10 Best Hockey Players of All Time Steve Yzerman. Terry Sawchuk. Jean Béliveau. Maurice Richard. Mario Lemieux. Bobby Orr. Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky, Wayne ; Potvin, Denis Wayne Gretzky (left) of the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islander Denis Potvin battling for the puck, 1988. Gordie Howe. Gordie HoweGordie Howe, 1969 Courtesy of the National Hockey League.