Who are the best Chicago Blackhawks players of all time? We’re talking about the most popular NHL team outside of Canada here and one of the “Original Six” teams.
With a rich legacy that spans since their creation in 1926, let’s take a look at the ten best Chicago Blackhawks players of all time.
10. Ed Belfour
Goaltender Ed Belfour is one of the best Chicago Blackhawks of all time due to his exceptional skill, consistency across eight years which saw him become a two-time Vezina Trophy winner.
Belfour had astonishingly quick reflexes which led the Blackhawks to seven playoff appearances. He never won a Stanley Cup in Chicago, but although he did with Dallas in 1999, he still left a lasting legacy as one of Chicago’s greatest netminders.
9. Jeremy Roenick
Jeremy Roenick was drafted by Chicago with the 8th pick of the draft in 1988. In eight seasons he went on to score 596 points and built a reputation for his physical play and fiery competitive spirit.
A key player in the team’s success during the 1990s. Roenick’s versatility allowed him to thrive in different situations, and his combination of speed, power, and hockey IQ made him one of the franchise’s most dynamic and beloved stars in history.
8. Duncan Keith
Drafted 54th overall in 2002 by the Blackhawks, Duncan Keith became one of the most influential defensemen in NHL history and a cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ defense during their three Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Keith’s combination of mobility, puck-moving ability, and defensive awareness made him one of the best all-around defensemen of his era. He was awarded the Norris Trophy twice, and aside from his final season in Edmonton, played his entire career in Chicago.
7. Tony Esposito
Tony Esposito was another goaltender among the best Chicago Blackhawks players of all time. Relied upon to make quick reflex saves he is one of the pioneers of the butterfly style technique.
After a debut season with the Canadiens, Esposito went on to play 15 seasons in Chicago. He went on to win the Vezina Trophy three times and helped lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup in 1969.
6. Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios is one of the most enduring players to ever play in the NHL, retiring with a then-record 1,651 games as a defenseman. He spent nine seasons in Chicago, retiring at age 48 after a 26-season career.
His tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1990 to 1999 helped solidify the Blackhawk’s defense. Known for his toughness, leadership, and ability to log big minutes, Chelios won the Norris Trophy twice while with the franchise.
5. Denis Savard
Savard accumulated 1,096 points across 13 seasons with the Blackhawks and was known as one of the most creative playmakers of his era, and his no-look passes and spin-o-rama moves became a hallmark of his game.
Though he didn’t win a Stanley Cup with Chicago, his impact on the franchise was significant. His exceptional speed and creativity made him a highlight-reel from the moment the Blackhawks selected him with the third overall pick in 1980.
4. Jonathan Toews
Jonathan Toews, known as “Captain Serious,” was the heart and soul of the Blackhawks’ dynasty through the 2010s. After being drafted third overall in 2006, Toews became captain in 2008 and went on to play 15 seasons.
An elite two-way forward and a natural leader, Toews led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories in six years with the centre going on to score 883 points including 372 goals and appearing in six All-Star games.
3. Patrick Kane
Part of the greatest Blackhawks team during the 2010s dynasty. Patrick Kane is undoubtedly one of the most talented and dynamic players in franchise history. From being drafted first overall in 2007 he played 16 seasons in Chicago.
The cornerstone of the franchise’s three Stanley Cup championship winning teams, Kane was renowned for his dazzling puck-handling skills and playmaking ability. He went on to score 1,225 points including 779 assists, and always popped up in the clutch especially in the playoffs.
2. Stan Mikita
Stan Mikita is one of the best Chicago Blackhawks players of all time and a true and loyal legend of the franchise having played his entire 22-season NHL career with the team after debuting in 1958.
Mikita was a versatile player, excelling as both a playmaker and goal-scorer. The 1961 Stanley Cup champion captured the Hart Trophy twice, and he accumulated 1,467 points including 541 goals.
1. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull is the greatest Blackhawks player of all time and was the face of the franchise for 15 seasons. His speed, powerful shot, and incredible scoring ability made him an offensive juggernaut in his prime with the winger scoring 610 goals and 1,170 points.
One of the most iconic players in NHL history, Hull was an integral part of the Blackhawks’ 1961 Stanley Cup championship team that broke a 23-season title drought. He also won the Hart Trophy back-to-back in 1965 and 1966 and helped popularize the slap shot.
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