Best NHL Players By Number 0 – 99: The Greatest to Wear Each Jersey
In the NHL, a player’s jersey number is more than just a way to identify them on the ice—it’s a part of their legacy. Some numbers have become iconic because of the legendary players who wore them, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
From Wayne Gretzky’s famous No. 99 to Mario Lemieux’s No. 66, these numbers often symbolize greatness, hard work, and unforgettable moments in hockey history. Over the years, NHL stars have made certain jersey numbers synonymous with excellence, and those numbers have come to represent more than just a player—they represent eras of dominance and unforgettable careers.
In this list, we’ll highlight the best NHL players by number 0 – 99, each one etching their name into hockey lore and forever associating their number with greatness.
Table of Contents
#1: Glenn Hall
One of the greatest goaltenders of all time, Glenn Hall revolutionized the position with his “butterfly style” of goaltending. Over his 18-year career, Hall earned 407 wins and played an incredible 502 consecutive games, which is still a record for goaltenders. He won the Vezina Trophy three times and captured the Stanley Cup in 1961 with the Chicago Blackhawks.
#2: Brian Leetch
A two-time Norris Trophy winner and Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 1994, Brian Leetch is widely regarded as one of the greatest American defensemen in NHL history. Leetch was an offensive force on the blue line and played a pivotal role in leading the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years.
#3: Pierre Pilote
A dominant defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, Pierre Pilote was a three-time Norris Trophy winner and a cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ defense during the 1960s. Known for his leadership and consistency, Pilote was also instrumental in helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 1961.
#4: Bobby Orr
Considered by many to be the best defenseman in NHL history, Bobby Orr revolutionized the game with his offensive play. Orr won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman eight times and led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships. His end-to-end rushes and dominance on the ice redefined what a defenseman could do.
#5: Nicklas Lidström
A seven-time Norris Trophy winner, Lidström is one of the best defensemen in the modern era of hockey. Known for his impeccable positioning and leadership, Lidström was the backbone of the Detroit Red Wings for two decades, winning four Stanley Cups and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2002.
#6: Phil Housley
One of the most skilled offensive defensemen in NHL history, Phil Housley tallied over 1,200 points throughout his career. Known for his exceptional skating and playmaking abilities, Housley is among the highest-scoring defensemen of all time, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the ice as a coach.
#7: Phil Esposito
A prolific goal scorer, Phil Esposito was a two-time Hart Trophy winner and five-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the NHL’s top scorer. Esposito was the offensive engine for the Boston Bruins during their 1970s heyday, helping lead them to two Stanley Cup championships.
#8: Alexander Ovechkin
One of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, Alexander Ovechkin has redefined what it means to be a power forward. Ovechkin has consistently led the NHL in goals throughout his career, and he finally captured a long-awaited Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018. He is still climbing the all-time goal-scoring list.
#9: Gordie Howe
“Mr. Hockey” is synonymous with the number 9 and is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Howe’s combination of skill, toughness, and longevity set him apart as one of the NHL’s most legendary figures. He won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and scored over 800 career goals.
#10: Guy Lafleur
A dynamic winger for the Montreal Canadiens, Guy Lafleur won five Stanley Cups in the 1970s. Known for his blazing speed and ability to score clutch goals, Lafleur remains one of the most iconic players in Canadiens history and was a true game-changer every time he stepped on the ice.
#11: Mark Messier
Renowned for his leadership and two-way play, Mark Messier won six Stanley Cups and is regarded as one of the greatest captains in hockey history. Messier famously led the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994 and is the only player to captain two different teams to championships.
#12: Jarome Iginla
A fierce competitor and prolific goal scorer, Jarome Iginla was the face of the Calgary Flames for much of his career. With over 600 career goals, Iginla was known for his physical style of play and leadership on and off the ice, earning respect as one of the game’s great power forwards.
#13: Mats Sundin
The long-time captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mats Sundin was an elite center who finished his career with over 1,300 points. Sundin was known for his strong two-way play and leadership, becoming one of the most revered players in Leafs history and one of the best Swedish players ever.
#14: Brendan Shanahan
Known for his combination of scoring touch and physical play, Brendan Shanahan won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. Shanahan’s toughness and goal-scoring ability made him a key figure in the Red Wings’ dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he remains one of the most impactful power forwards in NHL history.
#15: Milt Schmidt
A Boston Bruins legend, Milt Schmidt was known for his strong two-way play and leadership during his Hall of Fame career. Schmidt was instrumental in leading the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships and later served as a coach and general manager, further cementing his legacy with the team.
#16: Brett Hull
One of the best pure goal scorers in NHL history, Brett Hull finished his career with over 700 goals. Known for his powerful one-timer and lethal shot, Hull led the NHL in goals multiple times and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1991. He won Stanley Cups with both the Dallas Stars and the Detroit Red Wings.
#17: Jari Kurri
An elite winger who played alongside Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. Kurri was one of the most skilled offensive players of his generation, known for his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, making him one of the greatest European players in NHL history.
#18: Denis Savard
Known for his dazzling playmaking and puck skills, Denis Savard was a fan favorite and a dynamic offensive player during his career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Savard was known for his “spin-o-rama” moves and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000, solidifying his place among the greats.
#19: Steve Yzerman
One of the greatest captains in NHL history, Steve Yzerman led the Detroit Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships. Known for his leadership, two-way play, and clutch performances, Yzerman was a 10-time All-Star and a key figure in the Red Wings’ dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
#20: Luc Robitaille
The highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, Luc Robitaille was known for his scoring touch and ability to find the back of the net. Robitaille had a Hall of Fame career with over 1,400 points and won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002.
#21: Stan Mikita
One of the best two-way forwards in NHL history, Stan Mikita won two Hart Trophies and led the Chicago Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup in 1961. Mikita was known for his offensive skills and was one of the pioneers of the curved stick, which added to his incredible playmaking ability.
#22: Mike Bossy
One of the purest goal scorers in NHL history, Mike Bossy scored 50 goals in nine consecutive seasons, a record that still stands. Bossy was a key player in the New York Islanders’ dynasty, helping them win four consecutive Stanley Cups in the early 1980s.
#23: Bob Gainey
Known for his exceptional defensive play, Bob Gainey is often regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in NHL history. Gainey won five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and captured the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward four times.
#24: Chris Chelios
A gritty and tenacious defenseman, Chris Chelios had an NHL career that spanned over two decades. He won three Norris Trophies as the league’s best defenseman and captured three Stanley Cups during his career, becoming one of the most respected and durable defensemen in the game.
#25: Dave Andreychuk
Dave Andreychuk is one of the best power forwards of his era, known for his net-front presence and goal-scoring ability. He scored over 600 career goals and won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. Andreychuk’s strength on the puck and ability to score in close made him a legendary figure in NHL history.
#26: Peter Stastny
Peter Stastny revolutionized the NHL as one of the first major European players to make an impact in the league. A gifted playmaker and scorer, Stastny accumulated over 1,200 points in his career, largely with the Quebec Nordiques, and was a six-time All-Star.
#27: Scott Niedermayer
One of the smoothest skating defensemen in NHL history, Scott Niedermayer won four Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals. Niedermayer was known for his offensive and defensive prowess, which helped him win the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.
#28: Steve Larmer
A consistent offensive performer for the Chicago Blackhawks, Steve Larmer scored over 1,000 points during his career. Known for his durability, Larmer played in 884 consecutive games and was a key figure for Chicago in the 1980s and early 1990s.
#29: Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden was a dominant goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, winning six Stanley Cups and five Vezina Trophies in his short but illustrious career. Dryden’s imposing size and calm demeanor in net made him one of the most feared goaltenders of his era.
#30: Martin Brodeur
Widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders in NHL history, Martin Brodeur holds the record for most wins and shutouts in the league. Known for his puck-handling skills and ability to steal games, Brodeur was a key figure in the New Jersey Devils’ three Stanley Cup championships.
#31: Grant Fuhr
Grant Fuhr was a key part of the Edmonton Oilers’ dynasty in the 1980s, backstopping the team to five Stanley Cups. Fuhr’s athleticism and ability to make timely saves earned him a reputation as one of the best clutch goaltenders in NHL history.
#32: Dale Hunter
Dale Hunter was known for his tough, physical style of play and leadership as captain of the Washington Capitals. With over 1,000 career points and 3,000 penalty minutes, Hunter was a fierce competitor who made life difficult for opponents.
#33: Patrick Roy
One of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, Patrick Roy revolutionized the butterfly style and won four Stanley Cups. Known for his fiery competitiveness and ability to shine in big moments, Roy’s confidence and clutch play made him one of the most respected players in the game.
#34: John Vanbiesbrouck
“Beezer” was a fan favorite and one of the best American goaltenders of his time. He won the Vezina Trophy in 1986 and helped lead the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996 with his acrobatic saves and elite-level goaltending.
#35: Tony Esposito
Tony Esposito was one of the premier goaltenders of the 1970s and 1980s. A three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Esposito was known for his butterfly style and his excellence in net for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he posted over 400 career wins.
#36: Matthew Barnaby
Known more for his agitator role, Matthew Barnaby played over 800 games in the NHL, combining his grit and toughness with occasional offensive contributions. He became one of the most infamous “pests” in NHL history.
#37: Olaf Kölzig
“Godzilla” was a fan favorite for the Washington Capitals, backstopping the team to their first-ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1998. A Vezina Trophy winner, Kölzig was known for his size, quick reflexes, and leadership.
#38: Pavol Demitra
A highly skilled forward, Pavol Demitra was a consistent offensive producer throughout his NHL career. Known for his playmaking and goal-scoring abilities, Demitra had several 70+ point seasons, making him one of the league’s most dangerous players in the early 2000s.
#39: Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek, also known as “The Dominator,” is widely considered one of the best goaltenders of all time. Known for his unconventional style, Hasek won six Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies, as well as leading the Detroit Red Wings to two Stanley Cup championships.
#40: Henrik Zetterberg
Henrik Zetterberg was the heart and soul of the Detroit Red Wings for over a decade. Known for his two-way play, Zetterberg helped the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in 2008 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP that year.
#41: Jason Allison
Jason Allison was an excellent playmaking center during his prime, posting multiple point-per-game seasons. Known for his hockey IQ and leadership, Allison was a key figure for the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings during his career.
#42: Sergei Makarov
A legendary figure in international hockey, Sergei Makarov was a key member of the Soviet Union’s dominant national team. In the NHL, he won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year at age 31 and had a successful career with the Calgary Flames.
#43: Martin Biron
A reliable goaltender throughout his NHL career, Martin Biron played for several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers. Known for his consistency and professionalism, Biron was a dependable presence in net.
#44: Chris Pronger
One of the most feared and dominant defensemen in NHL history, Chris Pronger won the Hart Trophy and Norris Trophy in 2000. Known for his physical play and leadership, Pronger led the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup in 2007 and was a force on the blue line throughout his career.
#45: Arron Asham
A rugged forward known for his physical play, Arron Asham played over 900 games in the NHL, bringing grit and toughness to every team he played for. He was known for his work ethic and ability to chip in offensively when needed.
#46: David Krejci
A highly skilled playmaker, David Krejci has been a key player for the Boston Bruins for over a decade. Known for his vision and ability to elevate his game in the playoffs, Krejci helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011.
#47: Alexander Radulov
A dynamic offensive player, Alexander Radulov has been known for his passion and skill on the ice. After a successful career in Russia, Radulov returned to the NHL and became a key contributor for the Dallas Stars.
#48: Scott Young
A versatile forward, Scott Young had a lengthy NHL career, playing over 1,100 games and winning two Stanley Cups. Known for his speed and scoring touch, Young was an effective player for multiple teams throughout his career.
#49: Brian Savage
Brian Savage was known for his quick release and scoring ability during his time in the NHL. He was a consistent offensive producer, particularly with the Montreal Canadiens, and provided valuable depth scoring throughout his career.
#50: Corey Crawford
Corey Crawford was a key part of the Chicago Blackhawks’ two Stanley Cup championships in 2013 and 2015. Known for his steady play in net and ability to come up big in clutch moments, Crawford was a crucial figure in the Blackhawks’ dynasty years.
#51: Brian Campbell
A smooth-skating defenseman, Brian Campbell was known for his puck-moving abilities and vision. He played key roles for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and helped them capture the Stanley Cup in 2010. Campbell was reliable on both ends of the ice and had a lengthy career in the NHL.
#52: Adam Foote
A gritty and physical defenseman, Adam Foote was a stalwart on the Colorado Avalanche’s blue line, helping the team win two Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001. Known for his toughness and defensive prowess, Foote was a critical part of the Avalanche’s defensive core for over a decade.
#53: Jeff Skinner
Jeff Skinner made an immediate impact in the NHL, winning the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2011. Known for his quick release and scoring ability, Skinner has been a consistent offensive threat throughout his career, including several 30+ goal seasons.
#54: David Jones
A reliable winger for the Colorado Avalanche, David Jones brought a combination of size, speed, and scoring ability. Known for his gritty play, Jones had multiple 20-goal seasons and was a valuable player in the Avalanche’s top-six forward group.
#55: Larry Murphy
One of the highest-scoring defensemen in NHL history, Larry Murphy won four Stanley Cups during his career, two with the Pittsburgh Penguins and two with the Detroit Red Wings. Known for his offensive ability and hockey IQ, Murphy is one of the most decorated defensemen to ever play the game.
#56: Erik Haula
A versatile forward, Erik Haula has made significant contributions throughout his career with his speed and ability to play both center and wing. Haula had a breakout season with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-2018, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season.
#57: David Perron
David Perron has been a consistent scoring winger throughout his NHL career, known for his offensive creativity and puck-handling skills. A key player for the St. Louis Blues, Perron helped lead the team to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2019.
#58: Kris Letang
A key piece of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017, Kris Letang is one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL. Known for his speed and puck-moving ability, Letang has been a crucial player for the Penguins throughout his career.
#59: Roman Josi
Roman Josi has become one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, known for his offensive ability and leadership as captain of the Nashville Predators. Josi won the Norris Trophy in 2020 as the league’s best defenseman and has consistently been among the top scorers from the blue line.
#60: Jose Theodore
Jose Theodore had a standout career as a goaltender, highlighted by winning both the Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy in 2002. Known for his quick reflexes and acrobatic style, Theodore played for several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals.
#61: Rick Nash
A powerful forward with a scoring touch, Rick Nash was one of the top offensive players of his generation. Nash won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer in 2004 and was a consistent presence on the ice for the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers.
#62: Carl Hagelin
Known for his elite speed, Carl Hagelin has been a valuable two-way winger throughout his NHL career. Hagelin’s speed and forechecking ability helped him win two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
#63: Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand has become one of the most dynamic and polarizing players in the NHL. Known for his skill and agitator role, Marchand has been a key player for the Boston Bruins, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2011 while becoming a consistent offensive threat with multiple 30+ goal seasons.
#64: Mikael Granlund
A skilled playmaking center, Mikael Granlund has been a consistent offensive contributor throughout his NHL career, particularly with the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators. Granlund’s vision and puck-handling abilities have made him a valuable top-six forward.
#65: Erik Karlsson
One of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in NHL history, Erik Karlsson is a two-time Norris Trophy winner and has been a game-changer with his skating, vision, and ability to generate offense from the blue line. Karlsson has consistently been among the top point-producing defensemen in the league.
#66: Mario Lemieux
Arguably one of the greatest players in NHL history, Mario Lemieux was a dominant force on the ice. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time Hart Trophy winner, and six-time scoring champion, Lemieux’s combination of size, skill, and vision made him one of the most unstoppable players to ever play the game.
#67: Max Pacioretty
Max Pacioretty has been one of the NHL’s top goal scorers over the past decade, known for his powerful shot and leadership. As the long-time captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Pacioretty was a consistent offensive producer before continuing his career with the Vegas Golden Knights.
#68: Jaromir Jagr
One of the greatest players in NHL history, Jaromir Jagr is second all-time in points and played an incredible 24 seasons in the league. Known for his elite puck control, strength, and scoring ability, Jagr won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and continued to dominate well into his 40s.
#69: Mel Angelstad
Mel Angelstad is best known for his toughness and willingness to drop the gloves. Though his NHL career was short, he remains one of the few players to wear the number 69 in the NHL, making him a memorable figure for this unique choice of jersey number.
#70: Braden Holtby
Braden Holtby helped lead the Washington Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018 with his stellar play in net. Known for his consistency and clutch performances, Holtby has been one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, also winning the Vezina Trophy in 2016.
#71: Evgeni Malkin
One of the most dominant centers in the NHL, Evgeni Malkin has been a key part of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ success, winning three Stanley Cups. A two-time scoring champion and Hart Trophy winner, Malkin’s combination of size, skill, and vision has made him one of the best players of his generation.
#72: Sergei Bobrovsky
A two-time Vezina Trophy winner, Sergei Bobrovsky has been one of the NHL’s top goaltenders during his career. Known for his athleticism and ability to make big saves in key moments, Bobrovsky has been a crucial player for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.
#73: Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder was a consistent goal scorer throughout his career, known for his quick release and scoring touch. Ryder was an integral part of the Boston Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team and enjoyed several 30+ goal seasons during his career.
#74: T.J. Oshie
T.J. Oshie is known for his clutch performances, particularly in shootouts and international play. A versatile forward with a scoring touch, Oshie helped lead the Washington Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2018, cementing his legacy as a fan favorite.
#75: Ryan Reaves
One of the toughest enforcers in the NHL, Ryan Reaves is known for his physical play and fighting ability. Reaves brings an intimidating presence to the ice, while also contributing with timely hits and energy to his teams.
#76: P.K. Subban
P.K. Subban was one of the most electrifying defensemen of his era, known for his offensive skills and physical play. Subban won the Norris Trophy in 2013 as the league’s best defenseman and played key roles for teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.
#77: Ray Bourque
One of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, Ray Bourque was a five-time Norris Trophy winner and one of the most consistent players to ever play the game. Bourque is the all-time leader in points by a defenseman and finally won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001.
#78: Anthony Mantha
Anthony Mantha is a skilled forward known for his size and scoring ability. A former first-round pick, Mantha has been a valuable contributor for both the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals, with multiple 20-goal seasons under his belt.
#79: Andrei Markov
A steady and reliable defenseman, Andrei Markov was a key player for the Montreal Canadiens for nearly two decades. Known for his leadership and ability to quarterback the power play, Markov finished his career as one of the top defensemen in Canadiens history.
#80: Nikolai Khabibulin
“The Bulin Wall” was one of the best goaltenders of his time, known for his quick reflexes and ability to make clutch saves. Khabibulin won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and had a long, successful career in the NHL.
#81: Marian Hossa
Marian Hossa was one of the best two-way forwards in NHL history, known for his elite defensive play and offensive production. Hossa won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks and was one of the most respected players of his generation.
#82: Martin Straka
A versatile forward, Martin Straka was known for his playmaking ability and scoring touch. Straka had a long career in the NHL, particularly shining during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he consistently put up solid offensive numbers.
#83: Ales Hemsky
Ales Hemsky was known for his smooth skating and playmaking ability. A key player for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2000s, Hemsky provided consistent offensive contributions and was a fan favorite for his creativity with the puck.
#84: Mikhail Grabovski
Mikhail Grabovski was a speedy and skilled center known for his offensive flair. He had several productive seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities with his quickness and vision.
#85: Petr Klima
Petr Klima was an exciting offensive player known for his goal-scoring ability and speed. Klima played a key role in the Edmonton Oilers’ Stanley Cup win in 1990 and had several 30-goal seasons during his NHL career.
#86: Nikita Kucherov
One of the most dominant offensive players in today’s game, Nikita Kucherov has won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and captured the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2019. Known for his vision and goal-scoring ability, Kucherov has established himself as one of the NHL’s elite forwards.
#87: Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner, Crosby’s combination of skill, leadership, and determination has defined the Pittsburgh Penguins’ success in the modern era.
#88: Patrick Kane
One of the most skilled American players in NHL history, Patrick Kane has been a dynamic force for the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups and the Hart Trophy in 2016. Known for his stickhandling, playmaking, and clutch performances, Kane is one of the best offensive players of his generation.
#89: Alexander Mogilny
A prolific scorer, Alexander Mogilny was one of the most exciting players in the NHL during the 1990s. Mogilny became the first Russian to defect to the NHL and went on to score 76 goals in the 1992-93 season, becoming one of the league’s top goal-scorers.
#90: Joe Juneau
Joe Juneau was a consistent offensive producer during his NHL career, known for his playmaking ability. Juneau was a key player for the Washington Capitals, helping lead them to the Stanley Cup Final in 1998.
#91: Sergei Fedorov
Sergei Fedorov was one of the most complete players in NHL history, excelling as both a forward and a defenseman. Fedorov won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and captured the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1994, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
#92: Gabriel Landeskog
As captain of the Colorado Avalanche, Gabriel Landeskog has been a key leader and contributor for the team’s resurgence in recent years. Known for his physical play and scoring ability, Landeskog has been a consistent force in both the regular season and playoffs.
#93: Doug Gilmour
Doug Gilmour was a fierce competitor and one of the best two-way centers in NHL history. Gilmour won the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward and was known for his leadership, grit, and playmaking ability, especially during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
#94: Ryan Smyth
“Captain Canada” was known for his grit, heart, and ability to score in front of the net. Ryan Smyth had a long and productive career in the NHL, particularly with the Edmonton Oilers, where he became a fan favorite for his hard-nosed style of play.
#95: Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene has been one of the NHL’s top offensive players since being drafted third overall in 2009. Known for his speed and puck-handling ability, Duchene has been a key player for several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators.
#96: Tomas Holmstrom
Tomas Holmstrom was known for his net-front presence and ability to screen goaltenders. Holmstrom won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and was one of the best in the league at tipping pucks and creating havoc in front of the net.
#97: Connor McDavid
Considered by many to be the best player in the NHL today, Connor McDavid’s speed, skill, and hockey IQ make him an unstoppable force on the ice. McDavid has won multiple Hart Trophies as league MVP and is already cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
#98: Brian Lawton
The first-ever American player to be drafted first overall in the NHL Draft, Brian Lawton had a solid career, although he didn’t quite live up to the expectations of a first-overall pick. Lawton had a long career, playing over 500 games in the NHL.
#99: Wayne Gretzky
“The Great One” is the undisputed best hockey player of all time. Wayne Gretzky holds virtually every major offensive record in NHL history, including most career points and goals. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and remains the gold standard by which all hockey players are measured.
Final Rankings
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