Wayne Gretzky’s Record-Breaking Career and the Top Scorers in NHL History

Wayne Gretzky is synonymous with hockey excellence, and his impressive career has set an insurmountable bar for future players. One of his most remarkable achievements is holding the record for the most career points in NHL history. But what exactly does that mean?

In hockey, a player earns a point for either scoring a goal or assisting a goal. An assist is credited to the players who passed the puck toward the teammate who ultimately scores. Throughout his legendary 20-year career, Gretzky amassed 894 goals and 1,963 assists, totaling 2,857 points—a record that is nearly 1,000 points higher than the next closest player.

Let’s take a look at the players who have racked up the most career points in NHL history:

1. Wayne Gretzky – 2,857 points (894 goals + 1,963 assists)
Widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, Gretzky’s 2,857 points are a staggering achievement that may never be touched. His unmatched ability to score and assist was the driving force behind his dominance for two decades.

2. Jaromir Jagr – 1,921 points (766 goals + 1,155 assists)
Jagr, who played in the NHL for over two decades, comes in second with 1,921 points. Known for his longevity and consistency, Jagr played into his 40s, which helped him rack up points over an extended period.

3. Mark Messier – 1,887 points (694 goals + 1,193 assists)
A leader both on and off the ice, Messier helped lead his teams to multiple championships. With 1,887 career points, his leadership and skill are still remembered in the hockey world.

4. Gordie Howe – 1,850 points (801 goals + 1,049 assists)
The "Mr. Hockey" of the NHL, Howe’s career spanned across five decades. He retired with 1,850 points, including over 800 goals, a feat few could ever dream of matching.

5. Ron Francis – 1,798 points (549 goals + 1,249 assists)
One of the most skilled playmakers in NHL history, Francis recorded 1,798 points over a career that saw him excel as both a scorer and a setup man.

6. Marcel Dionne – 1,771 points (731 goals + 1,040 assists)
Dionne was a true offensive powerhouse during his career, ranking high in points with a balanced mix of goals and assists, totaling 1,771 points.

7. Steve Yzerman – 1,755 points (692 goals + 1,063 assists)
A legendary leader and captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman combined scoring with playmaking to rack up 1,755 points in his career.

8. Mario Lemieux – 1,723 points (690 goals + 1,033 assists)
Lemieux’s career was marred by injuries, but when healthy, he was one of the most dominant players in the game. His 1,723 points are a testament to his incredible talent.

9. Sidney Crosby – 1,687 points (625 goals + 1,062 assists)
Crosby, still active in the NHL, continues to add to his total. Known for his vision and playmaking ability, Crosby has been one of the most consistent players of his generation.

10. Joe Sakic – 1,641 points (625 goals + 1,016 assists)
Sakic, a key figure in the Colorado Avalanche’s success, accumulated 1,641 points and is remembered for his skill in both scoring and setting up plays.

11. Alex Ovechkin – 1,623 points (897 goals + 726 assists)
Ovechkin, known for his lethal goal-scoring ability, is still active and climbing up the rankings. With 897 goals and counting, Ovechkin is one of the most feared goal-scorers of all time.

12. Phil Esposito – 1,590 points (717 goals + 873 assists)
Esposito was a dominant force in the 1970s, known for his scoring ability. He retired with 1,590 points, including 717 goals.

13. Ray Bourque – 1,579 points (410 goals + 1,169 assists)
As one of the greatest defensemen of all time, Bourque was a key contributor both offensively and defensively, finishing with 1,579 points.

14. Joe Thornton – 1,539 points (430 goals + 1,109 assists)
Thornton, a towering figure both physically and on the score sheet, ranks 14th with 1,539 career points, including over 1,100 assists.

15. Mark Recchi – 1,533 points (577 goals + 956 assists)
Recchi’s well-rounded career saw him contribute in all areas of the ice. He retired with 1,533 points, including 577 goals.

These legendary players have etched their names into the annals of hockey history with remarkable careers, and many of them, like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, are still active and chasing new milestones!