Greatest NHL Players of All Time

No all-time greats fly under the radar like the stick-and-puck guys.

Greatest NHL Players of All Time

Take a poll about the most overlooked and underappreciated pro athletes of all, and hockey has our vote. It’s the culture. As the most humble, selfless, blood-and-guts game in sports, pucks are about team first and last. Honestly, when was the last time the NHL aggressively marketed its best players?

The league can’t even name its best players. When a handpicked panel tried just that in its 100th anniversary season, they somehow left out Evgeni Malkin, a surefire Hall of Famer whose name appears on every major career statistical list.

So we’ve the consulted a higher authority (that would be me) to give the greatest players in NHL history their just due. The criteria take into account individual statistics/all-time rankings/honors plus position played, historical significance and team performance.

OK, Boom Boom, shoot da puck.

Note: All statistics are through the 2018-19 season. Incomplete ones are marked with asterisks.

60. Tony Esposito, Goaltender

Experience: 1968-84 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 39.1 wins, 2.93 goals-against average, .906 save percentage

Point shares/82: 16.5

Stanley Cup championships: None

60. Tony Esposito, Goaltender

Bottom line: There was a time when the three-time Vezina Trophy winner was as good as it got in the regular season, as evidenced by his 16 shutouts as a rookie. Then, the playoffs started.

The absence of a Stanley Cup championship on his resume cost "Tony O" a few spots on the list, and brother Phil deserves some of the blame for it.

59. Tiny Thompson, Goaltender

Experience: 1928-40 (12 seasons)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics/82: 42.1 W, 2.12 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 15.9

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1929)

59. Tiny Thompson, Goaltender

Bottom line: The four-time Vezina Trophy winner was the last line of defense on the dominant B’s teams of the 1930s decade.

He was the league leader in victories five times, goals-against average four times and shutouts three times. There was no better glove hand of his time.

Tiny fun fact: His nickname came in jest as a youth. At 5-foot-10, he was one of the bigger goalies of his era.

58. George Hainsworth, Goaltender

Experience: 1926-36 (10 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 43.4 W, 1.93 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 16.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1930, 1931)

58. George Hainsworth, Goaltender

Bottom line: Unless the 4-by-6 becomes 2-by-3, his 0.92 goals-against average and 22 shutouts in the 1928-29 season will never be surpassed.

The three-time Vezina Trophy recipient ranks second in GAA (1.93) on the all-time list.

57. Bobby Clarke, Center

Experience: 1969-1984 (15 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 25.7 goals, 61.1 assists, 86.7 points, 36.3 plus-minus rating

Point shares/82: 7.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1974, 1975)

57. Bobby Clarke, Center

Bottom line: This three-time league Most Valuable Player was one of the all-time great leaders whose value went beyond mere numbers.

The captain was the rare superstar grinder — and he had the jack-o'-lantern grin to prove it.

56. Bryan Trottier, Center

Experience: 1975-94 (18 seasons)

Teams: New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics: 33.6 G, 57.8 A, 91.4 PTS, 28.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 7.7

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1991, 1992)

56. Bryan Trottier, Center

Bottom line: The captain of the Islanders' dynasty was a winner in every way. In fact, he did so many things well, his ability to put the biscuit in the basket was overlooked at times.

"Trots" ranks 21st in points per game (1.11) and 25th in shooting percentage (.184) overall.

And he’s one of only eight players with multi five-goal games.

55. Steve Yzerman, Center

Experience: 1983-2006 (22 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics: 37.5 G, 57.6 A, 95.1 PTS, 10.0 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.0

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1997, 1998, 2002)

55. Steve Yzerman, Center

Bottom line: Rarely has an 18-year-old rookie entered the league and dominated so many grown men.

I’ll never forget the play at Chicago Stadium early in his career, when Steve Yzerman carried the puck into the attack zone, stickhandled around/through three defenders, then roofed a shot over the fallen goalie.

Yet that was almost routine compared his 55-foot jaw-dropper that decided Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference semis.

54. Martin Brodeur, Goaltender

Experience: 1991-2015 (22 seasons)

Teams: New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 44.8 W, 2.24 GAA, .912 SV%

Point shares/82: 13.4

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1995, 2000, 2003)

54. Martin Brodeur, Goaltender

Bottom line: Would you believe that some metrics say he’s ranked too high here?

While his 691 regular-season victories and 125 shutouts are the most in league history, save percentage is a better gauge of individual performance.

Take into account that the lucky Devil spent much of his career in the dead puck era, plus the ample support he received in an ultra-conservate system, and his advanced numbers are closer to very good than all-time great.

53. Bill Cowley, Center

Experience: 1934-47 (13 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Eagles, Boston Bruins

Career statistics: 29.1 G, 52.9 A, 82.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 8.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1939, 1941)

53. Bill Cowley, Center

Bottom line: An exceptional skater-stickhandler with the vision and touch to match, this three-time league assists leader and two-time Hart Trophy recipient blazed the trail for setup men in the middle.

He’s the only Hall of Famer to have spent time with the Eagles, the one-season wonders formerly known as the Ottawa Senators.

"Cowboy" fun fact: He assisted on all three of Mel "Sudden Death" Hill’s overtime goals in the 1939 semis en route to the Stanley Cup title.

52. Teemu Selanne, Right Wing

Experience: 1992-2014 (21 seasons)

Teams: Winnipeg Jets, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics: 38.7 G, 43.7 A, 82.3 PTS, 5.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.7

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2007)

52. Teemu Selanne, Right Wing

Bottom line: The "Finnish Flash" reminded me of Guy Lafleur — smooth, fast and lethal. Oh, and he had some of the best hockey hair ever.

Not only do his 684 goals rank 11th on the all-time list, but like "The Flower," he’s on the short list of most fun players to watch as well.

Can’t think of many who were this popular among fans and teammates alike.

51. Bernie Geoffrion, Right Wing

Experience: 1950-64 1966-68 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 36.5 G, 39.8 A, 76.3 PTS, *7.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.2

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

51. Bernie Geoffrion, Right Wing

Bottom line: Few players left such an indelible mark than the first to reach the magic 50-goal mark. Bernie Geoffrion also was a pioneer of the slap shot, which convinced goalies to don face masks before long.

"Boom Boom" fun fact: He was so named after the cannon sound his trademark blasts made upon contact with the boards in his junior hockey days.

50. Dit Clapper, Right Wing-Defenseman

Experience: 1927-47 (20 seasons)

Teams: Boston Bruins

Career statistics: 22.5 G, 24.4 A, 46.8 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 9.3

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1929, 1939, 1941)

50. Dit Clapper, Right Wing-Defenseman

Bottom line: This trendsetter was one of the first true power forwards and played on the first line with a nickname ("The Dynamite Line").

He also was the first to survive 20 seasons and one of two players to be an All-Star at multiple positions.

Dit fun fact: He became part of "Slap Shot" lore when coach Reggie Dunlop famously said to his Charlestown Chiefs players, "Old-time hockey — Toe Blake, Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore. Those guys were the greats!"

49. Frank Mahovlich, Left Wing

Experience: 1956-74 (18 seasons)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 37.0 G, 39.6 A, 76.6 PTS, *20.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1973)

49. Frank Mahovlich, Left Wing

Bottom line:. He was known as "The Big M," a big man with a big shot. In Toronto, they also referred to Frank Mahovlich as "Moses" in expectation of a Stanley Cup, which he helped deliver four times.

While he never did part Lake Ontario, the man who scored 533 career goals was a sight to behold when he swooped in from the left side nonetheless.

48. Chris Pronger, Defenseman

Experience: 1993-2012 (18 seasons)

Teams: Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 11.0 G, 38.0 A, 49.0 PTS, 12.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2007

48. Chris Pronger, Defenseman

Bottom line: He began his career as a 19-year-old hatchet man, finished it as a double-figures goal scorer.

In between, he became the second defenseman to win the Norris and Hart Awards in the same season.

The other: Bobby Orr.

47. Pierre Pilote, Defenseman

Experience: 1955-69 (14 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics: 7.4 G, 38.5 A, 45.9 PTS, *23.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.6

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)

47. Pierre Pilote, Defenseman

Bottom line: The longtime captain is the answer to this bit of trivia: Who was last the multiple Norris Award winner before Bobby Orr claimed it for his own?

The frequent puck-rusher helped bridge the gap between Doug Harvey and No. 4 on the back line.

Pierre Pilote wasn’t allergic to contact, either.

46. Scott Niedermayer, Defenseman

Experience: 1991-2015 (22 seasons)

Teams: New Jersey Devils, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks

Career statistics: 11.2 G, 36.9 A, 48.0 PTS, 10.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.2

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1995, 2000, 2003, 2007)

46. Scott Niedermayer, Defenseman

Bottom line: While the Devils were plainer than vanilla in their heyday, here’s the rare exception. He was the strawberry sundae with sprinkles on top.

The one-time Norris and Smythe Trophy winner had the speed and instincts to join the rush or even lead it on occasion.

Niedermayer ... alive!

45. Brett Hull, Right Wing

Experience: 1986-2006 (19 seasons)

Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes

Career statistics/82: 47.9 G, 42.0 A, 89.9 PTS, 1.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1999, 2002)

45. Brett Hull, Right Wing

Bottom line: In the late '80s-early '90s, the "Golden Brett" was the Barry Bonds of pucks. Or was Bonds the Golden Brett of baseball?

Either way, the king of the one-timer scored 228 goals ... in a span of three seasons. That’s sick.

Um, why didn’t opponents intentionally walk him? His 741 career goals rank behind only Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Jaromir Jagr on the all-time list.

44. Chris Chelios, Defenseman

Experience: 1983-2010 (26 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics: 9.2 G, 37.9 A, 47.1 PTS, 17.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1986, 2002, 2008)

44. Chris Chelios, Defenseman

Bottom line: "Chelly" played forever, and few defensemen accomplished more — seven All-Star Games, three Norris Trophies, three Stanley titles.

The emotional D-man produced seven seasons of 60 points or more and was equally effective at the other end.

43. Joe Sakic, Center

Experience: 1988-2009 (20 seasons)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 60.5 A, 97.7 PTS, 1.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

43. Joe Sakic, Center

Bottom line: This team captain set the tone by example — he excelled at equal strength as well as with the power-play and penalty-kill units.

He ranks ninth in points, 13th in assists and 16th in goals per game on the all-time list.

42. Brad Park, Defenseman

Experience: 1968-85 (17 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wing

Career statistics/82: 15.7 G, 50.3 A, 66.0 PTS, 26.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.6

Stanley Cup championships: None

42. Brad Park, Defenseman

Bottom line: His biggest mistake was that he played in the Bobby Orr era. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so taken for granted even in New York early in his career.

He was was the Norris Trophy runner-up no fewer than eight times, half of them to you-know-who.

41. Charlie Conacher, Right Wing

Experience: 1943-50 (seven seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 44.5 G, 2.36 A, N/A

Point shares/82: 11.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1932)

41. Charlie Conacher, Right Wing

Bottom line: The most celebrated of the famous Conacher family was known as "The Big Bomber" for his 6-foot-1 size and howitzer of a shot. In a span of six seasons (1930-36), he led the league in goals five times.

Popular? The one-time Toronto heartthrob finished 11th in a local poll of the top 100 Maple Leafs players of all time, which was taken 75 years after his final game.

40. Aurele Joliat, Left Wing

Experience: 1922-38 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 33.7 G, 24.3 A, 58.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 11.0

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1924, 1925, 1930. 1931)

40. Aurele Joliat, Left Wing

Bottom line: He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one-time league Most Valuable Player, one of the first great snipers in the league. Only Nels Stewart and Howie Morenz had more career goals at the time of his retirement.

Yet while Aurele Joliat's No. 4 was co-retired by the franchise, only that of Jean Beliveau can be seen in the Bell Centre raftors.

Tell me why, kids.

39. Bill Cook, Right Wing

Experience: 1926-37 (11 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers

Career statistics: 39.4 G, 23.8 A, 63.2 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 12.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1928, 1933)

39. Bill Cook, Right Wing

Bottom line: The original Blueshirt captain carried his team to four Stanley Cup Final series. He led the league in goals and points on two occasions.

That Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur and Teemu Selanne are a few of the right wingers on his similarity scores list puts him in pretty good company.

38. Brian Leetch, Defenseman

Experience: 1987-2006 (18 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 16.8 G, 53.1 A, 70.0 PTS, 1.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1993)

38. Brian Leetch, Defenseman

Bottom line: He was a five-time All-Star and two-time Norris Trophy winner, but his greatest accomplishment was this: He was the backbone of the Stanley Cup championship team that put that worn-out 1940 thing to rest.

On behalf of everyone except the Vancouver Canucks, we say thank you very much.

37. Peter Forsberg, Center

Experience: 1994-2008, 2010-11 (13 seasons)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators

Career statistics/82: 28.8 G, 73.7 A, 102.5 PTS, 27.6 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.3

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

37. Peter Forsberg, Center

Bottom line: If not for a ruptured spleen, this two-way terror would have put up even more monstrous numbers. He returned one year later to have his best season ever, but we would never see that player again.

Nonetheless, he ranks fourth in assists and eighth in points per game in league history.

"Peter Puck" fun fact: He was known as "Foppa" in his native Sweden, "Floppa" in most NHL cities.

36. Bill Durnan, Goaltender

Experience: 1943-50 (7 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 44.5 W, 2.36 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 19.4

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1944, 1946)

36. Bill Durnan, Goaltender

Bottom line: He was the original Ken Dryden — a future Hall of Fame netminder who achieved more in a few short years than all but a few would in a career.

In seven seasons, he led the league in point shares six times, goals-against average six times, victories four times and shutouts twice.

He entered the league in the war years, but his brilliance extended well beyond that.

35. Al MacInnis, Defenseman

Experience: 1981-2004 (23 seasons)

Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 19.7 G, 54.1 A, 73.8 PTS, 21.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.3

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1989)

35. Al MacInnis, Defenseman

Bottom line: Among defensemen, only Ray Bouque and Paul Coffey had more career goals, assists and points, but none could fire a puck quite like Al MacInnis.

His trademark slapper was once clocked at 100.4 miles per hour in the Hardest Shot competition, which he won a record seven times.

Oh, and this was accomplished with a wooden stick that he used throughout his career.

34. Larry Robinson, Defenseman

Experience: 1972-92 (20 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings

Career statistics/82: 12.3 G, 44.4 A, 56.8 PTS, 42.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986)

34. Larry Robinson, Defenseman

Bottom line: There was a time in the 1970s when the safest answer to "Which team won the Stanley Cup?" was "Which team had Larry Robinson on its roster?"

Only two defensemen hoisted it more times — Jean-Guy Talbot and Serge Savard.

"Big Bird" combined size, physicality and leadership like few ever at the position.

33. King Clancy, Defenseman

Experience: 1921-37 (16 seasons)

Teams: Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 19.0 G, 20.8 A, 39.8 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 14.4

Stanley Cups: 3 (1923, 1927, 1932)

33. King Clancy, Defenseman

Bottom line: This 5-foot-7, 170-pound bulldog was one of the first lethal goal scorers on the back line.

Had the Norris Trophy been around, he would have as many as three on his resume.

His similarity scores compare favorably to those of Al MacInnis and Larry Robinson in the modern era.

32. Paul Coffey, Defenseman

Experience: 21 seasons (1980-2001)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Panthers, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 23.0 G, 66.1 A, 89.1 PTS, 17.3 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1991)

32. Paul Coffey, Defenseman

Bottom line: While Wayne Gretzky and boys up front got most of the goals and hype, it was Paul Coffey who triggered the Oilers' attack at the back end.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner was the best skater/puck mover not named Bobby Orr at the position.

31. Nels Stewart, Center

Experience: 15 seasons (1925-1940)

Teams: Montreal Maroons, Boston Bruins, New York Americans

Career statistics/82: 40.9 G, 24.1 A, 65.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 12.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1926)

31. Nels Stewart, Center

Bottom line: This 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was the Phil Esposito of his time, one of the first power forwards and a premier lamp-lighter.

His rookie season was among the best of any era — 34 goals in 36 game and the first of his two Hart Trophies.

30. Glenn Hall, Goaltender

Experience: 18 seasons (1952-53, 1954-71)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82 games: 36.8 wins, 2.50 goals against, .918* save percentage

Point shares/82: 10.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)

30. Glenn Hall, Goaltender

Bottom line: The Blackhawks were chronic underachievers for much of the 1960s, but don’t blame their man between the pipes.

If not for Glenn Hall and his Smythe Trophy-worthy performance in the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, they would have been 0-for-the-decade.

Eight years later, he won the award with an overmatched Blues team that got swept in the series. Besides, anyone named "Mr. Goalie" has to be on this list.

29. Bernie Parent, Goaltender

Experience: 14 seasons (1965-79)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 36.5 W, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%

Point shares/82: 16.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1974, 1975)

29. Bernie Parent, Goaltender

Bottom line: The Flyers would have zero Stanley Cup banners without Bernie Parent.

He was one of three players (and the only goalie) to capture the Conn Smythe Award in consecutive seasons.

The others: Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux.

28. Stan Mikita, Center

Experience: 22 seasons (1958-80)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 31.8 goals, 54.4 assists, 86.2 points, 19.4 plus-minus rating

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (1961)

28. Stan Mikita, Center

Bottom line: The four-time league points leader made one of the most remarkable transitions ever —from hatchet man to Lady Byng Trophy winner in two short years.

Along with teammate Bobby Hull, the crafty pivot pioneered the curved stick blade much to the horror of goalies everywhere.

27. Mike Bossy, Right Wing

Experience: 10 seasons (1977-87)

Teams: New York Islanders

Career statistics/82: 62.5 G, 60.3 A, 122.8 PTS, 41.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)

27. Mike Bossy, Right Wing

Bottom line: Confident? In his first contract talks, the kid assured Islanders general manager Bill Torrey that he would score 50 goals in his debut season.

Then the rookie went out and scored 53 of them. That’s all Boss could do — score goals and win Stanley Cups.

In fact, no player lit the lamp (0.76 per game) at a higher rate in league history. Only a back problem that shortened his career prevents a higher score here.

26. Denis Potvin, Defenseman

Experience: 15 seasons (1973-88)

Teams: New York Islanders

Career statistics/82: 24.0 G, 57.4 A, 81.4 PTS, 35.3 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.4

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)

26. Denis Potvin, Defenseman

Bottom line: There was some truth in those "Potvin Sucks" chants at old Madison Square Garden, you know.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner could be loud, whiny, pompous and worse. In his prime, though, few defensemen were better at both ends.

If not for health issues in the prime of his career, he would have been greater yet.

25. Evgeni Malkin, Center

Experience: 13 seasons (2006-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 37.6 G, 58.8 A, 96.4 PTS, 6.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.7

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2015, 2016)

25. Evgeni Malkin, Center

Bottom line: "Geno" ranks 14th in points per game (1.18) in league history.

And he’s among only a dozen players to be the regular -eason and postseason Most Valuable Player in their careers.

Anyone who doesn’t have the three-time Stanley Cup champion among the top 100 players ever deserves a lifetime suspension.

24. Ray Bourque, Defenseman

Experience: 22 seasons (1979-2001)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 20.9 G, 59.5 A, 80.3 PTS, 26.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.3

Stanley Cup championship: 1( 2001)

24. Ray Bourque, Defenseman

Bottom line: The guy had everything except a nickname.

His only Stanley Cup victory may be tainted — it came in his final season after the Bruins' lifer bailed on Boston — but that didn’t diminish his status as the best player at his position for nearly two full decades.

His five Norris Trophies rank behind only Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, and Niklas Lidstrom in league history.

23. Terry Sawchuk, Goaltender

Experience: 21 seasons (1949-70)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 37.6 W, 2.73 GAA, .904* SV%

Point shares/82: 15.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1952, 1954, 1955, 1967)

23. Terry Sawchuk, Goaltender

Bottom line: The four-time Vezina Trophy winner still ranks second in shutouts (103) and seventh in victories (445) on the all-time list.

If the Smythe Award had been available, he would have at least two of those as well.

His 1952 postseason set the standard at the position — eight games, eight wins, five goals allowed, four shutouts.

22. Patrick Roy, Goaltender

Experience: 19 seasons (1984-2003)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 43.9 W, 2.54 GAA, .910 SV%

Point shares/82: 15.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1986, 1993, 1996, 2001)

22. Patrick Roy, Goaltender

Bottom line: Three times Patty Wah was chosen the best player with the best team in the postseason.

And the three-time Smythe and Vezina Trophy winner won both awards with different teams.

Can you say "money player," girls and boys?

21. Mark Messier, Center

Experience: 25 seasons (1979-2004)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 32.4 G, 55.7 A, 88.1 PTS, 9.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 7.5

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994)

21. Mark Messier, Center

Bottom line: Stats-wise, "The Moose" was as much about volume as quality — only Gordie Howe played more games. Yet Mark Messier's name appears on every short list of greatest leaders ever, and what number do you place on that?

While ex-teammate Wayne Gretzky failed to win another Stanley Cup after he left E-Town, Mess did the unthinkable in New York.

That major miracle alone gets him a spot here.

20. Red Kelly, Defenseman-Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1947-67)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 17.5 G, 33.8 A, 51.3 PTS, 7.0* +/-

Point shares/82: 9.1

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967)

20. Red Kelly, Defenseman-Center

Bottom line: The first Norris Trophy winner was part of more Stanley Cup teams (eight) than any player not with the Montreal Canadiens and is among the greatest (and most underrated) champions ever.

In his prime, the Red Wings' defenseman was a perennial first-team All-Star candidate.

Later in his career, the Maple Leaf made a seamless transition to center with four more Stanley Cup teams.

Red Kelly even won a seat in the Canadian Parliament, for goshsakes.

19. Ken Dryden, Goaltender

Experience: 8 seasons (1970-79)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 53.3 W, 2.24 GAA, .922 SV%

Point shares/82: 20.4

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)

19. Ken Dryden, Goaltender

Bottom line: Maybe it was because he didn’t have the typical jock mentality. Maybe it was because he held out for an entire season to pursue a law degree. Or maybe it was because there was so much talent around him.

Whatever the reason "The Giraffe" tends to be shortchanged on these lists.

But it’s impossible to ignore that, in seven seasons, Ken Dryden won five Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cups and posted a ginormous .922 save percentage, a full .029 better than the league average at the time.

18. Howie Morenz, Center

Experience: 14 seasons (1923-37)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 40.4 G, 30.6 A, 71.0 PTS, NA +/-

Point shares/82: 15.0

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1924, 1925, 1930, 1931)

18. Howie Morenz, Center

Bottom line: The three-time league MVP was the first true superstar of pro hockey. His end-to-end rushes were the stuff of legends.

When the pint-sized center suddenly passed away shortly after a shattered leg threatened to end his career, he was the top scorer in league history.

The Canadian Press selected him as the best hockey player in the first half of the 20th century.

17. Alex Ovechkin, Right Wing

Experience: 14 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Washington Capitals

Career statistics/82: 49.8 G, 41.8 A, 91.6 PTS, 7.1 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.4

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (2018)

17. Alex Ovechkin, Right Wing

Bottom line: Ovie is the most dominant goal scorer of his time, and a recent Stanley Cup victory fills the only obvious void on his resume.

At 33, there’s still time for him to climb the ladder.

16. Guy Lafleur, Right Wing

Experience: 17 seasons (1971-85, 1988-91)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Quebec Nordiques

Career statistics/82: 40.8 G, 57.7 A, 98.5 PTS, 32.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.5

Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)

16. Guy Lafleur, Right Wing

Bottom line: The three-time Ross Trophy winner was 21st in goals, 23rd in assists and 11th in points per game in league history.

For sheer entertainment value, "The Flower" in full bloom had no equal in his day.

The guy was smoother than a double chocolate-peanut butter milkshake.

15. Dominik Hasek, Goaltender

Experience: 16 seasons (1990-2008)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators

Career statistics/82: 43.4 W, 2.20 GAA, .922 SV%

Point shares/82: 17.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (2002, 2008)

15. Dominik Hasek, Goaltender

Bottom line: For athletic talent, the Gumby-like goalie was the best ever at his position.

In regular-season and postseason history, he’s the only one to rank among the top 11 in goals-against average (seventh and first, respectively) and save percentage (11th, 10th).

Need we say more?

14. Doug Harvey, Defenseman

Experience: 19 seasons (1947-64, 1966-68)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 6.5 G, 33.3 A, 39.8 PTS, 10.9* +/-

Point shares/82: 9.1

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

14. Doug Harvey, Defenseman

Bottom line: The backbone of the Canadiens' dynasty won the Norris Award no fewer than seven times in its first nine years of existence.

He also quarterbacked a power-play unit that was so drop-dead efficient, the rule makers decided to limit teams to one goal per minor penalty.

As a two-way defenseman and team leader, there was none better in his time.

13. Jacques Plante, Goaltender

Experience: 19 seasons (1952-65, 1968-73, 1974-75)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 42.8 W, 2.38 GAA, .920* SV%

Point shares/82: 17.0

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

13. Jaccques Plante, Goaltender

Bottom line: "Jake the Snake" wasn’t the most talented goaltender of all time, not that he was far from it.

He was the one who had the biggest impact on the position, the first to permanently wear a facemask, handle the puck, roam behind the net and direct teammates on the ice among other innovations.

Then. there were those seven Vezina Trophies and half-dozen Stanley Cups.

12. Jaromir Jagr, Right Wing

Experience: 24 seasons (1990-2008, 2011-18)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames

Career statistics/82: 36.2 G, 54.7 A, 90.9 PTS, 15.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.3

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991, 1992)

12. Jaromir Jagr, Right Wing

Bottom line: For all the points (1,921, second-most ever) and game-winners (135, most ever), Ross (five), Lindsay (three) and Hart (one) Trophies, Jaromir Jagr's most impressive feat may be the 134 goals he scored — in his 40s.

If the physical freak hadn’t carried a cash-strapped franchise to the 1999 Eastern Conference semifinals, we might be talkin’ about the Saskatoon Penguins right now.

Oh, and "The Mullet" owns the unofficial record for the most good-hair days in pucks history, too.

11. Bobby Hull, Left Wing

Experience: 15 seasons (1957-72, 1979-80)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers

Career statistics/82: 47.1 G, 43.2 A, 90.3 PTS, 22.1* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (1961)

11. Bobby Hull, Left Wing

Bottom line: Too bad el cheapo Blackhawks owner Arthur Wirtz allowed the "Golden Jet" to bolt to the WHA, a Triple-A league that he kept in business for seven seasons. Otherwise, Bobby Hull would be several spots higher on this list.

No player possessed a more electric mix of speed and power on ice. He was the first player to surpass 50 goals in a season, and if netminders hadn’t begun to wear facemasks early in his career, he also might have been the first to obliterate one with his legendary slap shot.

10. Niklas Lidstrom, Defenseman

Experience: 20 seasons (1991-2012)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics/82: 10.4 G, 45.5 A, 59.9 PTS, 26.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008)

10. Niklas Lidstrom, Defenseman

Bottom line: The best two-way defenseman of the post-Bobby Orr era was as fundamentally correct as any at his position.

The seven-time Norris Trophy-winner was efficient, versatile, durable, coachable and ultimately a winner.

Really, have you ever heard anyone say a bad word about the guy?

9. Eddie Shore, Defenseman

Experience: 14 seasons (1926-40)

Teams: Boston Bruins, New York Americans

Career statistics/82: 15.6 G, 26.6 A, 42.3 PTS, NA +/-

Point shares/82: 14.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1929, 1939)

9. Eddie Shore, Defenseman

Bottom line: It’s kinda strange that the James Norris Trophy was named after the longtime Detroit Red Wings owner, not an elite all-around defenseman to whom it is given each year.

You know, someone like Eddie Shore, the four-time league MVP and first legit star at the position.

He could have won the award as many as nine times, which would stand as the most ever.

So let’s rename it the Shore Trophy, shall we?

8. Phil Esposito, Center

Experience: 18 seasons (1963-81)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 45.9 G, 55.8 A, 101.7 PTS, 16.1 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

8. Phil Esposito, Center

Bottom line: Truth is, "Espie" doesn’t crack the top 10 on many of these lists. To which we say, why the h-e-double-hockey-sticks not?

The guy was a slot machine, a five-time scoring champion, two-time MVP and two-time Stanley Cup-winner, no? Averaged 60 goals and 71 assists in one seven-year stretch?

Also overlooked is his immense role with Team Canada in the epic 1972 Summit Series that changed the sport forever.

7. Jean Beliveau, Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1950-51, 1952-71)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 37.0 G, 51.9 A, 88.9 PTS, 12.8* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.1

Stanley Cup championships: 10 (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971)

7. Jean Beliveau, Center

Bottom line: Most players dream to have one Stanley Cup ring. Well, "Le Gros Bill "had one for each of his eight fingers and two thumbs.

Simply put, the two-time league MVP was the greatest winner with the most storied franchise in hockey history, an indispensable part of not one but two dynasties.

6. Maurice Richard, Right Wing

Experience: 18 seasons (1942-60)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 45.6 G, 35.4 A, 81.0 PTS, 28.9* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

6. Maurice Richard, Right Wing

Bottom line: The "Rocket" didn’t lug around just opponents on his back. The Montreal native also carried the Quebec province, not to mention eight Stanley Cups.

When the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games was suspended for the entire 1955 postseason, fans threatened to burn Montreal to the ground. And when he died, an entire nation mourned for days.

Name another player who had this kind of stranglehold on a franchise, a city and a league. You can’t. Because there wasn’t one.

5. Sidney Crosby, Center

Experience: 14 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 38.8 G, 67.0 A, 105.7 PTS, 15.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 13.0

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2016, 2017)

5. Sidney Crosby, Center

Bottom line: Hard to believe that Sid’s not "The Kid" anymore, isn’t it?

Now he’s merely the best 200-foot player in pucks history, a once-in-a-generation mix of skill, smarts, selflessness, will and physicality.

What’s more, the GOTM (Greatest Of The Millennium) has dominated at all levels when the worldwide talent pool has never been deeper.

4. Gordie Howe, Right Wing

Experience: 26 seasons (1946-71, 1979-80)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 48.7 A, 85.9 PTS, 14.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)

4. Gordie Howe, Right Wing

Bottom line: We all know about his absurd longevity — he scored 15 goals in his farewell season. At 51 years of age.

We tend to forget that he was the first dominant power forward, a force of nature who could score in traffic as well as he could plant an elbow into a face.

As massive as his career numbers may be, they don’t do him justice entirely. In his prime, Gordie Howe was the league points leader five times in a span of seven seasons.

There was only one "Mr. Hockey," and there will never be another like him.

3. Mario Lemieux, Center

Experience: 17 seasons (1984-97, 2000--6)

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 48.7 A, 85.9 PTS, 14.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 15.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991, 1992)

3. Mario Lemieux, Center

Bottom line: The hockey gods broke the mold when they combined his 6-foot-4 size and off-the-charts talent level. What they didn’t give "Super Mario" was longevity.

Who knows what his numbers would look like if everything from a bum back to Hodgkin’s disease hadn’t forced him to sit out nearly 500 games?

But let’s not dwell on what might have been. Let’s celebrate all those ridiculous highlights and miraculous comebacks that he gave us all those years.

2. Wayne Gretzky, Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1979-99)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 49.3 G, 108.2 A, 157.5 PTS, 28.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 13.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988)

2. Wayne Gretzky, Center

Bottom line: "The Great One" was Barry Bonds without the steroids, a hockey prodigy who made a joke of the record book in the live puck era.

We could bore you with the details, but there’s not enough space here.

So here’s our favorite: If the nine-time league MVP hadn’t scored one stinkin’ goal, he still would be the all-time points leader on his 1,963 assists alone.

Gretzky played chess. Everyone else played Chutes and Ladders.

1. Bobby Orr, Defenseman

Experience: 12 seasons (1966-79)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 33.7 G, 80.5 A, 114.2 PTs, 72.6 +/-

Point shares/82: 18.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

1. Bobby Orr, Defenseman

Bottom line: Four reasons why No. 4 is No. 1 — and it’s not close, really.

The eight-time Norris and three-time Hart Trophy-winner didn’t just revolutionize the game. As the first defenseman to trigger the offense — sacre bleu! — he took it by the collar and dragged it out of the Dark Ages. The game became quicker, faster and more creative because of him, not to mention a whole lot more fun to watch.
No player was more dominant at his position. His career 1.39 points per game are a full 28 percent more than Paul Coffey, who's next in line. What about Wayne Gretzky, you ask? His 1.92 points per game are a scant 5 percent better than Mario Lemieux, who ranks second.
No player was more valuable to his team, as evidenced by his crazy plus-0.89 rating per game. Runner-up Larry Robinson checked in at plus-0.52. Any misguided soul who thinks of the guy as a one-trick pony obviously didn’t see him play 30-plus minutes per game, hand out a check, block a shot or drop his gloves.
His 1970 Stanley Cup Final game winner remains one of the epic moments in pro sports, not to mention the coolest hockey photo of all time. All he needed was the Superman cape.

Any questions, girls and boys?