The National Hockey League (NHL) has witnessed countless legendary goal scorers since its inception in 1917. Of these, some have carved out a niche for themselves in the history of this game by managing the highest totals in goals. This article explores the careers of the top five goal-scorers in NHL history and looks at their achievements, playing style, and what they brought to the game otherwise.

1. Wayne Gretzky

Career Goals: 894

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

Wayne Gretzky, often known as “The Great One,” holds the record for most goals scored in NHL history with a total of 894 goals. He played from 1979 until 1999 for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

The impact of Gretzky on the game is incalculable. Known for being uncannily able to anticipate plays and find ways to get the puck to the back of the net, Gretzky revolutionized the sport with his vision and scoring prowess. All his prolific years were spent with the Edmonton Oilers, with whom he won four Stanley Cups and broke a good number of scoring records. The 92-goal season that Gretzky had in 1981-82 has yet to be matched, and his career totals of 2,857 points and 1,963 assists are records that will probably never be broken.

2. Alex Ovechkin
Career Goals: 853 (as of 2024)

Teams: Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin is also one of the most dynamic goal scorers ever to have played in the NHL, with 853 goals to rank second all-time. Since 2005, he has spent his entire career with the Washington Capitals and become the face of that franchise.

Ovechkin defines his style of play by using a powerful shot, physicality, and relentless drive to score. With his deadly one-timer from the left circle, Ovechkin went on to become a consistent scoring threat throughout his career. He won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018, finally joining the list of the greats of his era. The fact that Ovechkin could hold his level through the years, together with his infectious enthusiasm for the game, has made him a beloved figure in the hockey world.

With increased interest in online sports betting platforms, many have even bet on Ovechkin reaching goal-related milestones, allowing an added level of interest in his pursuit of the records.

3. Gordie Howe
Career Goals: 801

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers

Known more affectionately as “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe scored 801 during his illustrious career from 1946 through 1980. He is best known for playing the lion’s share of his career in Detroit before spending the last seasons of his NHL career playing for the Hartford Whalers.

Howe’s skill, strength, and toughness most definitely gave him the ability to box off most opponents on a playing field. He was known for his ability to score from any angle and his willingness to engage in physical play. During his famed career, Howe played professional hockey well into his 50s, which showed his amazing durability and love of the game. He won four Stanley Cups with the Wings, and became a 23-time NHL All-Star— quite literally putting the stamp on being one of the greatest players of all time.

4. Jaromir Jagr
Career Goals: 766

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

Jaromir Jagr is the fourth all-time goal-scorer in the NHL, netting 766 goals. Playing for nine NHL teams from the year 1990 onwards—to include a brief spell in the KHL—a career that lasted for more than three decades attended the Czech legend. What really made him a nightmare for defenders, though, was Jagr’s special mix of size, strength, and skill. His shielding of the puck and his ability to score in tight spaces were utterly unmatched.

Specifically, Jagr, early on in his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, won two Stanley Cups; well into his 40s, he continued hitting the 50-goal mark. His fitness level and his love for the game, however, kept him competitive into his older years in a way that fully solidified his placement as fan favorite within the world of hockey.

5. Brett Hull
Career Goals: 741

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

Brett Hull, known for his powerful shot and scoring ability, ranks fifth on the all-time list with 741 goals. Over the period spanning 1986-2006 in his career, Hull has played for the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Phoenix Coyotes.

It was Hull’s one-timer and ability to find open ice that purposely made him one of the most lethal goal scorers in NHL history. He is credited with 86 goals in the 1990-91 season, which is still the third highest single-season total. He won the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and again with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. His consistency, scoring touch, and remaining an elite player for so long earned him a myriad of accolades, which include the Hart Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy.

Conclusion
These five players have etched careers that underscore the evolution of scoring over time in the NHL. Wayne Gretzky’s seemingly unbeatable records, Alex Ovechkin’s dynamic scoring ability, Gordie Howe’s lengthily rough contributions, Jaromir Jagr’s size-skill combination, and Brett Hull’s deadly shot represent just some of the many eras and styles since their inception. Their achievements have set yardsticks for future generations and, in many ways, plainly stamped options onto the historical lifeblood of the game.

By Chris Bates