Alexander Ovechkin is getting closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history. In his pursuit of Gretzky’s record, Ovechkin has surpassed numerous hockey icons as he’s climbed into the top ranks.
From his debut season in 2005-06, Ovechkin quickly proved himself as a high-scoring player, netting 52 goals and winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie. Since then, he has consistently maintained an incredible scoring rate and collected nearly every possible award a hockey player can achieve.
While ascending the all-time goals list, Ovechkin has joined and surpassed some of the greatest players ever to play hockey. Notably, in 2022, he secured sole possession of second place by passing Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe with his 802nd career goal.
Being positioned between Howe and Gretzky, and potentially surpassing both, puts Ovechkin in elite company. Another Detroit Red Wings legend and three-time Stanley Cup winner, Steve Yzerman, is also on this prestigious list, currently holding the No. 10 spot.
The only contemporary player who can be compared to Ovechkin in terms of longevity and scoring prowess is Jaromir Jagr, who played for 24 seasons from 1990 to 2018. Jagr’s 766 goals place him fourth all-time in NHL history, with the majority of his goals scored before Ovechkin entered the league.
As Ovechkin gets closer to Gretzky’s record, here is a look at 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
