NHL: The Most Iconic Player in the History of Each NHL Franchise

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Every National Hockey League franchise has him. That one player that will forever be tied to the team he played with for at least most of his career. 

Fans, young and old, identify with and praise their hometown hero. They either reminisce of the good old days of watching this former superstar or have heard enough tales about him, it was as if they actually watched him play.

Here is each team's most iconic player.

Anaheim Ducks: Teemu Selanne

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Anaheim Ducks fans are hoping they haven't seen the last of Teemu Selanne as he contemplates retirement.

The only other player even in the running for this distinction is Paul Kariya. Maybe, eventually, the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan or Corey Perry could challenge Selanne. However, right now he is the top Duck.

Selanne appeared in 774 games as a Duck scoring 410 goals and tallying 461 assists for 871 points. Those are all franchise records. 

Let's not forget, Selanne was a part of the 2007 Stanley Cup team.

Boston Bruins: Bobby Orr

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Bobby Orr doesn't win the numbers battle when it comes to all-time Boston Bruins, but who can argue against this choice.

Not only is he the most iconic player, he also holds the honor of having the most iconic moment in Bruins history.

Not only Bruins fans, but all hockey fans, will remember Bobby Orr's famous leap. In case you forget, just take a look at the bronze statue outside of the TD Banknorth Garden.

Buffalo Sabres: Gilbert Perreault

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Gilbert Perreault was the first player drafted in Buffalo Sabres history. It appears it is safe to say, they made a good pick.

Perrault is the most iconic player in Sabres' history who also played on the most iconic line in Sabres' history—the French Connection which was rounded out by Rick Martin and Rene Robert.

Perreault is the all-time Sabres record holder for goals (512), assist (814) and points with 1,326.

Another Sabres who deserves some recognition is goaltending great Dominik Hasek.  

Calgary Flames: Al Macinnis

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Al Macinnis will not only be remembered by Calgary Flames fans, but by all hockey fans because of his wicked hard shot. Most impressively, he did it all with a wooden stick before composite blends were made popular.

Macinnis was truly an offensive defenseman. As a Calgary Flame, Macinnis accumulated 213 goals and 609 assists for a total of 822 points which is good for third all time in franchise history.

Another player, who is still playing, but should get some consideration is Jarome Iginla. 

Carolina Hurricanes: Ron Francis

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Ron Francis may one day be challenged by Eric Staal for this title, but for now he's this franchise's most iconic player.

His time extends all the way back to the days of the Hartford Whalers. No one is even in sight of his franchise record of 1,175 points.

Chicago Blackhawks: Bobby Hull

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Bobby Hull is one of the legendary players in the game. He is loved by Chicago Blackhawks fans and for good reason.

Not only could he put up points, which he did as he is second all-time in Blackhawks scoring, he was also tough and gritty when he needed to be, both on and off the ice.

He started a great Hull legacy in the NHL.

Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito also were given some consideration. 

Colorado Avalanche: Joe Sakic

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This was one of those no brainer picks. Joe Sakic's days with the franchise date all the way back to the Quebec Nordiques days.

He's experienced Stanley Cup glory and shattered every franchise record. It will be a long time before Colorado has another player of Sakic's caliber.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash

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This next pick should come as no surprise. Rick Nash has been the one and only poster child for Columbus hockey.

With little competition, Nash is the franchise leader in goals, assists and points. He could really make an impact on Columbus hockey if he could lead them on a deep playoff run.

Dallas Stars: Mike Modano

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Mike Modano is one of the all-time great American players who helped grow the game in a new segment in America. 

He was a long-time captain for the Stars and helped lead them to the holy grail of hockey. Modano amassed over 1300 points as a Star.

It's unfortunate, he couldn't finish his career in Dallas.

Detroit Red Wings: Gordie Howe

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The Detroit Red Wings have had quite the crop of hockey players come through the Motor City. However, there is no way this selection doesn't go to Gordie Howe.

After all, he's Mr. Hockey. He's played in five different decades, amassed over 1800 points and continues to be an active member of the franchise.

If it wasn't for Gordie Howe, we'd probably be talking about Steve Yzerman in this space. 

Edmonton Oilers: Wayne Gretzky

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Continuing our list of no doubters, is Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers. He's only the greatest player in the game of hockey.

Everything to be said about Gretzky has been said. He shattered every record in the sport so far and his numbers will likely never be surpassed.

He's won multiple Stanley Cups and a plethora of individual awards.

Florida Panthers: John Vanbiesbrouck

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Unlike some of the other selections, I'm sure this one will be debated. In their young history, the Panthers are yet to have a real standout franchise player.

The nod goes to John Vanbiesbrouck. Better know as the "Beezer," he lead the Florida Panthers to their only Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1996.

He is second in franchise wins, only behind Roberto Luongo. Olli Jokinen is another player who gets some consideration. 

Los Angeles Kings: Dave Taylor

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This was a very tough choice. It came down to Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille and Dave Taylor. 

All three did many great things in Los Angeles and had great overall careers, but Dave Taylor gets the nod because he played his entire career with the Kings.

Taylor even went on to become GM of the Kings furthering his involvement with the organization.

Taylor is also the lowest drafted player to net 1,000 points. He was drafted in the 15th round, 210th overall.

Minnesota Wild: Marian Gaborik

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The Minnesota Wild are another young franchise with no real iconic players.

Wild fans may not be happy with this, but Marian Gaborik is the only real choice.

Before moving on to the New York Rangers, Gaborik had a promising start to his career and was the face of the Wild franchise.

Montreal Canadiens: Henri Richard

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Another iconic franchise with a number of iconic players to consider. Guy LaFleur is the franchise points leader, Maurice Richard has a trophy but Henri Richard has 11 Stanley Cups.

When it comes to winning there is no substitute. That's more than any other player in NHL history and tied with Bill Russell for most all time in North American sports history.

Some Canadiens fans may disagree, but 11 titles are tough to argue against. 

Nashville Predators: David Legwand

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Although the Nashville Predators have had a short history, this one was an obvious choice. The selection has to go to the only player who has been with the franchise since their inception in 1998.

Legwand has played his entire career in Nashville and holds the franchise scoring record, although Marin Erat is closing in on his numbers.

Want some food for thought? David Legwand is the first NHL player to score in overtime on a penalty shot. 

New Jersey Devils: Martin Brodeur

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An argument can be made that Martin Brodeur is the greatest goaltender to ever play in the NHL.

Naturally, that makes him the most iconic Devil of all time. He holds just about every goaltending record in both the regular and postseasons. 

Just to name a few of his accomplishments, Brodeur has four Vezina Trophies, three Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals.

New York Islanders: Mike Bossy

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Those three guys to the left, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin were the players being considered for the nod.

Any of the three would be worthy of the title of most iconic Islander as they were all great players that were a part of the franchise's glory days in the 1980's. However, the honor goes to Mike Bossy. 

He's the franchise leader in with 552 goals which he tallied in only 752 games with the Islanders.

New York Rangers: Brian Leetch

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Some New York Rangers fans may be surprised that Mark Messier wasn't selected after his memorable 1994 Stanley Cup victory. However, Messier will always be more remembered as an Edmonton Oiler.

Another player on that Cup winning team was Brian Leetch. Evidently, he was actually the player who won the Conn Smythe Trophy that year making him the first American-born player to do so.

Leetch is the franchise leader with 741 assists and hold the rookie record for most goals by a defenseman with 23.

Ottawa Senators: Daniel Alfredsson

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This one was an easy selection. Daniel Alfredsson has played his entire career with the Ottawa Senators and has been captain for many of them. 

When it comes to franchise records, no one is even near Alfredsson. He holds the Senators record for goals, assists and points by a long shot.

The only thing he is missing is a Stanley Cup.

Philadelphia Flyers: Bobby Clarke

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There may not be a better fit between a player and a franchise. Bobby Clarke attitude and style of play is synonymous with Philadelphia Flyers hockey. Clarke was a 'Broad Street Bully" in every sense of the phrase.

He could do it all on the ice. He holds the franchise record for scoring, plus-minus and accumulated over 1,400 penalty minutes.

Phoenix Coyotes: Shane Doan

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No the days of this franchise playing in Winnipeg was not forgotten. Actually, Shane Doan played his first season in Winnipeg. 

That is partially what helps give him the nod over the likes of Dale Hawerchuk and Thomas Steen.

As a matter of fact, Doan has played his whole career with the franchise and is third all-time in scoring. 

Pittsburgh Penguins: Mario Lemieux

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This was another obvious choice. There is so much to say about "Super Mario."

Lemieux not only holds just about every Pittsburgh Penguins record, he also holds several NHL records.

One fascinating stat is, Lemieux is the only player in NHL history to score a goal five different ways in one game. He scored full strength, short handed, on the power play, on a penalty shot and on an empty net.

San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau

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Patrick Marleau gets the selection ahead of Joe Thornton because he's been a lifelong San Jose Shark.

He is the Sharks record holder for goals and points. Hopefully, he plays his entire career with the franchise. It would be a shame to see him somewhere else.

St. Louis Blues: Brett Hull

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Brett Hull will always be remembered for his controversial Stanley Cup clinching goal with the Dallas Stars. However, the team he will be most identified with is the St. Louis Blues.

As a Blue, Hull amassed 527 goals and 936 points which are first and second respectively in franchise history. His 70 game-winning goals is also most all time by a Blues player.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Vincent Lecavalier

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Vincent Lecavalier narrowly beats out Marin St. Louis. Honestly, this one could go either way. Both have been career-long Lightning and both were a part of the Stanley Cup-winning team.

At Martin St. Louis' current pace, he will likely surpass Lecavalier's numbers. For now, Lecavalier gets the nod. Feel free to disagree.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Mats Sundin

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the, if not the most iconic franchise in the NHL. However, they haven't had the same amount of franchise players as the other Original Six teams.

The most iconic Maple Leaf is Mats Sundin. Who would have thought a Swede would get the nod?

Sundin spent over a decade in Toronto and along the way became the franchise record holder for goals, assists and points.

Vancouver Canucks: Trevor Linden

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In the coming years, some Swedish twins may have something to say about this selection. For now, Trevor Linden gets the honor.

Linden is the Vancouver Canucks franchise leader in games played and is second in scoring and has always been a fan favorite. 

Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin

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We might as well go ahead and give this distinction to Ovechkin now. He has already accomplished so much so quickly.

He is already third in franchise scoring and when it's all said and done, he will obliterate all of the Capitals' records.

Now, if he can bring a Stanley Cup to Washington, he can elevate his status all the higher. 

Winnipeg Jets: Ilya Kovalchuk

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One the surface, this is a bit of a strange pick because Ilya Kovalchuk never played for the Winnipeg Jets and likely never will.

However, he was the face of the franchise when they were the Atlanta Thrashers. Kovalchuk was a perennial all star with the young organization. Thus, he holds all the major franchise scoring records