The All-Time Greats: NHL's Career Points Leaders

When it comes to the National Hockey League (NHL), few names resonate as loudly as Wayne Gretzky. Known as 'The Great One,' Gretzky not only revolutionized the sport but also set a plethora of records that remain unchallenged to this day. At the pinnacle of these achievements stands his record for the most career points in NHL history.

Career Points Breakdown

A player's points are tallied by their goals and assists during their career. In Gretzky's case, these numbers are staggering:

• Goals: 894
• Assists: 1,963
  This brings Gretzky's total point count to an incredible 2,857 over a span of 20 seasons, showcasing his unparalleled ability to contribute to the game both as a scorer and playmaker.

The Legends Tailgating Behind

While Gretzky reigns supreme, several other NHL legends have carved their names in the history books with impressive careers:

1. Jaromir Jagr: 1,921 points (766 goals + 1,155 assists)
2. Mark Messier: 1,887 points (694 goals + 1,193 assists)
3. Gordie Howe: 1,850 points (801 goals + 1,049 assists)
4. Ron Francis: 1,798 points (549 goals + 1,249 assists)
5. Marcel Dionne: 1,771 points (731 goals + 1,040 assists)
6. Steve Yzerman: 1,755 points (692 goals + 1,063 assists)
7. Mario Lemieux: 1,723 points (690 goals + 1,033 assists)
8. Sidney Crosby: 1,648 points (606 goals + 1,042 assists)
9. Joe Sakic: 1,641 points (625 goals + 1,016 assists)
10. Phil Esposito: 1,590 points (717 goals + 873 assists)
11. Alex Ovechkin: 1,584 points (875 goals + 709 assists)
12. Ray Bourque: 1,579 points (410 goals + 1,169 assists)
13. Joe Thornton: 1,539 points (430 goals + 1,109 assists)
14. Mark Recchi: 1,533 points (577 goals + 956 assists)

The Future

In 2025, Edmonton Oilers' superstar Connor McDavid made headlines by advancing to second place on the franchise’s all-time points list, but he still faces the monumental task of surpassing Gretzky's 1,669 points with the Oilers. As the current season unfolds, fans hold their breath, wondering if a new chapter will be written in this storied rivalry with history.

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