Who Has the Most Career Points in NHL History?

Wayne Gretzky holds the record for the most career points in National Hockey League (NHL) history, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to compete in professional hockey. Across his remarkable 20-year career, Gretzky recorded 894 goals and 1,963 assists, finishing with an incredible total of 2,857 points.

Gretzky’s record remains one of the most impressive achievements in hockey. His 2,857 career points put him nearly 1,000 points ahead of the next player on the all-time list, highlighting his extraordinary scoring ability and playmaking skills.

How Are Points Scored in the NHL?

In the NHL, players earn points by scoring goals or recording assists. A goal counts as one point for the player who scores, while an assist is awarded to a teammate who helps set up the goal. Up to two players can receive assists on a single goal.

This system rewards both goal scorers and playmakers, making career points an important statistic for evaluating a player’s overall offensive contribution. Gretzky excelled in both areas, but his outstanding assist total played a major role in establishing his place at the top of the NHL’s all-time points leaderboard.

Top 15 Players With the Most Career Points in NHL History

Here is a look at the 15 players with the most career points in NHL history, including their goals, assists and total points.

1. Wayne Gretzky: 2,857 points (894 goals + 1,963 assists)
2. Jaromir Jagr: 1,921 points (766 goals + 1,155 assists)
3. Mark Messier: 1,887 points (694 goals + 1,193 assists)
4. Gordie Howe: 1,850 points (801 goals + 1,049 assists)
5. Ron Francis: 1,798 points (549 goals + 1,249 assists)
6. Marcel Dionne: 1,771 points (731 goals + 1,040 assists)
7. Sidney Crosby: 1,766 points (656 goals + 1,110 assists)
8. Steve Yzerman: 1,755 points (692 goals + 1,063 assists)
9. Mario Lemieux: 1,723 points (690 goals + 1,033 assists)
10. Alex Ovechkin: 1,690 points (930 goals + 760 assists)
11. Joe Sakic: 1,641 points (625 goals + 1,016 assists)
12. Phil Esposito: 1,590 points (717 goals + 873 assists)
13. Ray Bourque: 1,579 points (410 goals + 1,169 assists)
14. Joe Thornton: 1,539 points (430 goals + 1,109 assists)
15. Mark Recchi: 1,533 points (577 goals + 956 assists)

Wayne Gretzky’s Record-Breaking Career

Gretzky’s total of 2,857 points places him comfortably ahead of Jaromir Jagr, who ranks second with 1,921 points. The difference of 936 points illustrates just how dominant Gretzky was throughout his NHL career.

His 1,963 assists are particularly remarkable, as they demonstrate his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates as well as finish plays himself. Combined with 894 goals, those assists helped Gretzky establish a points record that remains a defining benchmark in professional hockey.

Which Active NHL Players Rank Among the All-Time Leaders?

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin feature among the top 10 players on the career points list. Crosby ranks seventh with 1,766 points, including 656 goals and 1,110 assists. Ovechkin sits in 10th place with 1,690 points, built from 930 goals and 760 assists.

Both players have produced exceptional offensive numbers over their careers. However, Gretzky’s historic total remains well ahead of the rest of the leaderboard.

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