“7 NHL Legends Who Scored 600+ Goals with One Franchise: Celebrating Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and More”
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby emerged as the bright new faces of the NHL after the lockout that canceled the 2004-05 season. Nearly two decades later, they’ve built two of the most iconic careers in hockey history.
Washington Capitals captain Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record of 894 goals, while Pittsburgh Penguins captain Crosby recently scored his 600th goal. Both players are on a clear path to becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers when their playing days are over.
What sets them apart even more is their loyalty. Both have achieved these incredible milestones while wearing just one jersey throughout their careers—a rarity in professional sports. This article dives into the stories of seven such NHL legends, including Ovechkin and Crosby, who have made history while staying true to a single franchise.
Seven NHL players who have scored 600+ career goals with a single franchise
Alex Ovechkin
A Generational Talent and Loyal Captain” This is the article of Alex Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin was drafted first overall in the Washington Capitals in 2004. Since then he will cement his status as the pillars of the franchise while establishing himself as the best goal scorer of the modern NHL. Ovechkin won the NHL scoring title for the consecutive fourth time in the season 2017-2018 and scored 40 plus goals for the eleventh time in the season 2017-2018 and became the Capitals team captain leading the team to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship which is said to be the pinnacle of his and the team’s career. He is now the highest-scoring foreign player in NHL history and still has the record of 867 goals, some 27 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. No one can doubt of his loyalty to Washington and constant strive for improvement which is cherished by the fans of hockey all around the world.
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby A Hall of Fame Career Established on Performance and Dedication Determine the Loyalty” Sidney Crosby is another type of example American hockey player, who was selected in the first overall pick by the Penguins in the year 2005 and has become one of the greatest hockey players in the world. Since his entry into the league, he has achieved numerous Individual and team successes with so many personal achievements and three Stanley Cup triumphs. Crosby achieved another feat this week; having scored his 600th career goals in a Penguins jersey. For years he has represented and embodied this city and hockey team, and his play on the ice has been tremendously consistent with his character – he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot as a proud member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Mario Lemieux
Being a Penguin Icon and NHL legend, the piece aims to explore the question that has been asked many times, who is the best player to ever lace up their skates in the NHL, and why that choice is so preposterously simple – Mario Lemieux. Playing his whole career for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Lemieux was admired for his unequaled skill, reliability,y and pain threshold that shaped the legacy of the Penguins and the NHL at large. It was not a smooth ride for Lemieux though he rose through the ranks within a short duration. Finally, was forced into early retirement in 1997 by health problems that included Hodgkin’s disease, however in December 2000 he was back playing to enthrall his fans with his passion for the game. After his second retirement, Lemieux had 690 career goals to his credit and occupies his rightful place among the all-time greats of hockey and as a legend of the NHL.
Hockey Legends: Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic, and Bobby Hull
The NHL has been home to countless extraordinary players, but few have left a legacy as enduring as Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic, and Bobby Hull. Here’s a look at their remarkable careers and contributions to hockey history.
Gordie Howe Mr. Hockey
Gordie Howe, affectionately known as “Mr. Hockey,” was a symbol of skill and toughness on the ice. Playing 25 consecutive seasons with the Detroit Red Wings from 1946 to 1971, Howe led the team to four Stanley Cup championships. Renowned for his goalscoring and hard-nosed play, he retired as one of the most celebrated figures in hockey. Howe passed away in 2016 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of players and fans.
Steve Yzerman The Heart of the Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman began his illustrious career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1983 and spent over two decades as the team’s iconic captain before retiring in 2006. Under his leadership, the Red Wings secured three Stanley Cup championships. Yzerman’s career totals include an impressive 692 goals, earning him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. Today, he remains a beloved figure in Detroit and the broader hockey community.
Joe Sakic The Franchise Leader
Joe Sakic is a name synonymous with leadership and excellence. Though he wore two different jerseys during his career, he remained loyal to one franchise—the Quebec Nordiques, which relocated to Denver in 1995 to become the Colorado Avalanche. Sakic captained the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup victories and finished his career with 625 goals. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats.
Bobby Hull The Golden Jet
Bobby Hull, known as the “Golden Jet” for his blonde hair and blazing speed, was a dominant force in the NHL. Playing 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, he scored 604 goals and led the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 1961. Hull’s achievements earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. He also passed on his hockey prowess to his son, Brett Hull, who followed in his footsteps as a Hall of Famer. Bobby Hull passed away in 2023 at the age of 84, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
These legends not only redefined the game of hockey but also inspired generations with their talent, leadership, and commitment to their teams.
