Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” held the record for the most career goals in NHL history with 894 goals when he retired in 1999. This record has remained untouched for many years, but Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking it. Ovechkin, who has scored at least 42 goals in a season 13 times during his career, is only 42 goals away from surpassing Gretzky’s record as he enters the 2024-25 season.
While Gretzky tops the list with 894 goals, Ovechkin follows closely behind with 863 goals. Other legendary players who have made their mark in NHL history include Gordie Howe with 801 goals, Jaromir Jagr with 766 goals, and Brett Hull with 741 goals. Marcel Dionne, Phil Esposito, Mike Gartner, Mark Messier, and Steve Yzerman are also among the top goal scorers in NHL history.
Mario Lemieux, Teemu Selanne, Luc Robitaille, Brendan Shanahan, Dave Andreychuk, Joe Sakic, Jarome Iginla, Bobby Hull, Dino Ciccarelli, Jari Kurri, and Sidney Crosby are some of the other notable players on the list of top goal scorers in NHL history. Each of these players has left a lasting impact on the sport with their scoring prowess and skill on the ice.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Alex Ovechkin as he continues his quest to break Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record. Hockey fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if Ovechkin can achieve this historic milestone and etch his name in NHL history books.
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