Who has scored the most goals in NHL history?

Keith Jenkins

Oct 3, 2024, 03:01 PM ET

At the time of his retirement in 1999, Wayne Gretzky owned or shared 61 NHL records, including the mark for the most career goals. “The Great One” finished his unparalleled 20-year career with an NHL-record 894 goals in 1,487 games. It is a mark that has stood since Gretzky walked away. Alex Ovechkin is looking to change that.

Ovechkin enters the 2024-25 season 42 goals shy of breaking Gretzky’s record. Ovechkin has scored at least 42 goals in a season 13 times in his NHL career, including in the 2022-23 campaign.

Here’s a look at the players with the most career goals in NHL history:

Wayne Gretzky: 894

Alex Ovechkin: 853

Gordie Howe: 801

Jaromir Jagr: 766

Brett Hull: 741

Marcel Dionne: 731

Phil Esposito: 717