Who Has Scored the Most Goals in NHL History?

We’re taking a look at the legends on the game’s most valuable leaderboard. Here are the all-time leaders in career goals across NHL history.

In the fast-paced world of hockey, the ability to score goals is an art that few have mastered.

The thrill of the puck finding the back of the net after a perfectly timed slap shot, a puck battle in front of the net or a precise wrist shot energizes hockey fans everywhere.

Some players have mastered this craft, consistently lighting the lamp game after game, season after season.

Let’s take a look at the legends on the game’s most valuable leaderboard. Here are the all-time leading goal scorers in NHL history.

(* Player remains active)

NHL’s All-Time Leaders in Goals

T-1. Alex Ovechkin – 894*

The game’s most treasured record will soon belong to Ovechkin. The image of Ovechkin’s explosive one-time shot, especially on the power play, will live on forever in the minds of hockey fans.

However, this is far from his only weapon, as he has proven to be able to score in every way possible throughout his 20-year career.

Alex Ovechkin fires a shot in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on March 18, 2025. (AP Photo)

T-1. Wayne Gretzky – 894

Gretzky is still widely considered the greatest player of all time. He pushed the game to new heights and remains the league’s career points and assists leader.

3. Gordie Howe – 801

Twenty-six seasons. That’s Howe’s remarkable total, and he spent 25 of them in Detroit with the Red Wings. He scored at least 25 goals in 20 different seasons and won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP six times, establishing himself as the NHL’s first truly legendary player.

4. Jaromir Jagr – 766

Unlike Howe, Jagr bounced around the NHL throughout his 24 seasons, spending time with nine different franchises after spending the first half of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In each city, he showcased his innate instincts and versatile scoring ability, leading to five seasons when he led the league in points to win the Art Ross Trophy.

5. Brett Hull – 741

Known for his powerful and precise shot, Hull scored at least 24 goals in each season of his career outside of his first and final seasons. The winger was especially dominant during the 1990-91 season when he scored 86 goals – the third most in a season – and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP.