Who has scored the most goals in NHL history?

          John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images
          • Keith Jenkins
          Oct 4, 2026, 10:52 AM

          At the time of his retirement in 1999, Wayne Gretzky owned or shared 61 NHL records, including the mark for the most career goals. "The Great One" finished his illustrious 20-year career with an NHL-record 894 goals in 1,487 games. It is a mark that stood until Alex Ovechkin broke it in April 2025.

          With Gretzky in attendance, Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal in a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders. Ovechkin's record-breaking goal came in the 1,487th game of his NHL career, the same as Gretzky's career total.

          The 2026-27 NHL season marks the 22nd for Ovechkin, who looks to add to his career goals total and put even more separation between him and the rest of the field.

          Here's a look at the players with the most career goals in NHL history:

          *Denotes active player