Alexander Ovechkin is getting closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history. While pursuing Gretzky’s record, Ovechkin has surpassed many hockey greats to reach the top rankings.
From his debut season in 2005-06, Ovechkin quickly became known as a high-scoring player, netting 52 goals and winning the Calder Trophy. Since then, he has consistently scored at a high rate and earned almost every possible award in hockey.
As Ovechkin climbed the all-time goal charts, he joined and surpassed some of the best players to ever play hockey. In 2022, Ovechkin moved into sole possession of second place, passing Gordie ‘Mr. Hockey’ Howe with his 802nd career goal.
Being positioned between Howe and Gretzky, and possibly surpassing both, puts Ovechkin in exceptional company. Steve Yzerman, a three-time Stanley Cup winner and legend, is also on this prestigious list at number 10.
The only contemporary player close to Ovechkin in goals is Jaromir Jagr, who played for 24 seasons from 1990-2018. Jagr’s 766 goals are fourth in NHL history, with most of them scored before Ovechkin entered the league.
As Ovechkin gets closer to Gretzky’s record, here are the top 10 goal scorers in NHL history.
10. Steve Yzerman | 692
Years: 1983-2006
Games: 1,514
Teams: Detroit Red Wings
9. Mark Messier | 694
Years: 1979-2004
Games: 1,756
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks
8. Mike Gartner | 708
Years: 1979-1998
Games: 1,432
Teams: Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Phoenix Coyotes
7. Phil Esposito | 717
Years: 1963-1981
Games: 1,282
Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers
6. Marcel Dionne | 731
Years: 1971-1989
Games: 1,348
Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers
5. Brett Hull | 741
Years: 1986-2006
Games: 1,269
Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes
4. Jaromir Jagr | 766
Years: 1990-2018
Games: 1,733
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Starts, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames
3. Gordie Howe | 801
Years: 1946-1980
Games: 1,767
Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers
2. Alex Ovechkin | 886
Years: 2005-Present
Games: 1,575
Teams: Washington Capitals
1. Wayne Gretzky | 894
Years: 1979-1999
Games: 1,487
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers
Elton Marrow