100 Greatest NHL Players

100 Greatest NHL Players is an official list compiled by the National Hockey League to commemorate its centennial season in 2017. The list was selected by a blue-ribbon panel of hockey experts, including former players, executives, and media members. It aims to honor the most exceptional talents across the league's first century of operation, from its founding in 1917 through to the modern era. The announcement was a central part of the NHL 100th anniversary celebrations during the 2017 NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Selection process and criteria

The selection was overseen by a panel that included legendary figures such as Scotty Bowman, Brendan Shanahan, and Colin Campbell. The group was instructed to evaluate players based on their overall playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to their team and the NHL as a whole. Statistical achievements, individual awards like the Hart Memorial Trophy and James Norris Memorial Trophy, and championship success, notably winning the Stanley Cup, were significant factors. The process considered the entire history of the league, aiming to compare stars from different eras, such as the Original Six period and the post-1967 NHL expansion era, on a level playing field.

List of players

The list is composed of 100 names, with 67 players from the historical "First 100 Years" segment and 33 active players added from the "Next 100 Years" segment announced in 2017. It includes foundational stars like Howie Morenz and Eddie Shore from the league's early decades, mid-century icons such as Gordie Howe, Jean Béliveau, and Bobby Orr, and modern superstars including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby. The roster features legendary goaltenders like Jacques Plante and Patrick Roy, dominant defensemen such as Nicklas Lidström and Ray Bourque, and prolific scorers from Maurice Richard to Alex Ovechkin. The complete roster was unveiled during a gala ceremony at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game.

Historical context and eras

The list spans the entire chronology of the National Hockey League, reflecting its evolution from a small Canadian-based league to a major North American sports institution. It honors pioneers from the pre-Original Six era, like King Clancy and Aurel Joliat, who played under vastly different rules and conditions. It includes the dominant Montreal Canadiens dynasties of the 1950s and 1970s, the rise of European talent following the Summit Series, and the high-scoring era of the 1980s led by the Edmonton Oilers. The inclusion of players from the post-2004–05 NHL lockout era, such as Connor McDavid, connects the league's storied past to its present and future.

Impact on the sport

The players on this list have profoundly shaped the game's history, culture, and global profile. Innovators like Frank Nighbor (an early master of the poke check) and Jacques Plante (who popularized the goalie mask) changed how positions were played. Global ambassadors like Jaromír Jágr and Peter Šťastný helped popularize the sport in Europe. Record-setters such as Wayne Gretzky, who holds numerous records including most points in a season, set new benchmarks for excellence. Their legacies are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and their careers are commemorated through retired numbers across franchises like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Notable omissions and controversies

As with any subjective list, the selections sparked debate among fans and analysts. Notable Hall of Famers absent from the list include Curtis Joseph, Pavel Bure, and Eric Lindros, whose careers were often impacted by injuries. Some debate centered on the inclusion of active players over retired legends, and the balance between different eras. The relatively low number of selections from certain successful franchises, or the omission of key members of dynasties like the New York Islanders of the early 1980s, was also discussed. These discussions often highlight the difficulty in comparing players across different historical contexts and rulebooks.

Category:National Hockey League lists Category:National Hockey League awards Category:2017 in ice hockey