Hockey Reference Blog
Top 20 NHL Left Wings of All Time
Posted by Ross Waataja on April 22, 2025
When it comes to generating offense and setting the tempo, few positions impact the flow of play quite like a left wing. Renowned for both skill and tenacity, these players provide essential support at both ends of the rink. Below is an unnumbered list of 20 iconic NHL left wingers, arranged alphabetically by last name, each one contributing to the rich heritage of the sport.

Dave Andreychuk
Full Name: David John Andreychuk
(Chuckie, Octopus, Clyde)
Position: LW • Shoots: Right
6-4, 220lb (193cm, 99kg)
Born: September 29, 1963 (Age: 61-159d) in Hamilton, Ontario ca
Draft: Buffalo, 1st round (16th overall), 1982 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Oshawa Generals
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)
Career
1639
640
698
1338
32
124.4
1121
4556
77
Dave Andreychuk enjoyed a long and productive NHL career, using his size and soft hands to dominate in front of the net. With 640 career goals and a Stanley Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, he left an indelible mark as one of the league’s premier power forwards.

Bill Barber
Full Name: William Charles Barber
(Swannie)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-0, 195lb (183cm, 88kg)
Born: July 11, 1952 (Age: 72-239d) in Callander, Ontario ca
Draft: Philadelphia, 1st round (7th overall), 1972 NHL Amateur
Amateur Teams: Kitchener Rangers
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1990 (Full List)
As Coach: 2 Yrs, 73‑40‑23, 169 Pts. (Full Record)
Career
903
420
463
883
312
81.3
623
3246
54
Bill Barber helped lead the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in the mid-1970s, combining scoring touch with a relentless work ethic. A member of the 1979–80 NHL First All-Star Team, he remains among the Flyers’ all-time scoring leaders.

Johnny Bucyk
Full Name: John Paul Bucyk
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-0, 215lb (183cm, 97kg)
Born: May 12, 1935 (Age: 89-299d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)
Relatives: Nephew Randy Bucyk
Career
1540
556
813
1369
-7
122.4
493
3087
92
Johnny Bucyk represented the Boston Bruins with grit and grace for over two decades. Amassing more than 1,300 career points, he contributed to two Stanley Cup victories in Boston, earning respect for his durability and sportsmanship.

Patrik Eliáš
Full Name: Patrik Eliáš
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)
Born: April 13, 1976 (Age: 48-328d) in Trebic, Czechoslovakia cs
Draft: New Jersey, 2nd round (51st overall), 1994 NHL Entry
Pronunciation: \PAT-rihk ehl-EE-ahsh\
Career
1240
408
617
1025
172
124.7
549
3287
80
18:03
54.8
52.5
Patrik Eliáš split time between center and left wing but excelled on the left side with the New Jersey Devils, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he used vision, creativity, and steady two-way play to anchor the Devils’ offense.

Clark Gillies
Full Name: Clark Gillies
(Jethro)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-3, 215lb (190cm, 97kg)
Born: April 7, 1954 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan ca
Died: January 21, 2022 (Aged 67-289d)
Draft: NY Islanders, 1st round (4th overall), 1974 NHL Amateur
Amateur Teams: Regina Pats
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2002 (Full List)
Name Note: Full name Clark Paterson Gillies
Career
958
319
378
697
245
55.0
1025
2253
44
Clark Gillies was a critical part of the New York Islanders’ four consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the early 1980s. Known for his commanding presence and unwavering leadership, he provided invaluable protection for his skillful linemates while chipping in crucial goals.

Michel Goulet
Full Name: Michel Goulet
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-1, 195lb (185cm, 88kg)
Born: April 21, 1960 (Age: 64-320d) in Peribonka, Quebec ca
Draft: Quebec, 1st round (20th overall), 1979 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Quebec Remparts
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1998 (Full List)
Career
1089
548
605
1153
99
96.9
825
3145
63
Michel Goulet spent the prime of his career thrilling Quebec Nordiques fans with his dynamic scoring. Eclipsing 50 goals in a season multiple times, he also showcased his talents with the Chicago Blackhawks, solidifying himself as one of the elite snipers of his era.

Bobby Hull
Full Name: Robert Marvin Hull
(The Golden Jet)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
5-10, 195lb (178cm, 88kg)
Born: January 3, 1939 in Point Anne, Ontario ca
Died: January 30, 2023 (Aged 84-027d)
Amateur Teams: St. Catharines Teepees
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1983 (Full List)
As Coach: 3 Yrs, 81‑79‑9, 171 Pts. (Full Record)
Relatives: Brother Dennis Hull; Son Brett Hull
Career
1063
610
560
1170
249
136.3
634
4577
98
Bobby Hull, affectionately nicknamed “The Golden Jet,” revolutionized the game with his blazing speed and lethal slapshot. A two-time Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion, he remains one of the most potent offensive forces to ever play the position.

Paul Kariya
Full Name: Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
5-10, 185lb (178cm, 83kg)
Born: October 16, 1974 (Age: 50-142d) in Vancouver, British Columbia ca
Draft: Anaheim, 1st round (4th overall), 1993 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Maine
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2017 (Full List)
Relatives: Brother Steve Kariya
Career
989
402
587
989
31
109.3
399
3509
53
20:58
52.0
52.4
Paul Kariya exemplified finesse and speed, becoming one of the NHL’s most electrifying forwards of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his silky puck skills and strategic playmaking, he served as a cornerstone of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Ilya Kovalchuk
Full Name: Ilya Kovalchuk
(Kovy)
Position: LW • Shoots: Right
6-3, 222lb (190cm, 100kg)
Born: April 15, 1983 (Age: 41-326d) in Tver, USSR su
Draft: Atlanta, 1st round (1st overall), 2001 NHL Entry
Pronunciation: \IHL-yah KOH-vuhl-chuhk\
Career
926
443
433
876
-146
103.4
544
3223
64
21:15
49.2
52.6
Ilya Kovalchuk brought a blend of size, speed, and a deadly shot, topping 50 goals three times in his NHL career. Whether in Atlanta or New Jersey, his pure scoring ability made him a feared opponent every time he stepped onto the ice.

John LeClair
Full Name: John Clark LeClair
(Johnny Vermont)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-3, 226lb (190cm, 102kg)
Born: July 5, 1969 (Age: 55-245d) in St. Albans, Vermont us
Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (33rd overall), 1987 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Vermont
Career
967
406
413
819
204
98.7
501
2611
65
John LeClair powered the Philadelphia Flyers’ “Legion of Doom” line, using his sturdy frame and soft hands to rack up multiple 50-goal campaigns. Also a Stanley Cup champion with Montreal, he was among the 1990s’ most dominant left wings around the net.

Ted Lindsay
Full Name: Theodore Robert Blake Lindsay
(Terrible Ted, Terrible Teddy, Terrific Ted)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
5-8, 163lb (173cm, 73kg)
Born: July 29, 1925 in Renfrew, Ontario ca
Died: March 4, 2019 (Aged 93-218d)
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1966 (Full List)
As Coach: 2 Yrs, 5‑21‑3, 13 Pts. (Full Record)
Relatives: Father Bert Lindsay
Career
1068
379
472
851
9
100.2
1808
209
58
Ted Lindsay was a fiery competitor and a cornerstone of the Detroit Red Wings’ success in the 1950s. Known for his pioneering role in forming the Players’ Association, he matched his off-ice tenacity with on-ice production, winning four Stanley Cups and multiple scoring titles.

Frank Mahovlich
Full Name: Francis William Mahovlich
(The Big M)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)
Born: January 10, 1938 (Age: 87-056d) in Timmins, Ontario ca
Amateur Teams: Toronto St. Michael’s
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)
Relatives: Brother Pete Mahovlich
Career
1181
533
570
1103
266
121.7
1054
3366
82
Frank Mahovlich, “The Big M,” won six Stanley Cups between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. A graceful skater with a lethal shot, he earned over 1,100 points in his career and maintained a reputation for elevating his performance in big games.

Dickie Moore
Full Name: Richard Winston Moore
(Digger)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
5-10, 168lb (178cm, 76kg)
Born: January 6, 1931 in Montreal, Quebec ca
Died: December 19, 2015 (Aged 84-347d)
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1974 (Full List)
Career
719
261
346
607
63
65.2
646
743
52
Dickie Moore brought consistent scoring prowess to the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty in the 1950s, capturing six Stanley Cup rings. Twice leading the league in points, he excelled with deft puck skills and an unyielding commitment to team success.

Markus Näslund
Full Name: Markus Näslund
(Nazzy, Macke)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-0, 195lb (183cm, 88kg)
Born: July 30, 1973 (Age: 51-220d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se
Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (16th overall), 1991 NHL Entry
Career
1117
395
474
869
6
95.5
736
3046
53
18:17
54.5
60.5
Markus Näslund thrived with the Vancouver Canucks, where his slick puck-handling and quick release led to multiple 40-goal campaigns. A former Lester B. Pearson Award winner, his leadership as team captain cemented him as a franchise icon.

Rick Nash
Full Name: Rick Nash
(Nasher)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-4, 211lb (193cm, 95kg)
Born: June 16, 1984 (Age: 40-264d) in Brampton, Ontario ca
Draft: Columbus, 1st round (1st overall), 2002 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: London Knights
Pronunciation: \RIHK NASH\
Career
1060
437
368
805
-11
102.6
750
3624
73
18:20
51.0
55.0
Rick Nash made a name for himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets, showcasing powerful drives to the net and a lethal shot. The NHL’s Rocket Richard co-winner in 2003–04, he later contributed his blend of size and skill to teams like the Rangers and Bruins.

Alex Ovechkin
Full Name: Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin
(Alexander the Great, Ovi, O, The Great 8, The Russian Machine, The Mechanic)
Position: LW • Shoots: Right
6-3, 238lb (190cm, 107kg)
Team: Washington Capitals
Born: September 17, 1985 (Age: 39-171d) in Moscow, USSR su
Draft: Washington, 1st round (1st overall), 2004 NHL Entry
Pronunciation: \AL-ehx oh-VEHCH-kihn\
- 1x Cup Winner
- 2005-06 Calder
- 2005-06 AR
- 12x All Star
- 2007-08 Ross
- 3x Hart
- 3x Pearson
- 9x Richard
- 2017-18 Smythe
- NHL 100th Anniv. Team
2024-25
Career
46
1472
32
885
17
714
49
1599
16
61
8.5
212.2
14
831
176
6803
6
135
17:50
20:39
49.1
52.2
74.0
60.5
Alex Ovechkin stands as one of the best left wingers in NHL history, boasting multiple Rocket Richard Trophies and a Stanley Cup victory with the Washington Capitals. His signature one-timer from the left circle and charismatic personality have helped redefine modern goalscoring.

Luc Robitaille
Full Name: Luc Robitaille
(Lucky, Cool Hand Luc)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-1, 215lb (185cm, 97kg)
Born: February 17, 1966 (Age: 59-018d) in Montreal, Quebec ca
Draft: Los Angeles, 9th round (171st overall), 1984 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Hull Olympiques
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2009 (Full List)
Career
1431
668
726
1394
71
138.6
1177
3961
89
Luc Robitaille is the second highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, behind only Alex Ovechkin, finishing his career with 668 goals and 1,394 points. “Lucky Luc” won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, but remains most closely associated with the Los Angeles Kings, where he dazzled fans for years.

Daniel Sedin
Full Name: Daniel Sedin
(Dank)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)
Born: September 26, 1980 (Age: 44-162d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se
Draft: Vancouver, 1st round (2nd overall), 1999 NHL Entry
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2022 (Full List)
Pronunciation: \DAN-yehl suh-DEEN\
Relatives: Brother Henrik Sedin
Career
1306
393
648
1041
147
123.1
546
3474
86
17:00
55.0
64.0
Daniel Sedin excelled alongside his twin brother Henrik in Vancouver, playing a cerebral, cycle-heavy style. A two-time recipient of the NHL Plus/Minus Award, Daniel’s precise passing and accurate shot helped him lead the Canucks to multiple division titles.

Brendan Shanahan
Full Name: Brendan Frederick Shanahan
(Shanny, Shan the Man)
Position: LW • Shoots: Right
6-3, 220lb (190cm, 99kg)
Born: January 23, 1969 (Age: 56-043d) in Mimico, Ontario ca
Draft: New Jersey, 1st round (2nd overall), 1987 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: London Knights
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 2013 (Full List)
Career
1524
656
698
1354
151
148.0
2489
5086
109
18:06
50.4
56.8
Brendan Shanahan blended power and finesse, tallying over 650 goals while amassing more than 2,000 penalty minutes. A three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings, “Shanny” embodied the hard-nosed, goal-scoring left wing so coveted in NHL lineups.

Keith Tkachuk
Full Name: Keith Mathew Tkachuk
(Walt, Big Walt)
Position: LW • Shoots: Left
6-2, 235lb (188cm, 106kg)
Born: March 28, 1972 (Age: 52-344d) in Melrose, Massachusetts us
Draft: Winnipeg, 1st round (19th overall), 1990 NHL Entry
Amateur Teams: Boston University
Relatives: Cousin Tom Fitzgerald; Sons Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk
Career
1201
538
527
1065
33
125.1
2219
3530
72
18:27
50.2
46.2
Keith Tkachuk ranked among the most imposing players of his generation, surpassing 1,000 career points while regularly dropping the gloves. Whether with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis, or Atlanta, he was a consistent offensive powerhouse and respected locker-room presence.
These stalwarts highlight the formidable talent found on the left side. From power forwards who dominated the corners to graceful scorers who redefined offensive artistry, each has left a legacy underscoring the impact of NHL left wingers on team success. Standing among the best left wingers in NHL history, they continue to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of creativity, courage, and leadership on the ice.
There are many great left wingers in the NHL right now including Matthew Tkachuk, Kirill Kaprizov, Jason Robertson, and Artemi Panarin.
Alex Ovechkin is the all-time leading scorer at the left wing position.
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