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.


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Dave Andreychuk

Full Name: David John Andreychuk

(Chuckie, Octopus, Clyde)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-4220lb (193cm, 99kg)

Born: September 291963 (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)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1639

G

640

A

698

PTS

1338

+/-

32

PS

124.4

PIM

1121

SH

4556

GWG

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.


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Bill Barber

Full Name: William Charles Barber

(Swannie)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0195lb (183cm, 88kg)

Born: July 111952 (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)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

903

G

420

A

463

PTS

883

+/-

312

PS

81.3

PIM

623

SH

3246

GWG

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.


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Johnny Bucyk

Full Name: John Paul Bucyk

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0215lb (183cm, 97kg)

Born: May 121935 (Age: 89-299d) in Edmonton, Alberta ca

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1981 (Full List)

Relatives: Nephew Randy Bucyk

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1540

G

556

A

813

PTS

1369

+/-

-7

PS

122.4

PIM

493

SH

3087

GWG

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.


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Patrik Eliáš

Full Name: Patrik Eliáš

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1190lb (185cm, 86kg)

Born: April 131976 (Age: 48-328d) in Trebic, Czechoslovakia cs

Draft: New Jersey, 2nd round (51st overall), 1994 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \PAT-rihk ehl-EE-ahsh\

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1240

G

408

A

617

PTS

1025

+/-

172

PS

124.7

PIM

549

SH

3287

GWG

80

TOI

18:03

CF%

54.8

oZS%

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.


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Clark Gillies

Full Name: Clark Gillies

(Jethro)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-3215lb (190cm, 97kg)

Born: April 71954 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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

958

G

319

A

378

PTS

697

+/-

245

PS

55.0

PIM

1025

SH

2253

GWG

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.


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Michel Goulet

Full Name: Michel Goulet

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1195lb (185cm, 88kg)

Born: April 211960 (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)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1089

G

548

A

605

PTS

1153

+/-

99

PS

96.9

PIM

825

SH

3145

GWG

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.


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Bobby Hull

Full Name: Robert Marvin Hull

(The Golden Jet)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10195lb (178cm, 88kg)

Born: January 31939 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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1063

G

610

A

560

PTS

1170

+/-

249

PS

136.3

PIM

634

SH

4577

GWG

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.


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Paul Kariya

Full Name: Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10185lb (178cm, 83kg)

Born: October 161974 (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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

989

G

402

A

587

PTS

989

+/-

31

PS

109.3

PIM

399

SH

3509

GWG

53

TOI

20:58

CF%

52.0

oZS%

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.


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Ilya Kovalchuk

Full Name: Ilya Kovalchuk

(Kovy)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3222lb (190cm, 100kg)

Born: April 151983 (Age: 41-326d) in Tver, USSR su

Draft: Atlanta, 1st round (1st overall), 2001 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \IHL-yah KOH-vuhl-chuhk\

SUMMARY

Career

GP

926

G

443

A

433

PTS

876

+/-

-146

PS

103.4

PIM

544

SH

3223

GWG

64

TOI

21:15

CF%

49.2

oZS%

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.


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John LeClair

Full Name: John Clark LeClair

(Johnny Vermont)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-3226lb (190cm, 102kg)

Born: July 51969 (Age: 55-245d) in St. Albans, Vermont us

Draft: Montreal, 2nd round (33rd overall), 1987 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: Vermont

SUMMARY

Career

GP

967

G

406

A

413

PTS

819

+/-

204

PS

98.7

PIM

501

SH

2611

GWG

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.


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Ted Lindsay

Full Name: Theodore Robert Blake Lindsay

(Terrible Ted, Terrible Teddy, Terrific Ted)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-8163lb (173cm, 73kg)

Born: July 291925 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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1068

G

379

A

472

PTS

851

+/-

9

PS

100.2

PIM

1808

SH

209

GWG

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.


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Frank Mahovlich

Full Name: Francis William Mahovlich

(The Big M)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0205lb (183cm, 92kg)

Born: January 101938 (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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1181

G

533

A

570

PTS

1103

+/-

266

PS

121.7

PIM

1054

SH

3366

GWG

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.


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Dickie Moore

Full Name: Richard Winston Moore

(Digger)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

5-10168lb (178cm, 76kg)

Born: January 61931 in Montreal, Quebec ca

Died: December 19, 2015 (Aged 84-347d)

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player 1974 (Full List)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

719

G

261

A

346

PTS

607

+/-

63

PS

65.2

PIM

646

SH

743

GWG

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.


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Markus Näslund

Full Name: Markus Näslund

(Nazzy, Macke)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-0195lb (183cm, 88kg)

Born: July 301973 (Age: 51-220d) in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden se

Draft: Pittsburgh, 1st round (16th overall), 1991 NHL Entry

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1117

G

395

A

474

PTS

869

+/-

6

PS

95.5

PIM

736

SH

3046

GWG

53

TOI

18:17

CF%

54.5

oZS%

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.


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Rick Nash

Full Name: Rick Nash

(Nasher)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-4211lb (193cm, 95kg)

Born: June 161984 (Age: 40-264d) in Brampton, Ontario ca

Draft: Columbus, 1st round (1st overall), 2002 NHL Entry

Amateur Teams: London Knights

Pronunciation: \RIHK NASH\

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1060

G

437

A

368

PTS

805

+/-

-11

PS

102.6

PIM

750

SH

3624

GWG

73

TOI

18:20

CF%

51.0

oZS%

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.


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Alex Ovechkin

Full Name: Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin

(Alexander the Great, Ovi, O, The Great 8, The Russian Machine, The Mechanic)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3238lb (190cm, 107kg)

Team: Washington Capitals

Born: September 171985 (Age: 39-171d) in Moscow, USSR su

Draft: Washington, 1st round (1st overall), 2004 NHL Entry

Pronunciation: \AL-ehx oh-VEHCH-kihn\

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

GP

46

1472

G

32

885

A

17

714

PTS

49

1599

+/-

16

61

PS

8.5

212.2

PIM

14

831

SH

176

6803

GWG

6

135

TOI

17:50

20:39

CF%

49.1

52.2

oZS%

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.


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Luc Robitaille

Full Name: Luc Robitaille

(Lucky, Cool Hand Luc)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1215lb (185cm, 97kg)

Born: February 171966 (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)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1431

G

668

A

726

PTS

1394

+/-

71

PS

138.6

PIM

1177

SH

3961

GWG

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.


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Daniel Sedin

Full Name: Daniel Sedin

(Dank)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-1190lb (185cm, 86kg)

Born: September 261980 (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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1306

G

393

A

648

PTS

1041

+/-

147

PS

123.1

PIM

546

SH

3474

GWG

86

TOI

17:00

CF%

55.0

oZS%

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.


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Brendan Shanahan

Full Name: Brendan Frederick Shanahan

(Shanny, Shan the Man)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Right

6-3220lb (190cm, 99kg)

Born: January 231969 (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)

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1524

G

656

A

698

PTS

1354

+/-

151

PS

148.0

PIM

2489

SH

5086

GWG

109

TOI

18:06

CF%

50.4

oZS%

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.


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Keith Tkachuk

Full Name: Keith Mathew Tkachuk

(Walt, Big Walt)

Position: LW •  Shoots: Left

6-2235lb (188cm, 106kg)

Born: March 281972 (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

SUMMARY

Career

GP

1201

G

538

A

527

PTS

1065

+/-

33

PS

125.1

PIM

2219

SH

3530

GWG

72

TOI

18:27

CF%

50.2

oZS%

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.


Who is the best left wing in the NHL right now?

There are many great left wingers in the NHL right now including Matthew Tkachuk, Kirill Kaprizov, Jason Robertson, and Artemi Panarin.

Who is the top scoring left winger?

Alex Ovechkin is the all-time leading scorer at the left wing position.


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