The Most Famous NHL Player, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the player you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 7, 2024 07:11

Fans often debate who is the most famous NHL player, and while every opinion is valid, coming to a consensus can be challenging. Having a place where fans can vote and see real-time rankings helps clarify who truly holds the title at any given time. This not only fuels engaging discussions but also provides a fun, interactive way for the community to participate. By participating, users contribute to a dynamically updated leaderboard that reflects the community’s view of the greatest NHL players. This setup not only aids in settling debates but also helps new fans understand who the key players are throughout the history of the NHL. Your votes are crucial in shaping this ongoing narrative.

Who Is the Most Famous NHL Player?

1

78
votes
Wayne Gretzky

Known as "The Great One," Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. He holds numerous NHL records, including most career goals, assists, and points.
Wayne Gretzky in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Canadian hockey player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Canadian of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in the Hall of Fame
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous New York Rangers player
2

19
votes
Rick Dikeman · CC BY-SA 3.0

Mario Lemieux

A two-time Stanley Cup champion and six-time scoring champion, Lemieux is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He also overcame cancer and returned to the ice to continue his career.
Mario Lemieux in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Pittsburgh Penguin
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Canadian hockey player
3

19
votes
Aaron Frutman · CC BY 2.0

Bobby Orr

Known for his speed and offensive abilities as a defenseman, Orr revolutionized the position and won numerous awards, including eight Norris Trophies and three Hart Trophies.
Bobby Orr in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Boston Bruins player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Canadian hockey player
4

20
votes
Michael Miller · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sidney Crosby

A three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Crosby is considered one of the best players in the game today. He has also won numerous awards, including two Hart Trophies.
Sidney Crosby in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Nova Scotia
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Pittsburgh Penguin
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Canadian hockey player
5

11
votes
Arnie Lee · CC BY 3.0

Gordie Howe

A four-time Stanley Cup champion and six-time Hart Trophy winner, Howe played in the NHL for 26 seasons and was known for his physical play and scoring ability.
Gordie Howe in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Detroit Red Wings player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Canadian hockey player
6

14
votes
National Archives of Canada, Thomas Patrick Gorman fonds · Public domain

Maurice Richard

A legend in Montreal, Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in a season and was a key player in the Canadiens' dynasty of the 1950s.
Maurice Richard in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Montreal Canadiens player
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in Quebec
7

10
votes
JD554 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bobby Hull

Known for his powerful shot and speed, Hull was a prolific scorer and won two Hart Trophies and one Stanley Cup during his career.
Bobby Hull in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Blackhawks player
8

1
votes
s.yume . · CC BY 2.0

Jaromir Jagr

A five-time scoring champion and two-time Stanley Cup champion, Jagr has played in the NHL for over 25 seasons and is still active today. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Jaromir Jagr in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Pittsburgh Penguin
9

9
votes
Letartean · CC BY-SA 3.0

Patrick Roy

One of the greatest goaltenders of all time, Roy won four Stanley Cups and three Vezina Trophies during his career. He was also known for his fiery personality on the ice.
Patrick Roy in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous goalie
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Montreal Canadiens player
10

4
votes
Michael Miller · CC BY-SA 4.0

Alexander Ovechkin

One of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history, Ovechkin has won three Hart Trophies and one Stanley Cup during his career. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Alexander Ovechkin in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Russian athlete
- Position 5 of 10 in Most handsome man in Russia
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Alexander

Missing your favorite player?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous player

Career Achievements

Consider the player's individual records, on-ice success, awards, and championships won. This could include things like scoring titles, MVP awards, Stanley Cup victories, All-Star selections, and Hall of Fame inductions.
Skill and Talent

Assess the player's skills, including their offensive and defensive abilities, overall playing style, and impact on the game. This could involve evaluating their goal-scoring ability, playmaking skills, speed, agility, vision, and defensive prowess.
Longevity and Consistency

Recognize players who have had long, successful careers and have consistently performed at a high level. Consistency in performance, sustained excellence, and durability can be important factors to consider.
Cultural Impact

Consider the player's impact off the ice, including their influence on popular culture, media presence, endorsements, and overall reputation. This could involve their involvement in charitable endeavors, media appearances, and overall celebrity status.
Popularity and Fan Base

Evaluate the player's popularity among fans, both locally and internationally. Consider factors such as jersey sales, fan loyalty, social media presence, and overall fan engagement.
Historical Significance

Take into account the player's impact on the sport's history and their role in shaping the game. This could involve their influence on the sport's development, breaking barriers, or their contributions to the expansion of the NHL.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous NHL player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2454 views
182 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous nhl player

Ice hockey is a sport that has gained immense popularity in Canada, the United States, and several European countries. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, featuring teams from both Canada and the United States. Over the years, the NHL has seen several iconic players who have made an indelible impact on the sport. These players have not only won numerous accolades but have also become household names for their unparalleled skill, passion, and dedication to the sport. In this article, we take a look at some of the most famous NHL players of all time and explore what makes them so legendary.