A Definitive List of the Ten Best NHL Centers Throughout History

Introduction

10.) Howie Morenz

• Howie Morenz had an illustrious career with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers.
• 3 Time Stanley Cup Champion (1924, 1930, 1931)
• 3 Time Hart Memorial Trophy Winner (1928, 1931, 1932)

9.) Joe Sakic

• Joe Sakic was a key player for the Colorado Avalanche during his NHL career.
• 2 Time Stanley Cup Champion (1996, 2001)
• Conn Smythe Trophy Winner (1996)

8.) Stan Mikita

• Stan Mikita is a legendary figure who represented the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Stanley Cup Champion (1961)
• 4 Time Art Ross Trophy Winner (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968)

7.) Bryan Trottier

• Bryan Trottier was a significant contributor to both the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
• 6 Time Stanley Cup Champion as a Player (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1991, 1992)
• Conn Smythe Trophy Winner (1980)

6.) Steve Yzerman

• Steve Yzerman dedicated his entire professional career to the Detroit Red Wings.
• 3 Time Stanley Cup Champion as a Player (1997, 1998, 2002)
• Conn Smythe Trophy Winner (1998)

5.) Phil Esposito

• Phil Esposito made his mark while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers.
• He became the first athlete in NHL history to accumulate more than 100 points in a single season.
• 2 Time Stanley Cup Champion (1970, 1972)

4.) Jean Béliveau

• Jean Béliveau was a prominent player for the Montreal Canadiens.
• 10 Time Stanley Cup Champion (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971)
• Conn Smythe Trophy Winner (1965)

3.) Mark Messier

• Mark Messier played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks throughout his career.
• 6 Time Stanley Cup Winner (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994)
• Conn Smythe Trophy Winner (1984)

2.) Mario Lemieux

• Mario Lemieux was a standout player for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
• 2 Time Stanley Cup Champion as a Player (1991, 1992)
• 2 Time Con Smythe Trophy Winner (1991, 1992)

1.) Wayne Gretzky

• Wayne Gretzky played with exceptional skill for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.
• He holds the NHL record for the most goals, assists, points, and hat tricks in regular season history.
• He also holds the NHL record for the highest number of playoff goals, assists, points, hat tricks, and game-winning goals.

Written by: David Green