Jeff Skinner Scores 300th Career Goal vs. Red Wings; Who Are the 20 Other Active NHL Players to Score 300 Goals?

Jeff Skinner Scores 300th Career Goal vs. Red Wings; Who Are the 20 Other Active NHL Players to Score 300 Goals?

On October 31st, Buffalo Sabres’ forward Jeff Skinner became the latest of 21 active NHL players to score at least 300 goals in their career – it’s a milestone that only 212 players have achieved in NHL history. The goal came in the second period of an 8-3 blowout victory against the Detroit Red Wings.

Tage Thompson picked up the lone assist on Skinner’s historic goal. Thompson went on to score a hat trick in that game and two of those goals were assisted by Skinner. Not only did he score his 300th goal vs. Detroit, but he also dished his 250th assist – showing just how productive of a player he has been.

It was Skinner’s 862nd career NHL game and 283rd game since being traded to Buffalo from the Carolina Hurricanes – it was his 96th goal as a member of the Sabres. In his 13th season and at the age of 30, there’s belief that Skinner can reach 400 goals if he continues to score at a high rate – which is possible.

RELATED: Rasmus Dahlin Becomes First NHL Defenseman to Score a Goal in First 5 Games of the Season; Who Are the Greatest NHL Defensemen of All-Time?

Who Are the 20 Other Active NHL Players to Score 300 Goals?

Jeff Skinner Scores 300th Career Goal vs. Red Wings; Who Are the 20 Other Active NHL Players to Score 300 Goals?
via Instagram (@aleksanderovechkinofficial)

What Jeff Skinner accomplished last week – on Halloween, nonetheless – is something we don’t get to see very often. In fact, it has only been done by 20 other active NHL players and 211 NHL players all-time. It’s an achievement that takes time, talent, health, luck, and good teammates surrounding you.

Skinner explained as much in his post-game interview. “It means I’ve been around a while, I guess. … You’re not going to score goals unless you’ve got five guys on the same page out there. Obviously it means that you had some good chemistry with guys over the years,” said Skinner after the game. 

Since scoring his 300th goal, Skinner has played in three games – adding one more goal and two more assists to his resume. He’s clearly not done, so expect him to continue scoring. In honor of his incredible achievement, let’s take a look at the 20 other active NHL players who can say they’ve done the same. 

20. Claude Giroux – 300 Goals

Claude Giroux is a 34-year-old Canadian forward who’s currently playing in his 16th season in the NHL. In 1,029 games played, he has scored 300 goals and dished 633 assists (933 points) – including six goals and four assists (10 points) in just 11 games this season. He’s on pace to have a career year in 2022-23.

Giroux recorded a career-high 102 points (34 goals, 68 assists) during the 2017-18 season, which was the only season he eclipsed the 30 goal mark. He has scored at least 20 goals in 9 of his 16 seasons and at least 50 points in 10 of his 16 seasons. His 68 assists was tied for the league lead with Blake Wheeler.

19. Logan Couture – 300 Goals

Logan Couture is a 33-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 14th NHL season. In 859 games, he has scored 300 goals and dished 341 assists (641 points) – including four goals and four assists (eight points) in 14 games this season. He has spent his entire career with the San Jose Sharks. 

Couture has remained fairly consistent throughout his career. He has scored at least 20 goals in 9 of his 14 seasons and at least 50 points in 8 of his 14 seasons. He scored a career-high 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) during the 2018-19 season, but his career-high in goals came the year prior – scoring 34 goals.

18. Tyler Seguin – 308 Goals

Tyler Seguin is a 30-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 13th season in the NHL. In 837 games played, he has scored 308 goals and dished 388 assists (696 points) – including three goals and seven assists (10 points) for the Dallas Stars in the 2022-23 season, his 10th season with the team. 

Seguin was always a reliable player, but he only played three games in the 2020-21 season due to injury. He returned last season and played 81 games during the regular season, but his production was down from years prior. Nonetheless, his production is back and, most importantly, he seems to be healthy.

17. Jamie Benn – 333 Goals

Jamie Benn is a 33-year-old Canadian left winger who’s currently playing in his 14th season in the NHL. In 960 career games played, he has scored 333 goals and dished 447 assists for a grand total of 780 points – including four goals and seven assists (11 points) through 12 games with the Stars this season.

Much like his teammate Tyler Seguin, Benn’s production has dipped in recent years, but he’s fully capable of getting his team 20+ goals and 50+ points in 2022-23. In his career, he has scored 90 power play goals, 13 shorthanded goals, and 51 game-winning goals. Benn is also a three-time All-Star. 

16. Brad Marchand – 355 Goals

Brad Marchand is a 34-year-old Canadian left winger who’s currently playing in his 14th season in the NHL – all of which with the Boston Bruins. In 879 career games played, he has scored 355 goals and dished 447 assists (802 points) – including four goals and three assists in just five games this season. 

Marchand has scored at least 30 goals in five of the past seven seasons – including four consecutive years between 2015 and 2019, scoring 146 goals in that span. He missed the start of the season after rehabbing a surgery he had in May, but is back on the ice and completely on fire to start the new year. 

15. Jonathan Toews – 364 Goals

Jonathan Toews is a 34-year-old Canadian forward who’s currently playing in his 15th season in the NHL – all of which with the Ottawa Senators. In 1,026 career games played, he has scored 364 goals and dished 497 assists (861 points) – including seven goals and two assists in 12 games this season. 

Toews’ production has dipped over the past two seasons – scoring just 30 goals in that time, compared to 35 goals in 2018-19. He’s back to his goal-scoring ways in 2022-23, averaging more than a goal every two games to start the season. With just three seasons of 30+ goals in his career, he could make it four.

14. Anze Kopitar – 367 Goals

Anze Kopitar is a 35-year-old Slovenian center who’s currently playing in his 17th season in the NHL – all of which with the Los Angeles Kings. In 1,224 career games played, he has scored 367 goals and dished 712 assists (1,079 points) – including two goals and 10 assists in all 14 games this season. 

Kopitar scored at least 20 goals in each of his first six seasons and 11 of his first 14 seasons in the NHL. He only scored 13 goals in the shortened 2020-21 season and came up short last season with 19 goals. His assist numbers have been impressive to start the new campaign, but he has only scored twice so far.

13. John Tavares – 399 Goals

John Tavares is a 32-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 14th season in the NHL – nine with the Islanders and five with the Maple Leafs. In 962 games played, he has scored 399 goals and dished 511 assists (910 points) – including eight goals and seven assists (15 points) to start this season.

Tavares has scored at least 20 goals in 12 of his first 13 seasons in the league – the only season he failed to do so was the shortened 2020-21 season, but he still managed to score 19 goals in just 56 games. He scored a career-high 47 goals during the 2018-19 season and is coming off a year in which he scored 27.

12. Phil Kessel – 400 Goals

Phil Kessel is a 35-year-old American right winger who’s currently playing in his 17th season in the NHL – he’s also on his fifth team since making his debut in 2006. In 1,217 games, he has scored 400 goals and dished 561 assists (961 points) – including one goal and four assists through 13 games this season. 

Kessel had quite a memorable game not too long ago. Playing with his new team in Vegas, he broke the NHL’s iron man record by suiting up for 990 consecutive games. In that same game, he scored his 400th goal – joining a list of just 11 other active NHL players with at least 400 goals in their outstanding careers.

11. Patrice Bergeron – 405 Goals

Patrice Bergeron is a 37-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 19th season in the NHL – all of which with the Boston Bruins. In 1,229 career games played, he has scored 405 goals and dished 588 assists (993 points) – including five goals and six assists (11 points) during the 2022-23 season. 

Entering this season, Bergeron had scored at least 21 goals in each of the previous nine seasons – he has done so 13 times over the course of his career. In addition to his consistency on the offensive end, Bergeron excels as a defensive forward and has even won the Frank J. Selke Trophy five times. 

10. Corey Perry – 407 Goals

Corey Perry is a 37-year-old Canadian right winger who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – he has played on four teams throughout his career. In 1,188 games played, he has scored 407 goals and dished 455 assists (862 points) – including just two goals and two assists in 12 games this season. 

Perry has struggled to stay on the ice over the past five seasons – though he finally recorded a full 82-game season last year. Still, he hasn’t scored more than 19 goals in a single season since 2015-16 and has failed to score double-digit goals in four of the past five years. We’ll see if he can pick it back up. 

9. Zach Parise – 412 Goals

Zach Parise is a 38-year-old American left winger who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – he has played on three teams throughout his career. In 1,155 career games played, he has scored 412 goals and dished 438 assists (850 points) – including four goals and one assist (5 points) this season. 

Parise was one of the premier goal scorers in the league between 2006 and 2015, but his production has dipped in recent years – as expected for a player pushing 40 years old. Still, he scored 15 goals in just over 15 minutes of ice time last season and is currently on pace to score around 20 goals this season. 

8. Jeff Carter – 420 Goals

Jeff Carter is a 37-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – he has played for four teams throughout his career. In 1,179 career games played, he has scored 420 goals and dished 393 assists (813 points) – including two goals and four assists in nine games this season. 

Carter scored 23 goals as a rookie, but it was what he did between 2007 and 2011 that caught everyone’s attention. He scored 29 goals in 2007-08, 46 goals in 2008-09, 33 goals in 2009-10, and 36 goals in 2010-11. He then had six straight seasons of at least 20 goals before seeing his production decrease. 

7. Joe Pavelski – 427 Goals

Joe Pavelski is a 38-year-old American center who’s currently playing in his 17th season in the NHL – the Sharks for 13 years and Stars for 4 years. In 1,180 games played, he has scored 427 goals and dished 509 assists (936 points) – including six goals and six assists (12 points) in 12 games this season. 

Pavelski has been a consistent scorer his entire career, scoring at least 25 goals in 10 of his 17 seasons and at least 20 goals in 12 of his 17 seasons. He has scored 60 game-winning goals, 121 power play goals, and 10 shorthanded goals over his career. He was named an All-Star during the 2013-14 season.

6. Patrick Kane – 432 Goals

Patrick Kane is a 33-year-old American right winger who’s currently playing in his 16th season in the NHL – all of which with the Chicago Blackhawks. In 1,119 career games played, he has scored 432 goals and dished 758 assists (1,190 points) – including two goals and eight assists in 12 games this season. 

Kane is as consistent as it gets, but he also has the ability to explode (in a good way) at any moment. He has scored at least 21 goals in 16 of his 17 seasons in the league – the only exception being the 2020-21 shortened season (he had 15 goals in 56 games). He has also scored 46 goals and 44 goals in a season.

5. Eric Staal – 441 Goals

Eric Staal is a 38-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – he has played for six teams, including four teams since 2019. In 1,299 games, he has scored 441 goals and dished 593 assists (1,034 points) – he has yet to register a point this season through six games played.

Staal had an incredible start to his career – scoring 45 goals in 2005, 30 goals in 2006, 38 goals in 2007, 40 goals in 2008, 29 goals in 2009, and 33 goals in 2010. He made a comeback with the Wild, scoring 28 goals in 2016 and registering 42 goals in 2017. Production has dipped, but he’s still an all-time great. 

4. Evgeni Malkin – 449 Goals

Evgeni Malkin is a 36-year-old Russian center who’s currently playing in his 17th season in the NHL – all of which with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 993 career games played, he has scored 449 goals and dished 709 assists (1,158 points) – including five goals and seven assists (12 points) through 12 games this year.

Malkin has led the NHL in points twice in his career – as well as assists once – but don’t get it twisted, he’s a perennial goal scorer. He has scored at least 33 goals in six of his 17 seasons and at least 20 goals in 13 of his 17 seasons. His career-high is 50 goals, which he achieved in the 2011-12 season. 

3. Steven Stamkos – 488 Goals

Steven Stamkos is a 32-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 15th season in the NHL – all of which with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 934 career games played, he has scored 488 goals and dished 497 assists (985 points) – including seven goals and six assists through 12 games this season. 

Stamkos loves putting the puck in the back of the net. He has scored at least 23 goals in 12 of his 15 seasons – the only exceptions were the shortened 2020-21 season and two injury-plagued seasons. He has led the NHL in scoring twice – 60 goals in the 2011-12 season and 51 goals in the 2009010 season.

2. Sidney Crosby – 523 Goals

Sidney Crosby is a 35-year-old Canadian center who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – all of which with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 1,120 career games played, he has scored 523 goals and dished 900 assists (1,423 points) – including six goals and eight assists in 12 games this season. 

Crosby is an all-time great, evidenced by his consistency and three Stanley Cup wins. He has led the league in scoring twice, in assists once, and in points twice during his career. He’s almost game for 25-30+ goals and 40-50+ assists per season, even though he rarely registers a full season anymore.

1. Alexander Ovechkin – 788 Goals

Alexander Ovechkin is a 37-year-old Russian left winger who’s currently playing in his 18th season in the NHL – all of which with the Washington Capitals. In 1,288 games played, he has scored 788 goals and dished 635 assists (1,423 points) – including eight goals and five assists in 14 games this season. 

Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers of all-time and perhaps the only player that could break Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. He has scored at least 50 goals in 9 of his 18 seasons and scored a career-high 65 goals in 2007-08. He has led the league in scoring nine times during his 18-year career. 

Active NHL Players That Could Join the List Soon

While there are 21 active NHL players – including Jeff Skinner – who can say they’ve scored 300 goals over the course of their career, we can fully expect more players to join the ranks soon. In fact, there are currently seven active NHL players who are within 30 goals of that incredible 300 mark – they’re close!

Those players are T.J. Oshie (273), David Perron (274), Paul Stastny (284), James van Riemsdyk (290), Evander Kane (291), Matt Duchene (297), and Blake Wheeler (299). Some younger players – Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Nathan McKinnon – are climbing the ranks fast.

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We should also highlight Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators and Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks. Like Jeff Skinner, they recently joined this list. Couture scored his 300th against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 27 and Giroux scored his 300th against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 5.

Rasmus Dahlin Becomes First NHL Defenseman to Score a Goal in First 5 Games of the Season; Who Are the Greatest NHL Defensemen of All-Time?

On October 20, 2022, Buffalo Sabers defenseman, Rasmus Dahlin continued to prove why he may one day write his name alongside the greatest NHL defensemen of all time. In a 6-3 win against the Calgary Flames, he scored his fourth goal in as many games to start the season – making history in the process.

He became the only defenseman in NHL history to open the season with a goal in four consecutive games – he also scored a goal against the Ottawa Senators (Oct. 13), Florida Panthers (Oct. 15), and Edmonton Oilers (Oct. 18). He also had two assists in that span and was playing stellar defense. 

Dahlin didn’t stop there – in fact, he made it even more difficult for incoming defensemen to repeat his incredible feat. On October 22, he extended his streak to five games after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Canucks – adding another assist, as well. His team was 4-1-0 during this five-game stretch.

RELATED: 20 of the Best Hockey Goalies of All-Time

Who Are the Greatest NHL Defensemen of All-Time?

When Rasmus Dahlin was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, we knew he had the skill to be one of the greatest NHL defensemen of all time. While he’s far from gaining that title, he’s currently ascending at an incredible rate in just his fifth season – don’t forget, he’s only 22 years old. 

Rasmus Dahlin Becomes First NHL Defenseman to Score a Goal in First 5 Games of the Season; Who Are the Greatest NHL Defensemen of All-Time?
via Instagram (@rasmusdahlinn)

His five-game goal streak is something that has only been done by two other active players – Cale Mekar in 2021 and Roman Josi in 2019. Only six other defensemen in NHL history have recorded a better goal streak, with Mike Green sitting atop with an eight-game goal streak with the Washington Capitals in 2009.

With five goals and five assists through the first eight games of the 2022-23 season, Dahlin has already proven he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. When combined with his elite abilities as a defensive-minded player, then he very well could be one of the greatest NHL defensemen some day.

For now, let’s take a moment to embrace some of the greatest NHL defensemen through the years – there are a lot, but some stand out more than others!

20. Larry Murphy

Larry Murphy was drafted No. 4 overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 1980, making his NHL debut in the 1980-81 season. He spent 21 years in the league, retiring in 2001 with 288 goals and dishing 929 assists (1,217 points) in 1,615 games played. He was a +197 when on the ice with 1,084 career penalty minutes.

Murphy played for six teams throughout his legendary career and was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time All-Star, and one-time Calder Memorial Trophy runner-up. He finished with more than 20 goals in five seasons and more than 70 points in five seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. 

19. Scott Niedermayer

Scott Niedermayer was drafted No. 3 overall by the New Jersey Devils in 1991, making his NHL debut in the 1991-92 season. He spent 18 years in the league, retiring in 2010 with 172 goals and 568 assists 

(740 points) in 1,263 games played. He was a +167 when on the ice with 784 career penalty minutes. 

Niedermayer played for two teams during his career, winning four Stanley Cups in the process. He was also a four-time All-Star, 1993 All-Rookie, 2004 Norris Trophy winner, and 2007 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He had 26 game-winning goals and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 2013. 

18. Al MacInnis

Al MacInnis was drafted No. 15 overall by the Calgary Flames in 1981, making his NHL debut in the 1981-82 season. He spent 23 years in the league, retiring in 2004 with 340 goals and 934 assists (1,274 points) in 1,416 games played. He was a +371 when on the ice with 1,511 career penalty minutes. 

MacInnis played for two teams during his career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989. He was also a seven-time All-Star, 1989 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and 1999 Norris Memorial Trophy winner. He scored at least 20 goals in seven seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. 

17. Brian Leetch

Brian Leetch was drafted No. 9 overall by the New York Rangers in 1986, making his NHL debut in the 1987-88 season. He spent 18 years in the league, retiring in 2006 with 247 goals and 781 assists (1,028 points) in 1,205 games played. He was a +25 when on the ice with just 571 career penalty minutes. 

Leetch played for three teams during his career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. He was also a five-time All-Star, two-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, 1989 All-Rookie, 1989 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, and 1994 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. 

16. Pierre Pilote

Pierre Pilote played for the St. Catharines Teepees as an amateur before joining the NHL as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1955-56 season. He spent 14 years in the league, retiring in 1969 with 80 goals and 418 assists (498 points) in 890 games played. He was +187 when on the ice. 

Pilote played for two teams during his career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Black Hawks in 1961. He was selected to eight consecutive All-Star teams and won three consecutive Norris Memorial Trophies between 1963 and 1965. The legend was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. 

15. Scott Stevens

Scott Stevens was drafted No. 5 overall by the Washington Capitals in 1982, making his debut during the 1982-83 season. He spent 22 years in the league, retiring in 2004 with 196 goals and 712 assists (908 points) in 1,635 games played. He was +395 when on the ice and had 2,785 career penalty minutes. 

Stevens played for three teams during his career, winning three Stanley Cups in the process – all of which with the New Jersey Devils. He was also a five-time All-Star, 1983 All-Rookie, and 2000 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He led the league with +53 in 1993-94 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. 

14. Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson was drafted No. 15 overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2008, making his NHL debut in the 2009-10 season. He is currently playing in his 14th season in the league and has 159 goals and 512 assists (671 points) in 849 games played. He’s -79 when on the ice with 390 career penalty minutes. 

Karlsson is on a tear this season – he already has six goals and five assists through 11 games. He has played on two teams during his career, but has never won a Stanley Cup. He has, however, won two Norris Memorial Trophies and is a four-time All-Star. He might be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.

13. Chris Pronger

Chris Pronger was drafted No. 2 overall by the Hartford Whalers in 1993, making his NHL debut in the 1993-94 season. He spent 18 years in the league, retiring in 2012 with 157 goals and 541 assists (698 points) in 1,167 games played. He’s +183 when on the ice and scored 27 career game-winning goals. 

Pronger played for five different teams during his career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He was also a four-time All-Star, 1994 All-Rookie, 2000 Hart Memorial Trophy winner, and 2000 Norris Memorial Trophy winner. The all-time great was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. 

12. Red Kelly

Red Kelly played for the St. Michael’s College Majors as an amateur before joining the NHL as a member of the Detroit Red Wings for the 1947-48 season. He spent 20 years in the NHL, retiring in 1967 with 281 goals and 542 assists (823 points) in 1,316 games played. The defenseman had 41 game-winning goals.

Kelly played for two teams during his career, winning eight Stanley Cups in the process – four with the Red Wings and four with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was an eight-time All-Star, four-time Byng Memorial Trophy winner, and 1954 Norris Memorial Trophy winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969. 

11. Eddie Shore

Eddie Shore spent 14 years in the NHL between 1926 and 1940, retiring with 105 goals and 179 assists (284 points) in 551 career games played. He scored at least 11 goals in each of his first five seasons in the league and led the league in penalty minutes his first two seasons in the league – he wasted no time.

Shore played for two teams during his career, winning two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins. He was also an eight-time All-Star (six consecutive) and four-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner – including back-to-back in 1935 and 1936. The defenseman was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1984. 

10. Phil Housley

Phil Housley was drafted No. 6 overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1982, making his NHL debut in the 1982-83 season. He spent 21 years in the league, retiring in 2003 with 338 goals and 894 assists (1,232 points) in 1,495 career games played. He was -53 when on the ice and had 822 career penalty minutes.

Housley was a bit of a journeyman in the NHL, playing for eight teams over his career – five of which were for two years or less. He was an All-Rookie in 1983 and an All-Star in 1992. He had a career-high 97 points during the 1992-93 season. He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. 

9. Chris Chelios

Chris Chelios was drafted No. 40 overall (second round) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981, making his NHL debut in the 1983-84 season. He spent 26 years in the league, retiring in 2010 with 185 goals and 763 assists (948 points) in 1,651 games. He was +351 when on the ice and had 2,891 penalty minutes. 

Chelios has played for four teams during his career, winning three Stanley Cup titles with three of those teams. He was also a seven-time All-Star, three-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, 1985 All-Rookie, and 2007 Mark Messier Award winner. He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 2013. 

8. Tim Horton

Tim Horton played for the St. Michael’s College Majors as an amateur before joining the NHL as a member of the Maple Leafs during the 1949-50 season. He spent 24 years in the NHL, retiring with 115 goals and 403 assists (518 points) in 1,445 games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

Horton played for four teams during his career, winning four Stanley Cup titles – including three consecutive with the Maple Leafs and a fourth three years later. He was also a six-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1977. He had 1,611 penalty minutes and 21 game-winners.

7. Denis Potvin

Denis Potvin was drafted No. 1 overall by the New York Islanders in 1973, making his NHL debut in the 1973-74 season. He spent 15 years in the league, retiring in 1988 with 310 goals and 742 assists (1,052 points) in 1,060 career games played. He was +456 when on the ice and had 44 game-winning goals. 

Potvin played for just one team his entire career, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups with the team between 1980 and 1983. He was also a seven-time All-Star, three-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, and 1974 Calder Memorial Trophy winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1991. 

6. Larry Robinson

Larry Robinson was drafted No. 20 overall (second round) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1971, making his NHL debut in the 1972-73 season. He spent 20 years in the league, retiring in 1992 with 208 goals and 750 assists (958 points) in 1,384 career games played. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Robinson played for two teams during his career, winning six Stanley Cup titles with the Canadiens – including four consecutive between 1976 and 1979. He was also a six-time All-Star, two-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, and 1978 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He was +722 when on the ice. 

5. Doug Harvey

Doug Harvey made his NHL debut during the 1947-48 season as a member of the Montreal Canadiens. He would go on to spend 19 years in the league, eventually retiring in 1969 with 88 goals and 452 assists (540 ponts) in 1,113 games played. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1973. 

Harvey played for four teams during his career, winning six Stanley Cup titles with the Canadiens – including five-straight between 1956 and 1960. He was also an 11-time All-Star and seven-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner – including four-straight. He had 17 game-winning and 26 power play goals.

4. Nicklas Lidstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom was drafted No. 53 overall (third round) by the Detroit Red Wings in 1989, making his NHL debut in the 1991-92 season. He spent 20 years in the league, retiring in 2012 with 264 goals and 878 assists (1,142 points) in 1,564 career games played. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Lidstrom played for the same team his entire career, winning four Stanley Cups – including back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998. He was also a 12-time All-Star, seven-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, 1992 All-Rookie, and 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He was +450 when on the ice and had 514 penalty minutes. 

3. Ray Bourque

Ray Bourque was drafted No. 8 overall by the Boston Bruins in 1979, making his NHL debut in the 1979-80 season. He spent 22 years in the league, retiring in 2001 with 410 goals and 1,169 assists (1,579 points) in 1,612 career games played. He was +527 when on the ice with 1,087 penalty minutes. 

Bourque played for two teams during his career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in his final season. He was also a 19-time All-Star, five-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, 1992 Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, and 1980 Calder Memorial Trophy winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. 

2. Paul Coffey

Paul Coffey was drafted No. 6 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1980, making his NHL debut in the 1980-81 season. He spent 21 years in the league, retiring in 2001 with 396 goals and 1,135 assists (1,531 points) in 1,409 career games played. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. 

Coffey played for eight teams during his career, winning three Stanley Cups with the Oilers and another with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was also an eight-time All-Star and three-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, including back-to-back in 1985 and 1986. He was +298 when on the ice with 1,802 penalty minutes.

1. Bobby Orr

Bobby Orr played for the Ashawa Senators as an amateur before joining the NHL as a defenseman for the Boston Bruins, making his debut during the 1966-67 season. He only spent 12 years in the league, retiring in 1979 with 270 goals and 645 assists (915 points) in 657 career games played with two teams.

Orr won two Stanley Cup titles with the Bruins in 1970 and 1972. He was also a nine-time All-Star, eight-time Norris Memorial Trophy winner, two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner, two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and 1967 Calder Memorial Trophy winner. 

Which Players Today Might Join the Greatest NHL Defensemen of All-Time?

If you were to look around the NHL today, you’re going to see several players that could very well write their names alongside some of the greatest NHL defensemen of all-time. Time will tell whether or not they achieve that incredible feat, but you can certainly make a case for the future being very, very bright. 

Some of those names include Cale Makar, Victor Hedman, Roman Josi, Adam Fox, Aaron Ekblad, Jaccob Slavin, Shea Theodore, Miro Heiskanen, Charlie McAvoy, Alex Pietrangelo, Drew Doughty, Quinn Hughes, Brent Burns, Moritz Seider, and John Carlson. I love the way these guys are playing. 

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There are also several prospects we should keep an eye on – including Rasmus Dahlin’s teammate Owen Power, Luke Hughes, Jake Sanderson, Simon Nemec, and David Jiricek. It’s safe to say hockey fans have a lot to look forward to at this position, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.

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