Alexander Ovechkin is getting closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history. In his quest to catch Gretzky, Ovechkin has moved past numerous hockey greats to reach the top ranks.
From his debut season in 2005-06, Ovechkin quickly became known as a high-scoring player, netting 52 goals and earning the Calder Trophy. Since then, he has consistently maintained an incredible scoring rate, accumulating almost every possible award a hockey player can win.
As Ovechkin has climbed the all-time goals chart, he has joined and surpassed some of the most legendary players ever to play hockey. In 2022, Ovechkin solidified his place in history by taking second place from Gordie ‘Mr. Hockey’ Howe with his 802nd career goal.
Being positioned between Howe and Gretzky, and potentially surpassing them both, puts Ovechkin in elite company. Steve Yzerman, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and Detroit Red Wings icon, is also featured on this prestigious list at No. 10.
Jaromir Jagr, who played for 24 seasons from 1990-2018, is the only contemporary player who comes close to Ovechkin’s era. Jagr’s 766 goals rank fourth in NHL history, with the majority of his goals scored before Ovechkin entered the league.
As Ovechkin gets closer to Gretzky’s record, here are the NHL’s top 10 all-time goal scorers:
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
