Top 10 Greatest NHL Players of All Time According to AI

The Final Consensus Ranking: Top 10 NHL Players of All Time According to AI

There’s nothing surprising about all four models ranking Wayne Gretzky at No. 1. If there’s one thing the world seems to agree on, it’s this. Gretzky’s stats are well known - and they speak for themselves.

According to Grok’s system, Gretzky received a near-perfect score of 97 out of 100. The other models also accurately listed his accolades and, without exception, accounted for era-adjusted factors when evaluating his numbers.

ChatGPT: “Gretzky’s statistical dominance is so overwhelming that even after era adjustments, no one comes close. His offensive vision reshaped how hockey was played and marketed.”

DeepSeek: “Gretzky’s statistical and trophy dominance is unparalleled. His vision and playmaking redefined hockey’s offensive potential.”

Gemini: “Wayne Gretzky’s position at the top is essentially indisputable when all criteria are weighed.”

Grok: “Unmatched statistical dominance with 2,857 points and 9 Hart Trophies, plus 4 Stanley Cups, cements him as the undisputed greatest.”

Bobby Orr ranked second on the list behind Wayne Gretzky (Photo by NESN.com)

Orr was ranked second on the list behind Gretzky on all four models. The general consensus across the board was that Orr revolutionized what it means to be a defenseman, putting up insane offensive numbers for the position.

Grok gave him a 90 out of 100 score, while the other three LLMs took into account all of the weighted categories to determine his ranking. Career longevity was a clear weakness for Orr, and that was considered here. Orr played just 12 NHL seasons and was forced to retire at just 30 due to recurring knee injuries.

ChatGPT: “Orr redefined what a defenseman could be. His impact was strategic, cultural, and statistical—even in a short career.”

DeepSeek: “Orr’s peak was the highest of any defenseman—ever. His two-way dominance and trophies outweigh his shorter career.”

Gemini: “Bobby Orr is the only player who challenges Gretzky's level of dominance relative to his position. He completely redefined what it meant to be a defenseman.”

Grok:  “Revolutionized the defenseman role with record-setting offensive output and 2 Cups, despite a short career due to injuries.”

if health issues didn’t occur so often, Lemieux could’ve given Gretzky a run (Photo by Allsport/GettyImages)

All four models put Lemieux third behind Orr and Gretzky. A common topic of conversation with all of the LLMs was his statistical dominance. Lemieux’s physicality and pure talent were very clear throughout his career, but just like Orr, Lemieux dealt with a lot of injuries. His perseverance was inspiring though, proceeding to win the 1992-93 scoring title despite missing 24 games due to treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

All of the models were clear that if health issues didn’t occur so often, Lemieux could’ve given Gretzky a run for his money when it came to statistics.

ChatGPT: “Lemieux’s peak was arguably the most dominant ever. Health cut his career short, but his per-game output remains untouchable.”

DeepSeek: “If not for health issues, Lemieux might have challenged Gretzky’s records. His skill and clutch play (e.g., 1991 Cup run) were unmatched.”

Gemini: “If not for severe health issues, Mario Lemieux might have challenged Gretzky's statistical supremacy. He represents the pinnacle of raw talent and physical dominance.”

Grok: “Near-Gretzky stats (1.883 PPG) and 2 Cups with clutch playoff performances, overcoming health setbacks.”

At Gordie Howe's retirement, his 801 goals, 1,049 assists, and 1,850 total points were all NHL records (Photo by Bettmann / Getty)

Although Gordie Howe finished fourth overall in the experiment with AI, not everyone seemed to think so. Grok gave him an 88 out of 100 score and ranked him sixth in the greatest 10 players of all time. The other three models had Howe at No. 4.

No player in NHL history will ever play until they’re 52 years old like Howe did. Longevity and consistency were a huge part of putting Howe at fourth. Nearly three decades in the league, four titles, and over 800 goals say it all.

ChatGPT:  “Howe’s blend of durability, skill, and intimidation set the gold standard. His resume spans multiple eras—literally.”

DeepSeek: “Howe’s longevity and physical dominance make him the ultimate all-around player.”  

Gemini: “For decades, Gordie Howe was the undisputed benchmark for greatness, earning him the simple and fitting moniker, "Mr. Hockey."”

Grok: ““Mr. Hockey” with 801 goals, 4 Cups, and 26 seasons of physical and skillful dominance in the Original Six era.”

Sidney Crosby was the only active player to make the final ranking (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Sidney Crosby comes in fifth, but that wasn’t the case with every model. Only DeepSeek and Gemini put Crosby at No. 5, while Grok and ChatGPT placed the Penguins legend at fourth and sixth, respectively.

Era-adjusted stats were taken into account, as Crosby has scored a lot of goals in a modern era that doesn’t see a ton of goals per game on average. Longevity was key for all models, having already played 20 seasons. Crosby is also well-respected by peers for his greatness.

ChatGPT: “Crosby’s mix of talent, leadership, and team success in the salary-cap era cements his legacy as the 21st-century benchmark.”

DeepSeek: “Crosby’s two-way play, leadership, and consistency in a tough era cement his top-5 status.”

Gemini: “Crosby is the defining player of the 21st century, combining elite skill with unparalleled work ethic and leadership in an era designed to suppress individual dominance.”

Grok: “Modern two-way star with 3 Cups, 2 Harts, and consistent excellence in a low-scoring era.”

Dominik Hasek is the only netminder on the list (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)

Nicknamed “The Dominator”, Dominik Hasek is arguably the greatest goaltender ever. After all, he is the only netminder on the list.

Grok gave Hasek an 88 out of 100 score, citing his dominance in a defensive-era as a major reason. That was an important factor with all four models. Hasek led the league in save percentage for sixth straight seasons and even won two Hart Trophies.

ChatGPT: “Hasek wasn’t just the best goalie of his time—he broke the mold. No other netminder dominated a defensive era like him.”

DeepSeek: “Hasek’s peak (1994–99) was the most dominant by any goalie.”

Gemini: “"The Dominator" is the greatest goaltender of all time, and the only goalie whose peak value was so high that he was considered the best *player* in the entire league.”

Grok: ”Greatest goaltender ever, with 6 Vezinas and 2 Harts, dominating the Dead Puck Era with acrobatic style.”

Jaromir Jagr is the most productive European player who has ever played in the NHL (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)

Jaromir Jagr was only in the top-10 with ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Both credited his longevity and ability to stay consistent with his production across three decades. He played 24 NHL seasons and inspired a whole generation of European players. The Czech forward is the most productive European player who has ever played in the League. And he's still playing hockey (and scoring goals) in Kladno.

ChatGPT: “Jagr bridged generations, leagues, and continents. His power game and elite vision aged like wine—well past his prime.”

DeepSeek: “Jagr’s longevity and adaptability (elite in 3 decades) are unmatched.”

Gemini: Didn’t put Jagr in top-10.

Grok: Didn’t put Jagr in top-10.

Jean Béliveau won ten Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Denis Brodeur/Getty Images)

Three of the four models had Jean Beliveau in the top-10 – Chat GPT, Gemini, and Grok. DeepSeek decided to exclude the Montreal Canadiens legend, who played in the league from 1950-1971. While individual accolades are usually at the forefront, Beliveau finds himself at the No. 8 mostly due to team success and leadership.

Grok gave Beliveau an 84 out of 100 score after he helped lead the Habs to 10 Stanley Cup titles in an era full of top-notch talent. He also garnered over 1,200 points in his career. Beliveau always showed up in the playoffs as well, which the three models that included him mentioned.

ChatGPT: “Béliveau exemplified grace and greatness. His leadership in the NHL’s most dominant dynasty speaks volumes.”

DeepSeek: Honorable mention.

Gemini: “Béliveau was the epitome of grace, leadership, and winning. While others have more staggering individual stats, few can match his blend of elite skill and team success.”

Grok: “Elegant leader with 10 Cups and 1,219 points, anchoring Montreal’s dynasty in the talent-dense Original Six era.”

Maurice Richard was perhaps the most iconic player in the history of the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Getty)

Just DeepSeek and Gemini included Maurice “The Rocket” Richard, a cultural icon in Quebec who was the league’s first elite goal scorer. Longevity was taken into account for both – he played 18 seasons, all for the Canadiens.

It also wasn’t an easy era to play in, yet Richard still produced the goods. Peer recognition was also considered – he has an award named after him.

ChatGPT: Didn’t put Richard in the top-10.

DeepSeek: “Richard’s goal-scoring prowess and cultural impact make him an icon.”  

Gemini: “The Rocket was the NHL's first great goal scorer and a cultural icon whose significance transcends the ice.”

Grok: Didn’t put Richard in the top-10. 

Nicklas Lidstrom won seven Norris Trophies and four Stanley Cup championships (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini all had Nicklas Lidstrom in their top 10, helping him land at No. 10 overall. His impact, efficiency, and consistency were common talking points. Even with age, Lidstrom’s numbers were still elite. He was never flashy, but the Swede always got the job done.

Team success was evident, too. In 20 seasons in the league, all with the Detroit Red Wings, he helped the franchise win four Stanley Cup titles. His ability to put up such impressive offensive numbers as a defenseman earned him the final spot on the list.

ChatGPT: “Lidström’s consistency, efficiency, and impact over two decades are rare. He was never flashy—but always better than you.”

DeepSeek: “Lidstrom’s consistency, leadership, and flawless play earn him the final spot.”  

Gemini: “Nicknamed "The Perfect Human," Lidstrom was a model of flawless, effortless, and sustained defensive excellence for two decades.”

Grok: Didn’t put him in the top-10.