red Wings and then for the Hartford Whalers, showcasing his unique combination of skill and toughness. Known for his versatility, Howe was just as comfortable setting up a goal as he was putting the puck in the net.

4. Jaromir Jagr – The Ageless Wonder (766 Goals)

Now, imagine a player who seemed to defy time itself, Jaromir Jagr. Born in 1972 in the Czech Republic, Jagr’s career started in the early ’90s, and even now, in the 2020s, he’s still playing at a high level. Jagr’s goal-scoring prowess led him to score 766 goals and counting.

Jagr played for various teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, to name a few. His style of play combined finesse, skill, and a determination to keep going. Even as he aged, Jagr continued to score goals, proving that age is just a number when it comes to the love of the game.

5. Brett Hull – The Golden Jet’s Legacy (741 Goals)

The name “Hull” is synonymous with goal-scoring greatness and Brett Hull, carried on the family legacy. The son of the legendary Bobby Hull, Brett earned his own nickname – “The Golden Jet.” His career in the NHL started in the late ’80s, and by the time he retired, he had scored 741 goals.

Brett Hull’s signature move was his lethal wrist shot. He played for teams like the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Detroit Red Wings, making a mark with his natural goal-scoring ability. Hull wasn’t just following in his father’s footsteps; he was creating a path of his own, etching his name in the annals of hockey history.

6. Mario Lemieux – A Scorer and Playmaker (690 Goals)

In the heart of the ’80s and ’90s, another name echoed through arenas – Mario Lemieux. Born in Canada, Lemieux was a scoring machine with 690 career goals. What set him apart was not just his goal-scoring ability but his playmaking prowess.

Lemieux played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his combination of size, skill, and vision made him a formidable force on the ice. Injuries may have disrupted his career at times, but when he played, he was a marvel to watch. Lemieux’s impact on the game extended beyond his own goals; it was in the way he elevated the play of those around him.

7. Mark Messier – The Leadership Scorer (694 Goals)

Enter the era of leadership and scoring with Mark Messier, born in Canada in 1961. Messier wasn’t just a scorer; he was a leader who easily score. His start in the NHL commenced in the late ’70s, and by the time he retired, he had scored 694 goals.

Messier’s leadership qualities were as legendary as his goal-scoring ability. He played for teams like the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, guiding them to multiple championships. Messier’s impact wasn’t just in the goals; it was in the way he inspired his teammates to reach new heights.

8. Steve Yzerman – Captain Clutch (692 Goals)

A captain, a clutch performer, and a goal scorer – Steve Yzerman embodied all these qualities. Yzerman’s NHL career took off in the early ’80s. His career total of 692 goals is evidence of his scoring prowess and leadership on the ice.

Yzerman spent his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings, becoming one of the most beloved figures in the franchise’s history. His ability to score crucial goals in big moments earned him the nickname “Captain Clutch.” Yzerman’s impact isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the way he became the heart and soul of a team.

9. Maurice Richard – The Rocket’s Legacy (544 Goals)

Stepping back into the early days of NHL history, we encounter the legendary Maurice Richard, known as “The Rocket.” Richard played in an era where the game was rugged and the goals were hard-fought. His career, primarily with the Montreal Canadiens, saw him score 544 goals.

The Rocket’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. He was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one season, a feat that set the stage for future goal-scoring legends.

10. Luc Robitaille – The Left Wing Luminary (668 Goals)

Closing our list is Luc Robitaille, a left-winger born in Canada in 1966. Robitaille’s NHL journey began in the mid-’80s, and by the time he hung up his skates, he had scored 668 goals. His career took him to teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers.

Robitaille’s unique style made him stand out. He wasn’t the fastest, but he had a knack for finding open spaces and putting the puck in the net. His left-wing luminary status wasn’t just about the goals; it was about the consistency and reliability he brought to the game.

Conclusion

These players aren’t just goal scorers; they’re the legends who made the crowd jump with joy every time they found the back of the net. It’s not just fans who expect goals whenever they are on the field, even bettors at top betting sites always look forward to good fortunes from these phenomenal players. Whether it’s Gretzky, Howe, Jagr, Hull, or Ovechkin, they’ve left a legacy in the NHL, showing us that scoring goals isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating moments that hockey fans will remember forever.