Top 20 NHL Centers of All Time

Centermen have long been recognized as the engine of a hockey team, orchestrating offensive rushes and anchoring the defensive zone. From puck distribution to faceoff prowess, these leaders drive their squads toward success. If you’re searching for the top 20 centers of all time, we’ve gathered them here in alphabetical order by last name—a lineup that frequently appears near the top of NHL center rankings.

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Jean Beliveau displayed remarkable grace and leadership as the long-time captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Over his illustrious career, he earned 10 Stanley Cup titles and cemented his place as one of hockey’s most complete and respected players.

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Patrice Bergeron is the epitome of a two-way forward, renowned for his faceoff mastery and commitment to defense. A six-time Selke Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins, he exemplifies the selfless team play that defines an elite center.

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Bobby Clarke was the fiery captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, leading them to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the mid-1970s. Known for his relentless competitive edge, faceoff prowess, and leadership, he remains one of the greatest centers—and leaders—in NHL history.

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Sidney Crosby continues to be one of the premier talents of his generation. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has captured multiple Hart Trophies, Stanley Cups, and scoring titles, blending unparalleled vision with a relentless competitive drive.

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Pavel Datsyuk dazzled fans with his wizardry, earning the moniker “The Magic Man” for his exquisite puck control and defensive acumen. His three Selke Trophies underscore a commitment to two-way excellence that helped the Detroit Red Wings secure two Stanley Cup titles during his tenure.

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Marcel Dionne, known for his blistering speed and knack for scoring, was a key figure on the “Triple Crown Line” with the Los Angeles Kings. A member of the exclusive 1,700-point club, he remains one of the highest-scoring centers in NHL history.

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Phil Esposito revolutionized the power-forward role, excelling as a prolific scorer for the Boston Bruins in the 1970s. His imposing presence in front of the net helped him claim five Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies.

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Sergei Fedorov excelled at both ends of the rink, seamlessly transitioning between center and defense if needed. A three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, he captured the Hart Trophy in 1994 and showcased game-changing speed and versatility.

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Peter Forsberg was a dynamic combination of creativity, physicality, and playmaking for the Colorado Avalanche. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he also won a Hart Trophy, epitomizing clutch performances and an unmatched on-ice vision.

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Ron Francis was the model of consistency over more than two decades in the NHL, ranking second all-time in assists. Captaining the Hartford Whalers and helping the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cups, he was respected for his leadership and dependable two-way play.

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Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” is the undisputed scoring king of the NHL, holding records for goals, assists, and points. His uncanny hockey IQ, playmaking genius, and four Stanley Cup victories remain unmatched, defining him as the standard for all centers.

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Pat LaFontaine showcased exemplary sportsmanship, speed, and scoring touch throughout his career with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers. Despite dealing with injury setbacks, he surpassed 1,000 points and remains one of the top American-born centers in NHL history.

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Mario Lemieux, also known as “Super Mario,” paired extraordinary size with unmatched finesse, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the early 1990s. A three-time Hart Trophy winner, he overcame health challenges to become an icon both on and off the ice.

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Eric Lindros combined the power of a linebacker with the skill of a finesse forward, redefining the role of a big-bodied center. Though injuries shortened his prime, he captured a Hart Trophy and sparked the Philadelphia Flyers’ revival in the 1990s.

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Evgeni Malkin has been a dynamic force for the Pittsburgh Penguins, amassing multiple scoring titles and individual honors. With three Stanley Cup championships, his elite puck-handling and creativity under pressure continually drive his team’s success.

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Mark Messier, nicknamed “Moose,” is the only player to captain two different franchises (Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers) to Stanley Cup titles. His blend of size, scoring touch, and leadership revolutionized the role of the modern center.

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Stan Mikita redefined offensive creativity, famously adopting the curved blade and dominating NHL scoring races. A member of the Chicago Blackhawks for his entire career, he won multiple Art Ross and Hart Trophies as a crafty and effective pivot.

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Gilbert Perreault dazzled fans with his quick hands, acceleration, and smooth skating as the cornerstone of the Buffalo Sabres. A member of the famed “French Connection” line, he remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

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Bryan Trottier anchored the New York Islanders’ early-’80s dynasty, guiding them to four consecutive Stanley Cups. His unwavering commitment to both offense and defense earned him multiple Selke nominations and a Conn Smythe Trophy.

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Steve Yzerman, over two decades with the Detroit Red Wings, evolved from a high-flying scorer to a defensive-minded leader. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, “Stevie Y” remains among the most revered figures in franchise history.

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In the debate over the best NHL centers, there will always be discussions about the top NHL centers and how they compare to the top centers of all time. However, this collection underscores the legacy of these legendary pivots as they occupy a firm place among the top 20 centers of all time. Their mastery in faceoffs, scoring, and leadership cements their status high in NHL center rankings, proving just how central they are to the game’s greatest moments.

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 28th, 2025 at 9:23 pm and is filed under NHL History. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.