Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career-goal record of 894 has stood for 25 years. Alex Ovechkin is the only active player who could break it.
How to Play: Guess if the NHL player on the right has MORE or FEWER career goals than the one on the left.
Name A
Name B
Top 10 NHL Career Goal Scorers
Gretzky retired in 1999 with 894 career goals — a 93-goal lead over the second-place scorer. For 25 years no one threatened the record. Ovechkin, still active, has been chasing it since the 2010s and could pass it before his 2025-26 retirement.
| # | Name | Career Goals | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 894 | goals |
| 2 | Alex Ovechkin | 853 | goals |
| 3 | Gordie Howe | 801 | goals |
| 4 | Jaromir Jagr | 766 | goals |
| 5 | Brett Hull | 741 | goals |
| 6 | Marcel Dionne | 731 | goals |
| 7 | Phil Esposito | 717 | goals |
| 8 | Mike Gartner | 708 | goals |
| 9 | Mark Messier | 694 | goals |
| 10 | Steve Yzerman | 692 | goals |
How NHL Goals Are Tracked
NHL career goals are regular-season totals. Playoff goals are tracked separately. The official source is NHL.com, which maintains historical records back to the league’s 1917 founding. Goals are credited to the last attacker to touch the puck before it crosses the goal line.
Wayne Gretzky’s 894 career goals were scored over 20 seasons (1979-1999). His best year was 1981-82 with 92 goals — a single-season record. Gretzky’s combined goals + assists (2,857 points) are 1,000+ ahead of #2, an even more dominant record.
Alex Ovechkin’s chase has been remarkable. He scored 50+ goals in 9 different seasons (Gretzky did it 9 times too) and crossed 800 in 2024. As of late 2024 he sits at 853, just 41 behind Gretzky. He has signaled retirement after 2025-26, making this his last chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most NHL goals?
Wayne Gretzky with 894 career regular-season goals. The record has stood since 1999.
Will Ovechkin pass Gretzky?
Possibly. Ovechkin has 853 goals as of late 2024 and is 41 behind. He has averaged 35-50 goals per season recently. If he plays one more full season healthy, he could surpass.
Are these regular-season or playoff goals?
Regular season. Playoff goals are tracked separately. Gretzky also leads playoff goals at 122.
Why is Gretzky's record so dominant?
Gretzky played in a high-scoring era (1980s) and combined elite skill with extraordinary durability. He averaged 67 goals per season in his best 5-year stretch — pace no other player has matched.
Note: Career goal totals through 2024-25 season per NHL.com. Active players continue to add goals.
More Wise Games to Try