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The Best NHL Players of All Time by Decade

The National Hockey League was based on November 26, 1917. Over the league’s 100 years, numerous gamers have left indelible marks on the sport. Names like, Morenz, Shore, Richard, Howe, Beliveau, Orr, Gretzky and Lemieux are uttered in hockey circles with the utmost reverence. If one had been to ask a number of generations who one of the best NHL gamers had been, one would obtain a number of solutions.


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Attempting to match, distinction and checklist the greats throughout a number of many years is a near-impossible (and very subjective) endeavor. In an try to at the very least reduce the subjectivity whereas additionally giving every legend their correct respect for the time during which they performed, the next checklist will probably be damaged down decade-by-decade, all the best way again by means of the NHL’s first full decade (Nineteen Twenties). The 5 greatest gamers will probably be talked about for every, the “best” will probably be recognized, and honorable point out will probably be bestowed upon the greats who didn’t fairly crack the highest 5.

 Tidbits and Criteria

  • Beyond the Nineteen Twenties, candidates should have performed a minimal of 200 video games.
  • Players are solely being measured for his or her play and influence through the decade in query.
  • Following the identification of every decade’s “best” participant, the next 4 gamers (and honorable mentions) are listed in no explicit order.
  • Top-billing serves because the annotation for the last decade’s “best” participant.
  • Some gamers wrapped their greatest seasons across the finish of one decade and starting of one other. This is taken into consideration, however once more, every decade is measured independently from each other.
  • This will not be merely a listing of greatest stats. If so, Ron Francis could be the fifth-best participant of all time. This checklist is about all-around play, influence and innovation.
  • Like the statistical element, Stanley Cup wins will probably be taken into consideration, however that is additionally not merely a listing of “Best Winners.” If it had been, Henri Richard would high the checklist. Great gamers from mediocre-to-bad groups deserve some love too.
  • Some of the all-time greats won’t be listed because the “best” participant from their respective decade(s), and a few received’t even crack the highest 5. It will probably be as stunning to you because it was to me. Some many years had been simply too chock-full of expertise.
  • The Lester B. Pearson Award turned the Ted Lindsay Award previous to the 2009-10 Season.

Finally, I need to thank my father. His perception, data of the sport and firsthand expertise watching some of these gamers proved invaluable. Considering the truth that I’m his namesake, I’m completely happy to share the byline of this text with him.

Buckle up.

Best NHL Players of the Nineteen Twenties

Howie Morenz — Montreal Canadiens

Howie Morenz was the primary respectable celebrity in NHL historical past. He was the primary participant to file 50 factors (1927-28) and 40 objectives (1929-30) in a season. His 179 objectives in 258 video games common out to 56 objectives per in the present day’s 82-game schedule. Allegedly, it was his breathtaking capacity and velocity that persuaded Boston businessman Charles Adams to discovered the Boston Bruins, bringing the NHL to the United States.


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The greatest of the period, in response to one other one of the last decade’s greatest:

He was one of the best. He may cease on a dime and go away you 9 cents change. Howie was in a category by himself. And when he couldn’t skate round you, he’d go proper over you.

-Francis “King” Clancy (Joe Pelletier, GreatestHockeyLegends.com)

He completed the Nineteen Twenties with one Hart Trophy and two Stanley Cup championships, scoring the successful objective in every. Morenz tragically handed away at age 34 from issues stemming from a damaged leg. Fifty-thousand individuals attended his funeral service held on the Montreal Forum.

Cy Denneny — Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins

Cy Denneny was the NHL’s first sniper, scoring 34 objectives in simply 24 video games through the 1920-21 season. His 243 factors paced the last decade, besting Morenz by two factors (in eight extra video games). Despite standing simply five-foot-seven, Denneny would seldom skate away from confrontation; he performed with a bit of a imply streak. He would win 4 Stanley Cups within the decade, together with one as a player-coach for the Bruins in 1929-30.

Georges Vezina — Montreal Canadiens

Georges Vezina was the league’s first star goaltender, donning the “Bleu, blanc, et rouge” for his complete profession. Vezina excelled in an period when goaltenders weren’t allowed to go all the way down to the ice to make saves or freeze the puck (or put on helmets or masks, for that matter). “The Chicoutimi Cucumber” was recognized for his poise and funky demeanor whereas staring down the league’s greatest. He was the primary goaltender to submit a sub-2.00 goals-against-average, doing so in consecutive seasons. He received one Cup within the Nineteen Twenties earlier than an premature dying from tuberculosis at age 39. The award for the NHL’s greatest goaltender is called after Vezina.

Cecil “Babe” Dye — Toronto St. Pat’s, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Americans

Toronto’s first celebrity. His 190 objectives topped all scorers within the decade, main the league in single-season objectives thrice. Prior to his profession being derailed by harm in 1927, Dye had registered 189 factors in simply 182 video games. Blessed with a rocket of a shot, Dye struck worry within the hearts of the period’s goalies. Furthermore, “Babe” performed skilled baseball and soccer, making him one of the best athlete within the NHL within the Nineteen Twenties. He received one Cup with the Toronto St. Pat’s in 1922.

Francis “King” Clancy — Ottawa Senators

The league’s first star defenseman. Diminutive, speedy, and tough-as-nails, he may do all of it. In the 1923 Stanley Cup Final, Clancy performed each place on the ice (sure, together with goaltender); Ottawa received the sport and the collection. Clancy stays the one participant to perform this feat. He scored 153 factors in 306 video games, primarily taking part in protection, and received two Cups within the decade.

Honorable Mention: Aurele Stewart, Nels Clark, Bill Cook

Nineteen Thirties

Eddie Shore — Boston Bruins, New York Americans

“The Edmonton Express” was as feared as he was revered. He primarily singlehandedly introduced hockey to the United States. Shore registered 199 factors in 386 video games, giving him a median of 42 factors per 82 video games; unbelievable numbers for a defenseman within the period. He additionally set the bar for toughness. Shore as soon as had his ear severed so badly from his head that the workforce physician insisted on amputating it, an evaluation with which Shore disagreed. He discovered a unique physician to stitch the ear again on, refused an anesthetic through the surgical procedure and insisted on holding a mirror so he may supervise the work being carried out. Eddie Shore was again at observe the subsequent day.

greatest NHL defensemen Eddie Shore
Eddie Shore (THW Archives)

The legendary powerful man performed by means of greater than only a severed ear:

Driving himself the best way he drove his gamers later, Shore had additionally acquired greater than 900 stitches in his face and physique, a number of fractures in his again, hip, collarbone, nostril and jaw, and a mouth minus each tooth.

-Stan Fischler (Sports Illustrated) March 13, 1967

He received 4 Hart Trophies (nonetheless a file for a defenseman) in a six yr span. He received one Stanley Cup, and in addition holds the file for many fights in a single sport (5).

Cecil “Tiny” Thompson — Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings

The star goaltender performed extra video games (465) than some other participant within the Nineteen Thirties. The pioneer of the glove-save, Thompson’s catlike reflexes and revolutionary method made him one of the best goaltender of the last decade. He completed a season with a goals-against-average under 2.00 4 separate occasions, and recorded 63 shutouts. He’s the one goaltender within the Hockey Hall of Fame to submit a shutout in his NHL debut. He was additionally the primary goalie to file an help. Thompson completed the last decade with three Vezina Trophies.

Charlie Conacher — Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans

No one scored extra objectives within the Nineteen Thirties than Charlie Conacher. With 198 objectives in 374 video games, Conacher scored at a price of 46 objectives per 82 video games all through the last decade. “The Big Bomber” was one of the league’s first energy forwards, possessing an imposing body and booming shot. Teaming up with fellow legend “Busher” Jackson, the 2 wreaked havoc on opposing defenses for the primary half of the last decade. He led the league in objectives 5 occasions, and twice paced the league in factors. Conacher received one Stanley Cup with Toronto in 1932.

Aubrey “Dit” Clapper — Boston Bruins

Dit Clapper, like King Clancy earlier than him, performed everywhere in the ice. He stays the one participant in league historical past to be named an All-Star at each ahead and protection. His 279 factors rank ninth in scoring for the last decade, regardless of a number of seasons spent completely as a defenseman.

A peacemaker regardless of his giant stature, Clapper was concerned in a single of essentially the most surreal moments in league historical past: After twice high-sticking an opponent to the top, referee Clarence Campbell reportedly unloaded on him with a string of verbal jabs. Clapper responded with an precise jab, dropping Campbell to the ice with a single punch.

He completed the last decade paired alongside Eddie Shore, giving Boston one of the best protection pairing within the league. He received one of his three Stanley Cups within the decade (1939).

Marty Barry — Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens

Marty Barry was a mannequin of consistency. During the rough-and-tumble Nineteen Thirties, Barry performed an unthinkable 509 consecutive video games. Moreover, his consistency prolonged past endurance, as he recorded six-consecutive 20-goal seasons throughout that span. His 353 factors within the decade had been sufficient to tempo the league, tying with Busher Jackson. Barry received the Stanley Cup twice, doing so in back-to-back seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

Honorable Mention: Harvey “Busher” Jackson, Nels Stewart, Howie Morenz, Dave Kerr

Nineteen Forties

Maurice “Rocket” Richard — Montreal Canadiens

Maurice Richard and Jim Henry (THW Archives)

“The Rocket” was lower from a unique material; he was in contrast to something the league had beforehand seen. Even Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster Dick Irvin put Richard in a category to himself:

There are objectives, and there are Richard objectives.

-Dick Irvin (Herbert Warren Wind, Sports Illustrated) December 6, 1954

With unmatched velocity and the consummate finisher’s contact, Richard modified the sport greater than any participant earlier than him. He was the primary participant in league historical past to attain 50 objectives in a season, doing so in simply 50 video games through the 1944-45 marketing campaign. He scored 56 extra objectives than his closest competitor. His 250 objectives in 404 video games common out to over 50 objectives per 82 video games.

With piercing black eyes and a mood to match, Richard was additionally not a participant to be trifled with. Though his winningest-days as participant would come within the following decade, “The Rocket” nonetheless managed a Hart Trophy and two Stanley Cup wins within the Nineteen Forties.

Doug Bentley — Chicago Blackhawks

Though marooned on the cellar-dwelling Blackhawks for your complete decade, Bentley discovered a solution to excel. His 475 factors in 455 video games led the league in each complete factors and points-per-game, averaging out to 85 factors per 82 video games. Doug and brother Max Bentley had been the unique Sedin twins previous to Max being traded earlier than the 1947-48 season, because the brothers completed the last decade ranked first and fourth in league scoring. Doug’s lack of supporting solid saved his identify off of the Stanley Cup, and he by no means completed larger than second in Hart Trophy voting. However, it was his capacity to outscore everybody else within the decade in spite of that help which cements his place on this checklist.

Bill Durnan — Montreal Canadiens

Bill Durnan was the best goaltender of the last decade, and it’s not even shut (with all due respect to Frank Brimsek and “Turk” Broda). Durnan captured six Vezina Trophies in a span of seven years; sheer dominance. He was simply as glorious within the playoffs, posting a 2.07 goals-against-average over 45 video games, successful two Stanley Cups.

Walter “Babe” Pratt — New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins

The second “Babe” on our checklist, Pratt’s nickname was earned for his exploits on AND off the ice, very similar to the baseball-playing “Babe.” The defenseman (and occasional ahead) was a infamous playboy, drawing the ire of Rangers GM Conn Smythe and precipitating his commerce away from the intense lights of Broadway. Standing a then-massive six-foot-three, 215 kilos, Pratt may skate and rush the puck in addition to anybody not referred to as “The Rocket.”

He registered 218 factors in 310 video games, and had the Norris Trophy existed within the Nineteen Forties Pratt would have received quite a lot of. He received one Hart Trophy and one Stanley Cup, scoring the series-winning objective in Game 7 of the 1945 Final.

Hector “Toe” Blake — Montreal Canadiens

Though higher often called an eight-time Cup-winning coach, Blake was fairly the participant in his day. The slick and expert Blake registered 386 factors in 376 video games from the left wing place, serving to Montreal seize two Cups in three years.

Maurice Richard, Elmer Lach Toe Blake
Maurice Richard, Elmer Lach and Toe Blake – the Punch Line. (THW Archives)

Honorable Mention: Bill Cowley, Syl Apps, Elmer Lach, Max Bentley, Frank Brimsek, Turk Broda, Bill Mosienko

Fifties

Gordie Howe — Detroit Red Wings

“Mr. Hockey” isn’t essentially the most delicate nickname, and Howe was not essentially the most delicate participant. One approach or one other, his presence was felt every time he hopped onto the ice.

He was constructed to be a hockey participant. He was robust as an ox. Howe was imply as a rattlesnake and also you treaded frivolously if you got here round him. He had a really heavy shot and a tender contact. Old faculty hockey. That was Gordie Howe.

-Red Wings and Maple Leafs ahead Paul Henderson (Sportsnet.ca) June 10, 2016

Gordie howe
Gordie Howe (THW Archives)

Considered by many (including a few fellow contenders) to be the best participant of all time, Gordie Howe WAS hockey within the Fifties. His 806 factors (in simply 688 video games) lead the second-place finisher by 249 factors. That second place finisher additionally occurred to be his linemate, Ted Lindsay. He averaged 99 factors per 82 video games all through the Fifties.

In the last decade, Howe received the Hart and Art Ross Trophies 5 occasions apiece, whereas successful the Stanley Cup 4 occasions. The “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (a objective, help, and a struggle) is essentially the most “hockey player” stat within the sport, and is a becoming testomony to at least one of essentially the most full gamers of all time.

Jean Beliveau — Montreal Canadiens

The solely issues that saved Jean Beliveau from extra awards within the Fifties (and high billing on this checklist) had been Howe and his unbelievable supporting solid in Montreal.

Hockey's best - Jean Beliveau
Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau (THW Archives)

Beliveau is the one participant of the last decade to attain at a better price than Howe, potting 242 objectives in 437 video games. He’s additionally the one participant even remotely near Howe in points-per-game, with 510. Beliveau was a wizard with the puck, and will skate like a person half his measurement (six-foot-three, 205 kilos). He captured one Hart Trophy, one Art Ross Trophy, and received the Stanley Cup 5 occasions within the decade. Like Howe, his greatness didn’t go unnoticed by different legends:

He’s nice. He’s acquired the best shot I’ve ever seen in hockey and he’s a positive man.

-Maurice Richard (Dave Stubbs, NHL.com) January 1, 2017

Also like Howe and Richard, Beliveau’s greatness was hardly relegated to at least one decade.

Maurice “Rocket” Richard — Montreal Canadiens

The first participant on this checklist to crack the highest 5 in a number of many years. Richard was nonetheless elite within the Fifties, as evidenced by his 294 objectives (second solely to Howe). “The Rocket” received the Stanley Cup six extra occasions within the Fifties, together with the final 5 of the last decade.

Doug Harvey — Montreal Canadiens

The biggest defenseman of the last decade, and up to now in historical past, ever. Doug Harvey received seven Norris Trophies in a span of eight seasons within the Fifties. Had the award existed previous to the 1953-54 season he probably would have received one or two extra. His 360 factors led all defensemen within the decade.

Harvey was a dynamo at each ends of the ice. He was unimaginable to beat one-on-one, and quarterbacked the best energy play of all time. Montreal’s energy play was so good within the Fifties that in 1956 the NHL instituted a brand new rule, ending a workforce’s energy play as soon as a objective was scored. Prior to the modification, Montreal would usually rating two and even three objectives over the course of one energy play.

Harvey received the Stanley Cup six occasions within the decade to go together with his spectacular haul of Norris Trophies.

Jacques Plante — Montreal Canadiens

Yes, one other Canadien. Four of the highest 5 spots, and had this been a high ten checklist just a few extra Habs could be included. Montreal was that dominant.

Jacques Plante received every of the final 5 Vezina Trophies of the last decade. Only as soon as within the Fifties did Plante submit a goals-against-average north of 2.16, and in that one anomalous season he nonetheless received the Vezina. He backstopped every of Montreal’s six Stanley Cups within the decade.

Honorable Mention: Ted Lindsay (I can’t consider he’s not within the high 5), Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, Terry Sawchuk, Alex Delvecchio, Bill Gadsby, Andy Bathgate, Dickie Moore, Henri Richard

Sixties

Bobby Hull — Chicago Blackhawks

“The Golden Jet” was the best objective scorer in an period of nice objective scorers. Hull may skate practically 30 miles per hour, and his slap shot was the stuff of legend. Rumor has it his slapper was as soon as clocked at 118 miles per hour. Though that’s probably a bit of an exaggeration, it didn’t appear to be hyperbole to the period’s goaltenders; it’s no shock that the widespread use of masks by goalies coincided with Hull’s ascension. Former opponent and Hall of Fame goaltender Glenn Hall was elated to hitch Hull on on the Blackhawks:

Bobby Hull checks Montreal goalie Gump Worsley (THW Archives)

The better part about coming to Chicago was that Bobby Hull was on my facet,” But I nonetheless needed to face him and his shot in observe. The thought was to not cease that factor, however to keep away from getting killed. Every from time to time, Bobby would hearth the puck and it might fly into the stands on the Stadium. If the cleansing girls had been up there, it is best to have seen them scatter. They appeared like Olympic sprinters.

-Glenn Hall (Bob Verdi, NHL.com) January 1, 2017

Hull’s 440 objectives outpaced second place finisher Frank Mahovlich by 111. His 1.173 points-per sport (96 factors per 82 video games) are second within the decade solely to linemate Stan Mikita. He eclipsed 30 objectives yearly within the decade, 40 objectives six occasions and 50 objectives 4 occasions. He completed the last decade with two Hart Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies and one Stanley Cup ring.

Jean Beliveau — Montreal Canadiens

Beliveau was nonetheless elite in his second decade, recording 633 factors in 618 video games. He added one other Hart Trophy to his mantle, and was the NHL’s first Conn Smythe winner in 1965. He received the Stanley Cup 4 extra occasions within the Sixties, giving him an inconceivable 10 rings as a participant. Beliveau would go on to get his identify on the Cup seven extra occasions as an government with Les Habitants. What a profession for one of the sport’s biggest ambassadors; a real gentleman on and off the ice.

Gordie Howe — Detroit Red Wings

Like Beliveau, Gordie Howe was nonetheless wreaking havoc on the league within the Sixties, registering 780 factors in 708 video games. Despite being 32 years outdated originally of the 1960-61 season, Howe nonetheless managed to play extra video games than anybody else within the decade. As additional testomony to his unmatched longevity, let’s step out of the Sixties for a second for this little tidbit: During the Hartford Whalers’ inaugural NHL season in 1979-80, Howe registered one objective and one help over three playoff video games along with his common season 41 factors; he was 52 years outdated.

Stan Mikita — Chicago Blackhawks

The Czechoslovkia-born Stan Mikita was raised in Canada, however continues to be technically the primary non-North American-born participant on this checklist. The artful pivot led all gamers within the decade in scoring, each in phrases of complete factors (827) and points-per-game (1.18). Teaming with Bobby Hull to kind essentially the most formidable duo of the Sixties, Mikita captured 4 Art Ross and two Hart Trophies. He registered 9 consecutive seasons of 76 factors or extra, and received one Stanley Cup.

Stan Mikita
The Scooter Line (THW Archives)

Mikita may do extra than simply rating and make performs, nonetheless. He had an distinctive Hockey IQ, and was a grasp of “the little things” which can be so vital for a centerman. He was a real pain-in-the-butt to play in opposition to as properly.

Interestingly sufficient, Mikita was one of the league’s chippiest gamers within the first half of the last decade. In the again half of the last decade he received the Lady Byng Trophy twice. Allegedly, the change in taking part in fashion was attributed to Stan eager to set a greater instance for his younger daughter watching at house. Good man, Stan.

Bobby Orr — Boston Bruins

Though the lion’s share of Bobby Orr’s greatness would come within the following decade, he’d already modified the sport ceaselessly by the time the solar had set on the Sixties. A extra detailed breakdown of the participant himself will come within the subsequent part.

Bobby Orr, Ian Young, Danny O'Shea
Danny O’Shea, Ian Young and Bobby Orr (THW Archives)

Orr received three straight Norris Trophies to shut out the Sixties. His 64 level marketing campaign in 1968-69 broke the file for factors by a defenseman in a single season, which merely set the stage for the next yr. In 1969-70, Orr broke his personal file by 56 factors (33 objectives, 87 assists) changing into simply the second participant of ANY place to eclipse 100 factors in a season.

The marketing campaign would turn out to be essentially the most adorned season for any particular person participant within the historical past of the NHL, as Orr would take house the Norris, Hart, Art Ross and Conn Smythe Trophies in addition to the Stanley Cup. The Cup was received solely after Orr scored essentially the most iconic objective in NHL historical past. Not a nasty yr for a 22 yr outdated.

Honorable Mention: Phil Esposito, Frank Mahovlich, Pierre Pilote, Dave Keon, Alex Delvecchio, Norm Ullman, Johnny Bucyk, Tim Horton, Glenn Hall

Nineteen Seventies

Bobby Orr — Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks

No participant earlier than nor since has modified the sport greater than Bobby Orr. Had more than a dozen surgeries on his left knee not ended his profession prematurely who is aware of what else he may have achieved. Regardless, the indelible mark he left on the sport cements his place in historical past as arguably one of the best participant of all time, and simply one of the best of the Nineteen Seventies, regardless of solely taking part in 36 video games from 1975-on.

Bobby Orr appeared to be taking part in a unique sport than everybody else when he was on the ice. It was as if some nice participant from the long run had gone again in time to expedite the maturation and progress of the sport.

All that Bobby did was change the face of hockey all by himself. Bobby was as quick as he wanted to be in a selected scenario. No matter how briskly an opponent was, Bobby may skate sooner than him if he wanted to within the framework of a play. If he was caught up the ice and the opposite workforce had an odd-man rush, that’s if you noticed his really nice velocity. Very seldom did he not get again to have a hand in breaking apart the play. To have seen his final velocity, you’d have wanted to play sooner than any in hockey historical past.

-Phil Esposito (Dave Stubbs, NHL.com) January 1, 2017

With each breathtaking end-to-end rush, unimaginable objective scored or penalty killed single-handedly, Orr captured the creativeness of hockey followers all over the place.

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“Number Four” tallied 659 factors in simply 407 video games; that’s 132 factors per 82 video games. He scored at a better price than any participant within the decade (1.62 factors per sport). His plus/minus of plus-124 in 1970-71 is one of sports activities’ most unbreakable information. He received 5 straight Norris Trophies to start the last decade, capping an unbelievable run of eight consecutive Norris wins. Orr added two extra Hart Trophies, one extra Art Ross Trophy, one Lester Pearson Award, a further Conn Smythe Trophy and yet another Stanley Cup win to his resume within the Nineteen Seventies, giving a stable argument for contemplating him on the high of any checklist of greatest NHL gamers.

Guy Lafleur — Montreal Canadiens

With a reputation like “Guy Lafleur,” there was just one workforce worthy of his providers.

“The Flower” dazzled followers in Montreal and across the league within the Nineteen Seventies together with his velocity, easy skating, creativity and scoring contact. Lafleur registered 941 factors in simply 677 video games; his 1.39 points-per-game was a determine matched solely by Orr and Phil Esposito. He was the primary participant in NHL historical past to file six consecutive 50 objective and 100 level seasons. During Montreal’s four-peat to finish the last decade, he recorded 36 objectives and 41 assists in simply 58 playoff video games.

Lafleur would finish the last decade having received the Hart Trophy twice, the Art Ross Trophy thrice, the Lester Pearson Award thrice, the Conn Smythe Trophy as soon as and the Stanley Cup 5 occasions. Merci beaucoup, Guy.

Bobby Clarke — Philadelphia Flyers

Great gamers usually need to play in opposition to different nice gamers; it serves as an correct and motivating measuring stick. Bobby Clarke, nonetheless, was not a lot enjoyable to play in opposition to.

Though Clarke’s offensive numbers had been spectacular sufficient (891 factors in 773 video games), it was his all-around play that earns him a spot within the high 5. Raised in a Northern Manitoba mining city, Clarke introduced that workmanlike mentality to the rink each day. He was tireless on the forecheck and backcheck, and a very good defensive centerman. Beyond that, he was a genuinely nasty man on the ice. His slash on Valeri Kharlamov through the 1972 Summit Series versus the USSR was about as vicious because it will get.

Being a grimy participant didn’t make Bobby Clarke nice, neither is it half of why he’s on this checklist. Bobby Clarke was essentially the most ferocious competitor of the period (and perhaps ever), and the slashes, elbows, punches and pleasantries had been merely an extension of how badly he needed to beat you. And most of the time, he did.

Clarke captained the Flyers to back-to-back Cup wins in 1974 and 1975, and appeared within the finals two extra occasions over the subsequent 5 seasons. He captured three Hart Trophies in a span of 4 years in addition to one Lester Pearson Award.

Phil Esposito — Boston Bruins, New York Rangers

“Jesus Saves, Esposito Scores on the Rebound,” was a preferred bumper sticker in New England throughout Esposito’s tenure with the Bruins. It served as an equal testomony to his beloved standing and the character during which he scored the lion’s share of his objectives.

His 509 objectives and 1,087 factors had been 104 and 126 (respectively) greater than second-place finisher Guy Lafleur’s totals. “Espo” stays to today essentially the most dominant net-front presence in NHL historical past. Between the 1970-71 and 1974-75 seasons, he averaged 67 objectives per yr. His 76 objectives through the 1970-71 marketing campaign shattered Bobby Hull’s single-season file by 18 objectives.

In the last decade, Esposito received the Art Ross Trophy 4 occasions, the Lester Pearson Award twice and the Hart Trophy as soon as, along with one Stanley Cup victory.

Ken Dryden — Montreal Canadiens

Ken Dryden was a brand new breed of goaltender when he arrived through the 1970-71 playoffs. Standing a monstrous six-foot-four, he towered over the crossbar, incomes him the nickname “Four-Story Goalie.” His talents dwarfed even his personal stature, by no means thoughts the play of his friends.

Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden (THW Archives)

With simply six video games of NHL expertise on the onset of the 1970-71 playoffs, Dryden acquired the decision in internet in opposition to Bobby Orr and the defending Stanley Cup Champs within the first spherical. The 1970-71 Bruins had rewritten nearly each offensive file and breezed by means of the common season. Nevertheless, it was the 23-year-old unknown goaltender and his Montreal Canadiens who moved on en path to a Stanley Cup win, incomes Dryden the uncommon distinction of having received the Conn Smythe Trophy a full yr previous to successful the Calder Trophy for rookie of the yr.

In simply seven seasons, Dryden received the Vezina Trophy 5 occasions. He received the Stanley Cup six occasions. He sat out the 1973-74 season to complete up his Juris Doctorate regardless of having received two Cups within the earlier three seasons. Upon his return, he received 4 Cups in six seasons.

In an period of outrageous objective scoring, Dryden’s 2.24 goals-against-average within the decade was equally outrageous. He registered practically as many shutouts (46) within the decade as he did losses (57). Unreal.

Honorable Mention: Marcel Dionne, Gilbert Perreault, Jean Ratelle, Bernie Parent, Tony Esposito, Brad Park, Denis Potvin, Larry Robinson

Nineteen Eighties

Wayne Gretzky – Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings

“The Great One” is about as delicate a nickname as “Mr. Hockey.” Where does one start when extolling the greatness that was Wayne Gretzky? How lengthy did it take Glen Sather (his first NHL coach) to be bought on his greatness?

Wayne Gretzky (Photo by B Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

It took one observe and one sport. I watched him within the morning on the observe and I watched him play that evening, and I used to be satisfied that this man was going to be an unbelievable participant.

-Glen Sather (The Canadian Press, The Hockey News) January 25, 2011

Gretzky was the best scorer, playmaker and passer of all time. “Eyes in the back of his head” doesn’t even start to do his talents justice. Quite frankly, he knew the place his teammates had been going to be earlier than they did. With the exception of Bobby Orr, no participant has processed the sport at Gretzky’s degree; once I assume of him on the ice I think about a bunch of swirling equations floating round in his thoughts’s-eye.

He completed the last decade with 1,842 factors in 768 video games, a ratio of roughly 2.4 points-per-game. He averaged 196 factors per 82 video games. If one had been to take away each one of Gretzky’s league-leading 626 objectives within the decade he would nonetheless have 157 extra factors than his closest competitor. He recorded 4 200-point campaigns in a span of 5 seasons. Unless the NHL makes a number of, huge rule modifications it’s unlikely that anybody comes near “99’s” scoring information.

best hockey players Gretzky and Lafleur
Gretzky chats with Lafleur (Photo by Frank Lennon/Toronto Star through Getty Images)

Eight Hart Trophies, eight Art Ross Trophies, 5 Lester Pearson Awards, two Conn Smythe Trophies and 4 Stanley Cup wins make Gretzky essentially the most adorned participant on this checklist.

And overlook having your jersey retired by your former workforce; Gretzky’s 99 is retired by your complete league.

Mario Lemieux — Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite not coming into the league till the 1984-85 season, Mario Lemieux did greater than sufficient in his six seasons to make the highest 5 of the last decade. “Super Mario” wreaked havoc on the league from the second he stepped onto the ice…actually. He scored a objective with the primary shot of his first shift of his first sport.

Lemieux had a genuinely unfair mix of measurement (6-foot-4, 230 kilos), ability and velocity that made him practically unstoppable, very similar to fellow Quebecois-star Jean Beliveau.

He registered 838 factors in simply 427 video games, and his price of points-per-game (1.96) is the one determine that even comes near Gretzky’s. Per 82 video games, the common Lemieux season featured 66 objectives (becoming) and 94 assists. He recorded 199 factors (85 objectives, 114 assists) through the 1988-89 season; the best level complete ever by a participant not named “Gretzky.”

Lemieux completed the last decade with two Art Ross Trophies, two Lester Pearson Awards and one Hart Trophy. Though the Nineteen Nineties had been a barely extra adorned period for “Super Mario,” the truth that a child in his early-20s was capable of wrestle awards away from a still-in-his-prime Gretzky is astonishing. Stay tuned for extra on Mario….

Mike Bossy — New York Islanders

Mike Bossy is arguably the best pure-sniper of all time, and he honed his expertise in an unbelievable and distinctive approach:

Your mom loves to inform individuals the story about the way you scored 21 objectives in your first mite hockey sport. But even when that story is true, the objectives solely inform half of the story. Because your mother at all times leaves out the half about how a lot time you spent all by your self out within the yard rink, taking pictures at a picket board. You don’t have an actual internet, so that you observe by aiming for the black puck-marks on the board time and again and over till your ft are frozen.

-Mike Bossy (Player’s Tribune) June 7, 2017

Mike Bossy
Canadian hockey participant Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders on the ice, February 1982. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

Bossy scored 400 objectives in simply 524 video games. He hit the 50-goal mark in six consecutive years to begin the last decade, scoring 60 objectives or extra in 4 of these campaigns. His common of 62 objectives per 82 video games trails solely Gretzky and Lemieux. He and Bryan Trottier served because the offensive engine for a New York Islanders workforce that received the ultimate three of their 4 consecutive Stanley Cups to begin the Nineteen Eighties. Bossy received the 1982 Conn Smythe Trophy, scoring 17 objectives and 27 factors in 19 playoff video games.

Mark Messier — Edmonton Oilers

Though Mark Messier was outscored by just a few of his contemporaries, the completeness of his sport (along with a still-stellar 937 factors in 723 video games) earn him a spot within the decade’s high 5.

Messier was primarily the Bobby Clarke of the Nineteen Eighties; he did all of it. He scored, assisted, checked and defended with equal aplomb. Like Clarke, he introduced just a little bit of nasty with him to the rink every day. His 200-foot sport served as the proper second line praise to Gretzky; in all probability one of the best one-two punch down the center within the historical past of the sport.

Gretzky’s departure to Los Angeles previous to the 1989-90 season paved the best way for Messier to step out from “The Great One’s” shadow to showcase simply how nice he was himself. Messier recorded 45 objectives and 129 factors that season, successful the Hart Trophy, Lester Pearson Award and his fifth Stanley Cup of the last decade.

Raymond Bourque — Boston Bruins

As far as two-way defensemen are involved, solely Bobby Orr (and perhaps Doug Harvey) high Ray Bourque.

Bourque was dominant at both ends of the ice, creating and denying probabilities with equal aptitude. He registered 775 factors in 714 video games, good for a median of 89 factors per 82 video games. He was a cumulative plus-327 within the decade, second solely to Brad McCrimmon amongst defensemen.

Throughout the Nineteen Eighties, “77” would win three of his 5 complete Norris Trophies. He was named a First Team All-Star six occasions, and a Second Team All-Star 4 occasions. As virtuous, honorable and humble as they arrive, Bourque’s greatness started within the Nineteen Eighties, however spanned two full many years.

Honorable Mention: Paul Coffey, Rod Langway, Peter Stastny, Bryan Trottier, Jarri Kurri, Marcel Dionne, Denis Savard, Patrick Roy, Michel Goulet, Phil Housley, Cam Neely, Luc Robitaille, Grant Fuhr

Nineteen Nineties

Mario Lemieux — Pittsburgh Penguins

Had most cancers and a number of again surgical procedures not taken their toll and abbreviated Mario’s profession he may have made a respectable run at Gretzky’s scoring information. He averaged greater than two points-per-game within the 90s; no different participant eclipsed 1.4 points-per-game.

Mario Lemieux (Tony McCune/Wikimedia)

Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster Dick Irvin had the next to say concerning Lemieux’s greatness:

In the playoffs of 1991 and 1992, Mario Lemieux raised the person side of the sport to a better degree than anybody I’ve ever seen play.

-Dick Irvin (Stu Hackel, NHL.com) January 1, 2017

Despite lacking three full seasons and enormous chunks of two others, Lemieux nonetheless managed to win 4 Art Ross Trophies, two Hart Trophies, two Lester Pearson Awards and two Conn Smythe Trophies. After lacking 56 video games through the 1990-91 season, he registered 44 factors in 23 playoff video games, main Pittsburgh to its first-ever Stanley Cup title. It was the primary of two Cups Lemieux would win, doing so once more the next season.

Dominik Hasek — Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres

Dominik Hasek was so good within the 90s that I briefly thought-about placing him on the high of this checklist. “The Dominator” was a brick wall, however one that would contort and morph just like the T-1000 from Terminator 2.

How good was Hasek? He received 5 Vezina Trophies in a decade when Patrick Roy and Ed Belfour had been of their prime, and a few child in New Jersey named Brodeur was successful Cups. He’s the one goaltender in NHL historical past to win the Hart and Lester Pearson a number of occasions, doing so in back-to-back seasons (1996-97, 1997-98).

He carried the 1998-99 Sabres (whose greatest skaters had been Miroslav Satan and Michael Peca) to the Stanley Cup Final. He even took these Sabres to triple-overtime in Game Six versus the mighty Dallas Stars, a workforce which included Mike Modano, Brett Hull, Joe Nieuwendyk and the aforementioned Ed Belfour.

His crowning achievement of the last decade was backstopping (and main) the 1998 Czech Republic workforce to a shocking gold medal win over Canada within the Nagano Olympics.

Wayne Gretzky — Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers

Though well-traveled all through the 90s and on the “back-nine” of his profession, Gretzky was nonetheless “Great” within the decade. His scoring price of 1.372 points-per-game (878 factors in 640 video games) trailed solely Lemieux. Only as soon as in his illustrious profession did “99” common lower than a point-per-game in a season, doing so in his twentieth and remaining yr at 38 years outdated. Still, the 62 factors in 70 video games through the 1998-99 season had been greater than respectable.

Wayne Gretzky, St. Louis Blues
Wayne Gretzky performed with the Blues late within the 1995-96 season. (THW Archives)

Gretzky captured two extra Art Ross Trophies within the decade, and with all due respect to Marcel Dionne, introduced hockey to Southern California.

Jaromir Jagr — Pittsburgh Penguins

Long earlier than he was a greybeard taking part in alongside guys younger sufficient to be his kids, Jaromir Jagr was a youngster excelling in opposition to grown males.

That blistering velocity. That unbelievable ability. That legendary mullet.

Jagr’s velocity, creativity and ending capacity would have made him a risk regardless of who was centering his line. Make that centerman Mario Lemieux and the writing was on the wall; groups could be giving up objectives, and lots of them.

His 958 factors (in 725 video games) led all scorers within the decade. Before discrediting Jagr one iota as being “just Mario’s sidekick,” notice that Jagr recorded 325 factors in 221 video games with out Lemieux between 1997-2000. That’s a median of 120 factors per 82 video games.

He captured the Art Ross Trophy 4 occasions, the Lester Pearson Award twice, the Hart Trophy as soon as, and lifted the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years to start the last decade.

Eric Lindros — Philadelphia Flyers

Admittedly, the Nineteen Nineties had been essentially the most troublesome decade to evaluate; simply an excessive amount of expertise unfold all through the league. It was on this decade that the parity within the NHL started to strategy the degrees of in the present day’s sport. This spot may have gone to just about a dozen gamers, however ultimately went to Lindros. What he was capable of accomplish when wholesome sufficient to play was outstanding.

Lindros was the prototypical energy ahead. He may rating at an elite degree, distribute from the middle place to fellow star John LeClair, and strike worry within the hearts of defensemen together with his measurement (six-foot-four, 230 kilos) and tenacity. His battles with Scott Stevens had been the stuff of legend, like Achilles and Hector on ice. Unfortunately for Lindros, he in the end performed the function of Hector.

He registered 659 factors in 486 video games, giving him a median of 1.36 points-per-game (and 111 factors per 82 video games). He received the Hart Trophy and Lester Pearson Award through the strike-shortened 1994-95 season.

Had he not been slowed and finally subdued by a unending checklist of accidents (together with a horrific concussion sustained here), Eric Lindros may have been one of the all-time greats.

Honorable Mention: Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic, Teemu Selanne, Peter Forsberg, Pat Lafontaine, Pavel Bure, Adam Oates, Ray Bourque, Brian Leetch, Chris Chelios, Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur

2000s

Nicklas Lidstrom — Detroit Red Wings

In a approach, Nicklas Lidstrom picked up the place Ray Bourque left off as an all-situations stalwart on protection. Up a objective, down a objective, offensive zone face-off, defensive zone face-off, it didn’t matter; you needed Lidstrom on the ice.

Nicklas Lidstrom
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings (Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE)

I feel he’s going to go down as one of the all-time greatest defensemen ever to play. Having performed with him and watched him intently from his first sport, individuals find out about it now however we’ve mentioned all of it alongside—it’s a must to watch him intently to understand how good he’s, what an incredible athlete he’s as a result of he makes the place look really easy. He is a particular athlete.

-Steve Yzerman (SportingNews) May 31, 2012

Quietly glorious all through the Nineteen Nineties on a star-studded Red Wings squad, Lidstrom’s play (and acclaim) exploded within the 2000s. His 550 factors and cumulative plus-235 led all defensemen within the decade. He added 92 factors in 124 playoff video games, successful the Stanley Cup twice whereas capturing one Conn Smythe Trophy.

His six Norris Trophies within the decade’s first seven seasons function a correct testomony to simply how dominant Lidstrom was at his place. The aforementioned accolades and statistics are made much more unbelievable by the truth that Lidstrom was already 30 years outdated when the last decade started. A gentleman on and off the ice.

Martin Brodeur — New Jersey Devils

Like Lidstrom, Martin Brodeur noticed his quiet-excellence blossom from the Nineteen Nineties blossom within the 2000s. Backstopping the stingiest workforce within the league, he was a brick wall on the finish of New Jersey’s limitless thicket of forecheckers, backcheckers and Scott Stevens.

His 358 wins within the decade outpaced the second place finisher by 67 wins, and his 49 playoff victories additionally led the last decade. His 2.22 goals-against-average was second solely to Dominik Hasek, although Brodeur performed in twice as many contests.

He received 4 Vezina Trophies within the decade; no different goaltender received a couple of. He backstopped the Devils to his third (and remaining) Stanley Cup win in 2003.

Sidney Crosby — Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby hit the bottom operating instantly after being chosen first general in 2005. With fewer and fewer gamers eclipsing 100 factors in a season, Crosby did so in 4 of his first 5 seasons. The lone exception being an injury-plagued 2007-2008 marketing campaign during which he nonetheless managed 72 factors in simply 53 video games. His 1.36 points-per-game paced the last decade, averaging out to 111 factors per 82 video games.

“The Kid” captured one Hart Trophy, one Art Ross Trophy and one Lester Pearson within the decade. He captained the Penguins to back-to-back appearances within the Stanley Cup Finals, bringing the trophy again to Pittsburgh in 2009 for the primary time in practically 20 years.

More on Crosby to return…

Alexander Ovechkin — Washington Capitals

A goal-scoring machine. “Alexander The Great” potted 52 objectives in his rookie season, changing into simply the fourth rookie to eclipse 50 objectives (Bossy, Nieuwendyk, Selanne). His 269 objectives in 396 video games (.68 per sport) common out to 55 objectives per 82 video games; simply the best scoring price within the league. His one-timer (significantly on the facility play) was unstoppable.

Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Players his measurement (six-foot-three, 240 kilos) shouldn’t be as quick as Ovechkin. That mixture of measurement and velocity made Ovechkin one of essentially the most feared hitters of the last decade as properly.

He captured two Hart Trophies, one Art Ross Trophy and three Lester Pearson Awards within the decade.

With a blistering shot, super velocity and elite measurement, Ovechkin within the 2000s was the consummate weapon.

TIE

Pavel Datsyuk — Detroit Red Wings

Joe Thornton — Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks

Our first tie. I do know it’s sort of a cop-out, however I really couldn’t determine between these two surefire Hall of Famers.

On one hand, Pavel Datsyuk was one of essentially the most full gamers of his period, and of latest reminiscence. “The Magic Man” mixed mesmerizing puck dealing with, sensible playmaking and a deft scoring contact to turn out to be on of essentially the most harmful scorers within the league. Just as importantly, he possessed Thomas Crown-level thievery expertise, incomes three Selke Trophies within the decade.

There haven’t been many gamers within the historical past of the league succesful of averaging practically one point-per-game (592 factors in 606 video games) for a decade whereas additionally being one of (if not THE) greatest defensive forwards within the sport. Datsyuk registered 87 factors or extra in 4 consecutive seasons and received the Stanley Cup twice within the decade.

San Jose Sharks Joe Thornton
San Jose Sharks middle Joe Thornton (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Joe Thornton, in the meantime, was the last decade’s main scorer with 823 factors. That’s 99 factors greater than second place finisher Jarome Iginla. I couldn’t justify leaving the last decade’s main scorer out of the highest 5.

Thornton was arguably one of the best passer of his era, averaging 68 assists per 82 video games all through the last decade. A more-than-capable defensive centerman himself, “Jumbo Joe” didn’t shrink back from the rough-stuff both, incomes the respect of opponents and teammates alike.

He owns the excellence of being the one participant within the near-70 yr historical past of the Art Ross Trophy to have been traded throughout his trophy-winning season.

A cornerstone participant for 2 franchises within the decade.

Honorable Mention: Jarome Iginla, Daniel Alfredsson, Joe Sakic, Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Ilya Kovalchuk, Evgeni Malkin, Peter Forsberg, Dany Heatley

2010s

Sidney Crosby — Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite lacking 197 video games within the decade (so far), Crosby sits only one level behind Patrick Kane for many within the decade. His 1.27 points-per-game common out to 104 factors per 82 video games; nobody else is even shut.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

An all-situations participant, there isn’t a aspect of the sport during which Crosby doesn’t excel. With velocity, smarts, playmaking capacity, scoring contact, defensive acumen and fervour to burn, “The Kid’ is a winner.

His has been a subtler brand of exceptionalism, born of outsized effort and impressive skating edge work and an unparalleled backhand and all the details that piled high, create a mountain of hockey excellence.

-Michael Farber (Sports Illustrated) March 3, 2016

He captained the Penguins to back-to-back Cups in 2016 and 2017; the first team to repeat as champs in 20 years.

Through 2016, he won one Hart Trophy, one Art Ross Trophy and one Lester Pearson (Ted Lindsay). He’s nominated for another Hart and Lester Pearson (Ted Lindsay) at next week’s NHL Awards.

Erik Karlsson — Ottawa Senators

In another year or two, Erik Karlsson may have done enough to supplant Crosby at the top of the list. As of now, he must settle for a close-second.

Erik Karlsson is a game-changer, and easily the best defenseman of the decade. Shades of Paul Coffey.

He’s a possession monster, swift and slick with the puck, commanding attention every time he’s on the ice. And his stats are incredible.

Erik Karlsson San Jose Sharks
Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)

In an era when many great forwards fail to average 70 points per season, Karlsson has averaged 71 points per 82 games from the blue line (430 points in 496 games). He owns three of the top four single-season scoring marks for defensemen in the decade.

The knock on Karlsson’s game had been his play in his own zone. Though still above average, it paled in comparison to what he was able to do offensively or in transition. How did Karlsson respond? By leading the NHL in blocked shots during the 2016-2017 season.

Through 2016, Karlsson won two Norris Trophies, with a third likely coming following his stellar 2016-2017 season. Still just 27 years old, the crafty Swede likely has a few Hart Trophies coming his way.

Alexander Ovechkin — Washington Capitals

Alexander Ovechkin is still one of the best players in the league in his second decade. His 289 goals lead all scorers in the decade, and his rate of .55 goals-per-game (45 per 82 games) trail only Steven Stamkos. Ovehkin has captured a Hart Trophy in the decade to go along with four-consecutive Maurice Richard Trophies between 2013-2016. Still a force on a nightly basis.

Evgeni Malkin — Pittsburgh Penguins

Like Mark Messier before him, Evgeni Malkin has been arguably the second-best center in the league while also being just the second-best center on his team. Also like Messier, Malkin showed his full value when the star center ahead of him wasn’t around (in Malkin’s case the 2011-12 season in which Crosby missed 60 games). The Russian pivot responded with 50 goals and 109 points in 75 games, winning the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Lester Pearson (Ted Lindsay) Award.

He has won two Cups in the decade, and his 1.14 points-per-game (451 points in 397 games) trail only Crosby among qualified players. His 84 points in the playoffs lead all NHL players.

TIE

Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith — Chicago Blackhawks

Another cop out! With league-wide parity at an all-time high, I eventually settled on acknowledging what the aforementioned ‘Hawks have accomplished in the decade. As a team, they won two Cups in three years after closing out the previous decade with another Stanley Cup victory. The one season in between Chicago’s two Cups saw them make it to the seventh game of the conference finals before bowing out to the eventual-champion Los Angeles Kings.

Patrick Kane Jonathan Toews Blackhawks
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Individually, all three can make cases for inclusion in the top five; they’re an incredible trifecta of talent and intangibles. Patrick Kane leads all scorers in the decade with 522 points, and owns the slickest-mitts in the league. He has won the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Lester Pearson (Ted Lindsay) Award and the Conn Smythe Trophy once apiece.

Jonathan Toews is Mark Messier 2.0, playing arguably the best 200-foot game in the league. He’s a born leader who has captained the Blackhawks since he was just 20 years old. His 431 points in 495 games aren’t too shabby either.

Duncan Keith is the consummate 21st-century defenseman, capable of shutting down an opponent’s attack and transitioning play/generating offense with equal aplomb. His 58 playoff points lead all defensemen in the decade, and he has won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies once apiece.

Together, the three players have made the Chicago Blackhawks one of the league’s most formidable teams, and with the exception of possibly the Pittsburgh Penguins, the best team of the decade.

Honorable Mention: Shea Weber, Kris Letang, Drew Doughty, Carey Price, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Patrice Bergeron, Claude Giroux, Anze Kopitar

Summary

Including the “Honorable Mentions,” 135 gamers are listed above, and one other 135 (at the very least) may have simply cracked the checklist. Each had their day within the solar, and a method or one other have cemented their place in historical past. After numerous hours of reasearch, note-taking and inside debate that is the checklist of what I consider to be one of the best gamers of all-time, by decade.

It’s been fairly a trip. If the NHL produces simply half as many legends within the subsequent 100 years the sport will probably be in good arms.





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