11 Best Chicago Blackhawks Players of All Time

One of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises, the Chicago Blackhawks are steeped in lore. 

It hasn’t always been easy to be a Blackhawks fan. Chicagoans dealt with long Stanley Cup droughts – most famously between 1961 and 2009 – but their patience was rewarded with a dynasty in the 2010s powered by iconic players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith.

During that era, the Blackhawks often found themselves at the top of the Stanley Cup odds, delivering the goods on three occasions. 

Those three dynastic Blackhawks are featured on this list, and eight other franchise legends join them.

11 Best Chicago Blackhawks Players of All Time

11 Greatest Blackhawks of All Time

1. Patrick Kane

Nicknamed “Showtime” for his flashy style and offensive prowess, Patrick Kane was not only a prolific scorer – his 1,225 points are the second-most in Blackhawks’ history – but he was as clutch as they come.

Kane scored the most iconic goal in franchise history when he ended Chicago’s 49-year Stanley Cup drought with an overtime tally in Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Kane also won the Calder Trophy (2008), Conn Smythe (2013), Art Ross (2016), and Hart (2016). 

2. Stan Mikita

A “Mr. Blackhawk” if there ever was one, Stan Mikita has a monopoly on the record book in Chicago. 

Mikita ranks first in franchise history in games played (1,394), assists (926), and points (1,467). 

Only three other players (the Detroit Red Wings’ Nicklas Lidstrom, Steve Yzerman and Alex Delvecchio) have appeared in more games while playing for just one team over their NHL careers.

3. Jonathan Toews

The yin to Kane’s yang, Jonathan Toews was the backbone of Chicago’s dynasty in the 2010s. 

Known for his serious disposition and work ethic, Toews became the second-youngest captain in NHL history when the Blackhawks stitched the “C” on his jersey in 2008. 

It wasn’t just the intangibles that made Toews special. He also was a dynamic offensive force and ranks sixth in franchise history with 883 points.

4. Bobby Hull

It was hard to miss Bobby Hull.

Known as the “Golden Jet” because of his flowing blonde locks, skating speed, and ability to hammer the puck, Hull stepped into the limelight in 1959-60 when he led the NHL in goals and points. It was just his third season in the league.

Six years later, Hull became the first player in NHL history to surpass the 50-goal mark in a single season. The record-breaking tally, which came on March 12, 1966, led to a seven-minute standing ovation from the crowd at Chicago Stadium.

5. Denis Savard

The NHL had a ton of flair during the 1980s, and Denis Savard was a key contributor. The shifty centre was known for his spin’ o rama move and playmaking ability, but he had more to his game than just some pizzazz. 

Savard’s 1.24 points per game is the best mark in franchise history.

6. Tony Esposito

One of the early adopters of the “butterfly style” of goaltending, Tony Esposito took the Windy City by storm in 1969-70.

“Tony O” went 38-17-8 in his first season with the Blackhawks and posted a .932 save percentage while setting a record with 15 shutouts. 

Those numbers helped Esposito capture the Calder and Vezina Trophies. 

Esposito’s No. 35 jersey was retired by the Blackhawks in 1988.

7. Duncan Keith

The rock of the Blackhawks’ blueline during their dynasty, Duncan Keith was the total package during his illustrious career.

Keith won the Norris Trophy on two occasions (2010 and 2014) and logged the third-most ice time in NHL history behind only Ryan Suter and Brent Burns. 

With Kane, Toews, and Keith leading the way, it was no wonder the Blackhawks were always near the top of the hockey odds to win the Stanley Cup during the 2010s.

8. Doug Wilson

A pioneering offensive defenceman, Doug Wilson put up gaudy numbers from the blueline for the Blackhawks.

Wilson’s 225 goals, 554 assists, and 779 points are the most by a defenceman in the 99-year history of the franchise. 

9. Steve Larmer

One of the great ironmen in NHL history, Steve Larmer didn’t miss a game between 1982 and 1993. What’s more is that Larmer was no shrinking violet on the ice. 

He was known as one of the best power forwards in the sport and played in just about every situation. He killed penalties, featured on the power play and his two-way prowess earned him plenty of votes for the Selke Trophy throughout his career.

Larmer’s 406 goals are the fourth-most in franchise history.

10. Jeremy Roenick

Known for his brash attitude on and off the ice, Jeremy Roenick burst onto the scene in the early 1990s and led the Blackhawks to plenty of regular-season success. 

Roenick eclipsed the 100-point mark in three consecutive seasons (1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94), and his 1.14 points per game is the second-best mark in Blackhawks’ history.

11. Corey Crawford

Perhaps the most underrated contributor to the dynasty teams, Corey Crawford was money when it mattered most.

The Montreal native posted a .932 save percentage during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs and backstopped the Blackhawks to another ring with a .924 save percentage in 20 games during the 2015 postseason.

All told, Crawford went 52-42 with a .918 save percentage in 94 postseason starts.