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Who has the most goals in NHL history?

By Jahlynn Hancock

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 24: The NHL logo is seen on a goal in a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 24: The NHL logo is seen on a goal in a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Wayne Gretzky currently has the most goals in NHL history, but could his No.1 spot be challenged?

Wayne Gretzky started his career with the Edmonton Oilers in 1979 and led his team in goals and assists in his rookie season. He finished his rookie season with 51 goals and 86 assists, and was one of hockey’s brightest stars for the remainder of his career.

Gretzky has the most goals in NHL history with 894 over the course of 1487 games played. He passed the previous record holder, Gordie Howe, with 802 goals to secure the No.1 spot on March 23, 1994.

Gretzky played 20 seasons for four teams, including the Oilers and the Kings. He won nine Hart Trophies, five Lady Bung Trophies, two Conn Smythe Trophies, four Stanley Cups, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

28 years later, Gretzky is still his throne but could have some competition from Washington Capital’s winger, Alex Ovechkin.

Who has the potential to pass Wayne Gretzky?

Gretzky’s all-time goals record is only threatened by one player currently and that is Capitals’ winger, Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin currently is No. 3 with 776 all-time goals but is a contender for catching the No.1 spot.

Entering the 2021-22 season, Ovechkin only trailed Gretzky by 164 goals. In the last five seasons, Ovechkin has scored 205 goals in 358 games, which has a game percentage of 0.57. At that pace, Ovechkin could conceivably catch Gretzky in about four more seasons, assuming he can stay healthy and continue to score at that rate as he approaches his 40s.

The game has evolved, and each player’s role and ability are determined by their playing environment. It might be a stretch, but Ovechkin has the potential to pass the Hall-of-Famer, Gretzky to take over the No.1 all-time spot.

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