Some NHL players make headlines for chirps and cheap shots. But others earn respect the old-fashioned way—with grace, sportsmanship, and a commitment to the game that transcends the scoreboard.
These guys didn’t just play hockey; they carried themselves like true pros on and off the ice. Whether it was a handshake line after a playoff war or the way they treated fans and media, these players left a lasting impression that went far beyond their stats.
20. Brendan Shanahan
Shanahan could hit, score, and lead—but he always did it with a sense of integrity. Even in the most intense matchups, he never lost sight of the bigger picture.
19. Rod Brind’Amour
Known for his tireless work ethic, Brind’Amour was the definition of leading by example. He didn’t need to run his mouth—his game and character spoke volumes.
18. Jean Ratelle
A quiet superstar, Ratelle was the kind of player who made everyone around him better. He handled every situation with poise, even when the spotlight found him.
17. Mats Sundin
Toronto fans still rave about Sundin’s loyalty and leadership. He handled the pressure of a hockey-mad market with humility and class.
16. Pavel Datsyuk
They called him the “Magic Man” for a reason, but his sportsmanship was just as jaw-dropping as his hands. Datsyuk made the impossible look effortless without ever showing off.
15. Patrice Bergeron
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about Bergeron. A consummate professional, he let his play and quiet dignity do the talking.
14. Martin St. Louis
Undersized but overflowing with heart, St. Louis battled every shift with class. He never whined or demanded attention—he just went to work.
13. Bryan Trottier
Trottier was the rock in a dynasty, but always remained gracious in victory and defeat. He knew how to lead without the ego.
12. Borje Salming
One of the first European stars to thrive in the NHL, Salming won fans over with toughness and humility. He broke barriers without ever breaking character.
11. Ron Francis
Francis played over 1,700 games with quiet consistency and unwavering respect for the game. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
10. Henrik Lundqvist
He looked like a movie star, played like an all-time great, and acted like your favorite teammate. The King was royalty on and off the ice.
9. Stan Mikita
Mikita evolved from a scrappy player into a beacon of sportsmanship. His transformation showed how maturity and class can go hand in hand.
8. Joe Sakic
Sakic captained with calm authority and always kept things classy. He let his clutch goals and respectful demeanor speak for themselves.
7. Steve Yzerman
He led the Red Wings through thick and thin, always putting the team first. Yzerman was the blueprint for how to be a leader without flash.
6. Mike Modano
Modano was the face of American hockey for years and never acted like he was above the game. He treated fans, teammates, and even opponents with respect.
5. Nicklas Lidstrom
They called him “The Perfect Human” for a reason. Lidstrom’s positioning was flawless, but his calm, sportsmanlike demeanor made him a fan favorite everywhere.
4. Jarome Iginla
He played with fire but never crossed the line. Iginla was tough as nails and still found time to sign every autograph and shake every hand.
3. Teemu Selanne
Selanne brought joy and class to every rink he entered. Whether scoring goals or cracking jokes, he carried himself like a true ambassador for the game.
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2. Gordie Howe
Mr. Hockey could throw an elbow, sure—but off the ice, he was humble and beloved. He set the standard for being both fierce and respectful.
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1. Wayne Gretzky
The Great One never needed to act like it. He treated the game, his peers, and the fans with a rare kind of grace that matched his legendary talent.
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