The top 5 players from each Original Six NHL franchises
By Daniel
Chicago Blackhawks — Est. 1926
The Blackhawks have won five Stanley Cups (three in the ‘modern era’) and 15 division championships in franchise history. These are the five greatest players to ever put on the red and white.
5. Denis Savard, C (1980-1990, 1995-97)
Denis Savard spent two stints playing in Chicago and was a dominant player throughout his career. Six of his seven All-Star Game appearances came while he was a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Five times he hit the 100-point plateau for a single season and seven times he scored at least 30 goals for the ‘Hawks. He ranks second all-time in team history in assists (719).
4. Tony Esposito, G (1969-1984)
Esposito is one of the most beloved players in the history of Chicago sports. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy and took home three Vezina Trophies for the Blackhawks. He was invited to six All-Star Games and finished in the top-10 in Hart Memorial Trophy voting seven separate times. Esposito leads the franchise in wins (418) and shutouts (74), both by large margins.
3. Jonathan Toews, C (2007-Present)
Toews is currently one of the most beloved players in Chicago, in any sport. In his first seven seasons in Chicago he’s led the Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup championships and was named the Conn Smythe winner once. He’s won a Frank J. Selke Trophy and has been invited to three All-Star Games. By the time he hangs up his skates he could end up atop this list. He’s also the only current player to be mentioned in this piece — that says a lot.
2. Stan Mikita, C (1958-1980)
Mikita put together an amazing 22-year career in Chicago and is one of the top players in NHL history. He won two Hart Memorial Trophies and a whopping four Art Ross Trophies in his career. He also played in nine All-Star Games and led Chicago to one Stanley Cup championship. He was the first Blackhawks player to get his jersey retired (#21). He’s the franchise leader in points (1476), assists (926), and games played (1394). Hard to believe he’s not ranked No. 1 on this list.
1. Bobby Hull, LW (1957-1972)
The greatest player in Chicago hockey history is the dynamic scorer Bobby Hull. He led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1961 and was a 12-time All Star in 15 seasons in Chicago. He won two Hart Memorial Trophies and three Art Ross Trophies. In seven other seasons he finished in the top-5 in Hart Memorial Trophy voting. He’s the franchise’s all-time goal leader (604) and second in points (1153). No player has ever done more for the Blackhawks. Time will tell if he will stay atop this list though.
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