Hat tricks are definitely one of the most exciting things in ice hockey. Even though today’s defenses make it tougher to pull off, hat tricks are still an incredible way to display scoring ability. Wayne Gretzky holds the record for the most hat-tricks in NHL history with an impressive 50 career hat tricks.
Photo Credit: Trading Card Database, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 Players with the Most Hat-Tricks in NHL History
Here are the top 5 players with the most Hat-Tricks in NHL history, showcasing their legendary scoring feats.
| S. No. | Player | Career Span | Hat-Tricks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 1979-1999 | 50 |
| 2 | Mario Lemieux | 1984-2006 | 40 |
| 3 | Mike Bossy | 1977-1987 | 39 |
| 4 | Alex Ovechkin | 2005-present | 33 |
| 5 | Brett Hull | 1986-2006 | 33 |
Wayne Gretzky (50 Hat-Tricks)
Position: Center
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers
Wayne Gretzky set a record with 50 hat tricks in regular-season play. His streak started with his 40th hat trick in 1986 and ended with his final one in 1997 as a Ranger. He also added 10 more hat tricks in the playoffs.
Mario Lemieux (40 Hat-Tricks)
Position: Center
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins
Mario Lemieux achieved 40 career hat tricks and recorded five additional ones in the playoffs including one in the 1991 Stanley Cup Final. Despite facing cancer and back issues, he still guided the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships.
Mike Bossy (39 Hat-Tricks)
Position: Right Wing
Teams: New York Islanders
Mike Bossy recorded 39 hat tricks in only 10 seasons while playing for the Islanders. He averaged a hat trick every 19 games and also scored three additional hat tricks in the playoffs including one in the 1983 Stanley Cup Final.
Alex Ovechkin (33 Hat-Tricks)
Position: Left Wing
Teams: Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin stands out as the top active player having scored 34 career hat tricks. He has recorded hat tricks against 21 different teams including a pivotal one during the Capitals’ 2018 Cup run.
Brett Hull (33 Hat-Tricks)
Position: Right Wing
Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes
Brett Hull scored a total of 33 career hat tricks with an amazing seven of them occurring during his 86-goal season in 1990-91. He also had four hat tricks in the playoffs including a standout performance in the 1999 Western Conference Finals.
