The NHL’s points leaderboard reveals the best offensive players. It’s easy to make comparisons between players from different era, whether it was the high-scoring 1980s or the current defensive approach. Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most points in NHL history with 2,857 career points.
Photo Credit: Trading Card Database, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 NHL Players by Career Points
Here are the top 5 players with the most points in NHL history, highlighting their unmatched scoring achievements.
| S. No. | Player | Career Span | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 1979-1999 | 2,857 |
| 2 | Jaromír Jágr | 1990-2018 | 1,921 |
| 3 | Mark Messier | 1979-2004 | 1,887 |
| 4 | Gordie Howe | 1946-1980 | 1,850 |
| 5 | Ron Francis | 1981-2004 | 1,798 |
Wayne Gretzky (2,857 Points)
Position: Center
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers
Wayne Gretzky ruled the NHL from 1979 to 1999 and amassed an incredible total of 2,857 points. When he retired, he was almost 1,000 points ahead of the player in second place, a gap that many believe is the most unbreakable record in sports.
Jaromír Jágr (1,921 Points)
Position: Right Wing
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, NY Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames
Jaromír Jágr played in the NHL from 1990 until 2018 and recorded a total of 1,921 points. He played for nine different teams and secured five Art Ross Trophies. Even in his 40s, Jágr continued to perform at a high level.
Mark Messier (1,887 Points)
Position: Center/Left Wing
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, NY Rangers, Vancouver Canucks
Mark Messier had an impressive career from 1979 to 2004 with a total of 1,887 points. He was a key player in the Oilers dynasty and later guided the Rangers to victory in the 1994 Stanley Cup, famously guaranteeing a win in Game 6.
Gordie Howe (1,850 Points)
Position: Right Wing
Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers
Gordie Howe had an impressive career from 1946 to 1980 with a total of 1,850 points. He is the only player to have played in five different decades and held the title of the NHL’s all-time scoring leader until Wayne Gretzky overtook him in 1989.
Ron Francis (1,798 Points)
Position: Center
Teams: Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs
Ron Francis’s career spanned from 1981 to 2004 and finished with 1,798 points. He was a clever, two-way center who excelled with teams like the Whalers, Penguins, Hurricanes and Maple Leafs. Francis is still considered one of hockey’s most underrated yet dependable stars.
