Saul Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images

Wayne Gretzky Didn’t Hesitate to Name the Greatest NHL Player of All Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Whenever you ask a hockey fan who the greatest player to ever lace up skates and hit the ice is, most will give the same answer: Wayne Gretzky.

Gretzky holds an astounding 61 NHL records—and he hasn’t played since 1999. Let that sink in: more than two decades after retiring, those records still stand. During his legendary career, he won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers over nine seasons. In total, he played 20 years in the NHL, suiting up for the Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

Despite his fame, accolades, and lasting impact on the sport, Gretzky remains remarkably humble—especially when it comes to those who came before him. During a recent appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, he was asked who the greatest players of all time in each sport were. Without hesitation, Gretzky answered—and he didn’t name himself when he came to the NHL.

"I got Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe in hockey," Gretzky said. "Those are the two greatest players to ever play."

Getting called the GOAT by Wayne Gretzky has to be a career highlight for Jason and Travis pic.twitter.com/yI5gowxyoh
— New Heights (@newheightshow) June 2, 2025

Bobby Orr’s career was cut short by injuries, but what he accomplished in his time on the ice was nothing short of remarkable. His revolutionary style of play redefined the role of a defenseman, and he dominated during a highly competitive era.

Orr played from 1966 to 1979, spending the majority of his career with the Boston Bruins before finishing his final two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the shortened career, he won two Stanley Cups, made nine All-Star appearances, and earned three Hart Trophies as league MVP.

Gordie Howe, on the other hand, was the polar opposite in terms of longevity. He played an incredible 32 seasons across the NHL and WHA. Known as "Mr. Hockey," Howe was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, 21-time All-Star, six-time MVP, and also won two WHA championships during his storied career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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