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From the six founding teams that started it all in 1942 to the most recently indoctrinated Seattle Kraken, every NHL franchise has seen incredible talents take the ice in their home rink. Though immensely challenging for some of these storied organizations, these are the greatest hockey players for every NHL franchise.
Anaheim Ducks — Teemu Selanne, Forward
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The Finnish superstar’s career began with Winnipeg in 1992, but his legacy was built with the Ducks. No player from Finland has recorded more NHL goals (684) or points (1,457) than Selanne. He played parts of 15 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, and helped them win a Stanley Cup in 2007. His popular No. 8 was retired by the team in 2015.
Arizona Coyotes — Shane Doan, Forward
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This is somewhat of a tough one when taking into account that the current day Coyotes’ franchise began its NHL existence as the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. Dale Hawerchuk was one of the game’s greats with the Jets, but Doan is synonymous with the Coyotes brand. Doan, who began his career with the team in Winnipeg, racked up 972 points and more than 400 goals while playing all 21 of his seasons with the same organization.
Boston Bruins — Bobby Orr, Defenseman
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Sure, Boston has had some greats — but Orr remains not only the greatest Bruin of all-time, but arguably the greatest defenseman to ever play the game. He spent 10 of his 12 NHL seasons in Boston, and is still the only blue-liner to win the Art Ross Trophy — twice — as the NHL’s top scorer. He posted 915 points and won a record eight Norris Trophies.
Buffalo Sabres — Dominik Hasek, Goaltender
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There’s certainly an argument that Gilbert Perreault is worthy of this honor. However, what “The Dominator” did in net for the Sabres was truly remarkable. From the 1992-93 to 2000-01 seasons, Hasek won 491 games, posted a 2.22 goals-against average and was awarded the Vezina Trophy an impressive six times. In 1998-99, he helped lead Buffalo to its most recent appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
Calgary Flames — Jarome Iginla, Forward
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Iginla jumped around from a few teams at the end of his career, but there’s no mistaken that he’s at the forefront of the Calgary Flames’ legacy. He spent almost 16 full seasons with the Flames, and is the team’s all-time leader in goals and points. When his career finally ended in 2017, Iginla had totaled an even 1,300 points over 1,550 games.
Carolina Hurricanes — Ron Francis, Forward
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The Hurricanes franchise has housed some big games since locating to North Carolina, and even won the Cup here in 2006. The best player in the history of the franchise, however, hails from its days in Hartford. Francis, one of the greatest playmakers (1,249 assists) in the history of the game, totaled at least 90 points three times during his 9 ½ seasons with the club — including 101 in 1989-90.
Chicago Blackhawks — Bobby Hull, Forward
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An Original Six franchise steeped in tradition and Hall of Famers. The likes of Stan Mikita and Patrick Kane are worthy of consideration, but Hull was a natural superstar. He won the Hart Trophy (league MVP) twice and the Art Ross on three occasions. “The Golden Jet” also helped the Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup. He played his first 15 seasons with Chicago before helping pioneer the WHA.
Colorado Avalanche — Joe Sakic, Forward
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Whether in Quebec or Colorado, Sakic was a franchise lifer. The Hall of Famer produced 625 goals and 1,016 assists in 1,378 games while spending 20 seasons with the franchise. However, he’s also regarded as one of the great leaders and captains in the NHL history. Sakic commanded respect on the ice and in the dressing room, and was a major reason the Avalanche won two Stanley Cups during his career.
Columbus Blue Jackets — Sergei Bobrovsky, Goaltender
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All the Rick Nash backers, feel free to argue. There’s a case, but Bobrovsky gets the nod because he’s a major reason why the Blue Jackets were a perennial playoff participant in his time there. Stability in goal is a rarity in the NHL, but Bobrovsky brought that to Columbus from 2012-2019. He won 213 games and posted a 2.41 goals-against average in regular-season play during his time with the Jackets. He has also won the Vezina Trophy on two occasions (’13, ’17).
Dallas Stars — Mike Modano, Forward
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Modano is often considered the greatest U.S.-born player in NHL history – and there really should not be an argument. Modano played 20 of his 21 seasons with the Minnesota/Dallas franchise and is the most beloved figure within the organization. Modano, who helped the Dallas Stars win the 1999 Stanley Cup, scored 561 goals and registered 1,374 points during his illustrious career.
Detroit Red Wings — Gordie Howe, Forward
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Really, nothing needs to be said. Yes, Detroit has been graced with plenty of special talent during its existence, but “Mr. Hockey” is royalty. In an NHL career that spanned five decades, Howe recorded more than 800 goals and 1,800 points. He played hard at both ends of the ice, and might be the most complete player in the history of the sport.
Edmonton Oilers — Wayne Gretzky, Forward
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Another no-brainer. “The Great One” is the NHL’s all-time leader in points (2,857), goals (894) and assists (1,963) – records that many believe will never be broken. He put the Oilers’ franchise and hockey in western Canada on the map in terms of relevance and popularity with U.S. fans. He’s the Michael Jordan of the NHL, and that likely won’t change anytime soon.
Florida Panthers — Roberto Luongo, Goaltender
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Yes, Luongo’s most consistent success came during his time with Vancouver (2006-07 to part of the 2013-14 season), but he played parts of 11 seasons with Florida — posting a 3.12 goals-against average in 43 games in his final season. Luongo finished just shy of 500 career wins (489). Regardless, he’ll always have a special place in the hearts of the franchise’s fans.
Los Angeles Kings — Marcel Dionne, Forward
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Though Gretzky played in L.A. and the Kings have won two Cups this decade, Dionne’s work during the late 1970s and into the 80s for the team made him a Hall of Famer. He scored at least 50 goals six times, and recorded at least 100 points in five consecutive seasons from 1978-79 to 1982-83. In three of those campaigns, he recorded 130 or more.
Minnesota Wild — Marian Gaborik, Forward
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When hockey returned to Minnesota in the form of the Wild in 2000-01, Gaborik was at the forefront of the charge. He played with the Wild for his first eight seasons and posted five with at least 30 goals. Gaborik totaled 83 points in 2007-08, and ranks as the franchise leader in numerous offensive categories.
Montreal Canadiens — Maurice Richard, Forward
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It’s not fair to pick just a single player from one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports. However, Richard is not only a Canadiens great, but one in all of hockey. He was the first player to score 50 goals in a season and first to record 500 for a career. The Hall of Famer was an eight-time Stanley Cup champion and also has the award for the NHL’s top goal scorer each season named after him.
Nashville Predators — Pekka Rinne, Goaltender
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Rinne debuted for the Predators during the franchise’s seventh NHL season in 2005-06 and remained with them for his illustrious 15 year career. Rinne won 369 games, posted a 2.43 goals-against average and claimed the 2018 Vezina Trophy while playing in 683 games with Nashville. That excellence and dedication is a big reason he’s beloved by Predators fans.
New Jersey Devils — Martin Brodeur, Goaltender
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Brodeur played 21 of his 22 seasons with the Devils, and now works for the team in a front office role. Those who believe Brodeur isn’t the greatest goalie in NHL history might want to check the facts. He’s the league’s all-time leader at the position in games (1,266), wins (691) and shutouts (125). Also, he won three Stanley Cups with New Jersey.
New York Islanders — Mike Bossy, Forward
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The Islanders won four-straight Stanley Cups in the early 1980s thanks to guys like Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin and Billy Smith. But, to win, a team has to score, and Bossy did just that. Injuries limited Bossy’s career to 10 overall seasons with the Islanders and in all but one he recorded at least 51 goals — and 60 or more five times. Bossy is one of just five players to post 50 goals in 50 games.
New York Rangers — Brian Leetch, Defenseman
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Mark Messier might have led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup title in 54 years, but when it comes to consistent excellence Leetch reigns supreme. A great two-way defenseman, the Hall of Famer won the Norris Trophy twice and collected 1,028 points – including an impressive 102 for New York in 1991-92 – during his career.
Ottawa Senators — Daniel Alfredsson, Forward
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The longtime captain of the Senators, Alfredsson played all but one of his 18 seasons in Ottawa. He’s the franchise leader in goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108). Senators fans loved and respected Alfredsson for his hard-nose play, and ability to be quick on his feet and with the stick. Alfredsson is the epitome of the “face of the franchise” moniker.
Philadelphia Flyers — Bobby Clarke, Forward
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Another team lifer, Clarke spent all 15 of his NHL seasons in Philadelphia, and remains with the organization in an executive capacity. He captained the Flyers to their two Stanley Cup titles in 1974 and again in ’75. Hard-nosed, dedicated and even a little dirty if needed, Clarke mixed skill with muscle to form one stellar hockey player. During the Flyers’ two Stanley Cup seasons, Clarke totaled 235 points and finished his Hall of Fame career with 1,210.
Pittsburgh Penguins — Mario Lemieux, Forward
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Before “Sid the Kid,” there was “Super Mario.” Lemieux had the perfect blend of size, speed and skill that earned him three Hart Trophies and playoff MVP during Pittsburgh’s run to the Cup in 1991 and ’92. Lemieux overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma to continue his hockey career, finishing with 1,723 points. Since his playing days ended, Lemieux has also enjoyed success within Pittsburgh’s front office.
San Jose Sharks — Joe Thornton, Forward
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Joe Thornton finished his career 7th all-time in assists with 1,109. Thornton enjoyed a successful run while playing his first seven-plus seasons in Boston. However, he’s become a legend in San Jose. While rocking a long beard and putting on a gritty facade, Thornton has proved to be one of the hardest workers in the NHL. Right up until the age of 40, one of the NHL’s all-time great playmakers rarely took a shift off in San Jose.
Seattle Kraken — Jared McCann, Left Wing
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The Seattle Kraken has only been in the NHL since 2021, so there aren’t many players to choose from for this exercise. However, Jared McCann is deserving of this spot. The left winger debuted with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015 and also spent time with the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins before joining Seattle. Prior to playing for the Kraken, McCann’s career-high for goals in a season was 14 — and his point-scoring season was 35. Since joining Seattle, however, his game has improved tremendously. McCann contributed 50 points in 2021 and had a career year in ’22 — scoring 40 goals and tallying 30 assists. The winger is having another strong season in 2023/24.
St. Louis Blues — Brett Hull, Forward
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Son of the aforementioned Bobby Hull, Brett won Cups with Dallas and Detroit, but really blossomed with the Blues in the late 1980s. Hull’s only 100-point seasons came in St. Louis, notching four-straight from 1989-90 to 1992-93. He scored a career-high 86 goals in 1990-91, and his 741 career goals rank fourth in NHL history.
Tampa Bay Lightning — Martin St. Louis, Forward
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St. Louis’ career began with Calgary and ended as a member of the New York Rangers. In between, he spent 12-plus seasons as a stalwart for the Lightning. He was the team’s leading scorer when it won the Stanley Cup in 2004, and three seasons later recorded a career-high 102 points for Tampa Bay. A solid two-way player, St. Louis was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
Toronto Maple Leafs — Dave Keon, Forward
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With the other Original Six teams, there’s time for discussion when trying to peg the best player in team history. With the Maple Leafs, Keon seems like a clear choice. He spent 15 of his 18 NHL seasons with Toronto, scoring at least 32 goals in three of those campaigns. The eight-time All-Star and Hall of Famer helped the Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cups in the 1960s and finished just shy of 1,000 points for his NHL career.
Vancouver Canucks — Pavel Bure, Forward
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Choosing Vancouver’s best player is perhaps the toughest of them all. Even with Stan Smyl, Trevor Linden and the Sedins all being quality options, it’s hard to top what the “Russian Rocket” did during his first seven seasons in the NHL with the Canucks. On three occasions, Bure scored at least 50 goals with Vancouver, including back-to-back 60 goal efforts in 1992-93 and 1993-94. He totaled 217 points in those two seasons, the latter while leading the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas Golden Knights — Jonathan Marchessault, Forward
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The Knights are the newest team in town beginning their franchise in 2017. Marchessault has been with the team for its entire history and leads the organization in most games played (498), most assists (219), most points (406), and most goals (187). He was a big reason why the Golden Knights were able to capture their first Stanley Cup title last season contributing 4 goals and 4 assists in the five games of the finals against the Florida Panthers. This franchise has a long way to go, but as it stands now, Marchessault has been the most pivotal player.
Washington Capitals — Alex Ovechkin, Forward
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The future Hall of Famer has been the face of the Capitals since breaking into the NHL in 2005-06, and that may never change. Ovechkin is one of the game’s greats with over 1,500 points and has a realistic shot at reaching the 900 career-goal mark next season. Of course, leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup in 2018 only helped Ovi’s legacy.
Winnipeg Jets — Blake Wheeler, Forward
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The most current version of the Jets began as the expansion Atlanta Thrashers in 1999-00 — before ultimately relocating to Winnipeg in 2011. The latter is where Wheeler is etching his legacy with the team. Though his career started in Boston, he was with the franchise since the Thrashers’ final season in Atlanta until 2023. With Winnipeg, Wheeler recorded 303 goals and 550 assists in 897 games.
