Hockey is a sport that naturally breeds admiration. Whether it’s the grit, the grace, or the guts it takes to lace up those skates night after night, some players leave a mark that goes far beyond goals and assists.
These are the guys who earned respect from teammates, opponents, coaches, and fans alike. From the class acts to the fierce leaders, here are the 20 most admired players in NHL history.
20. Ron Francis
He wasn’t flashy, but Ron Francis was the kind of player every team dreamed of having. Quietly effective and endlessly respected, he was all about making everyone around him better.
19. Mike Modano
Modano brought American flair to the NHL in a way that made fans across the country take notice. With speed, skill, and sportsmanship, he was the complete package.
18. Joe Sakic
Sakic’s leadership was as cool and calm as his shot was lethal. He let his game do the talking and earned nothing but praise for it.
17. Henri Richard
With more Stanley Cups than anyone in history, Henri Richard was as admired for his winning pedigree as he was for his team-first mentality. He carried himself like a champion every step of the way.
16. Jarome Iginla
Few blended toughness and class like Jarome Iginla. He fought hard, scored often, and somehow managed to win just about everyone over while doing it.
15. Pavel Datsyuk
They didn’t call him the “Magic Man” for nothing. Datsyuk wowed fans with his skill and stunned opponents with his respectfulness as he dismantled them.
14. Jean Béliveau
Jean Béliveau defined what it meant to be a gentleman in the game. With elegance, humility, and unmatched leadership, he was hockey royalty in every sense.
13. Sidney Crosby
From a teenage phenom to one of the game’s best captains, Crosby has always handled the spotlight with grace. He has earned admiration not just for his skill, but also for the way he leads by example.
12. Stan Mikita
Stan Mikita played with heart, brains, and class. He was beloved in Chicago and respected across the league for his contributions to growing the game.
11. Patrice Bergeron
If you needed a perfect example of a two-way player and a better person, Bergeron was it. Universally admired, he played with quiet dominance and led with grace.
10. Jaromir Jagr
Jagr’s career spanned generations, but his dedication never wavered. He played with power, flair, and a personality that made him a fan favorite everywhere he went.
9. Scott Niedermayer
Niedermayer made the hardest plays look easy, doing it all with a calmness that felt contagious. He didn’t seek the spotlight, but it always seemed to find him anyway.
8. Steve Yzerman
Yzerman transformed from young scorer to ultimate captain in Detroit. His loyalty, grit, and poise turned him into a living legend.
7. Joe Thornton
“Jumbo Joe” made hockey fun while still taking it seriously. His infectious energy and team-first attitude made him one of the most beloved players of his generation.
6. Teemu Selanne
Selanne lit up the scoreboard with a smile on his face. Fans loved him, opponents respected him, and teammates adored him.
5. Ray Bourque
Bourque defined class in Boston and finally got his Cup moment in Colorado. He was everything a defenseman—and a role model—should be.
4. Martin St. Louis
Undersized and underestimated, St. Louis let his heart and hustle speak volumes. He earned admiration by consistently proving everyone wrong.
3. Gordie Howe
“Mr. Hockey” wasn’t just a nickname—it was a legacy. Howe blended toughness, talent, and humility like no one else ever has.
Read More: The 25 Most Universally Admired Tennis Players of All Time
2. Mario Lemieux
Battling through cancer and chronic injuries, Lemieux still played with unmatched grace. His comeback story and all-world talent made him impossible not to root for.
Read More: The 10 Best Defensemen in NHL History
1. Wayne Gretzky
There’s greatness, and then there’s The Great One. Gretzky set every record imaginable—and still managed to stay one of the most humble and respected athletes in any sport.
Read More: The 20 Classiest NHL Players to Ever Suit Up
