Mark Messier
Date of Birth: January 18, 1961
Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
NHL Debut: 1979
Draft Information: Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers 48th overall in the 3rd round of the 1979 NHL Draft.
Playing Style: Mark Messier was one of the most complete players in NHL history, blending elite scoring, punishing physicality, and unparalleled leadership. Known for his fierce competitiveness, clutch performances, and locker room presence, Messier was a powerful skater with a strong two-way game and a knack for rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Career Highlights and Achievements
🏆 Stanley Cup Championships: 6 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 with Edmonton; 1994 with NY Rangers)
🏆 Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: 1984
🏆 All-Star Appearances: 15 (1982–1998)
🏆 Major Awards and Recognitions:
- Hart Trophy (League MVP): 2× (1990, 1992)
- Ted Lindsay Award (then Lester B. Pearson): 1990
- NHL First All-Star Team: 4× (1982, 1990, 1992, 1995)
- Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee: 2007
- Named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players: 2017
- Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award created in his honor, awarded annually since 2007
- Only player to captain two different franchises to a Stanley Cup title (Oilers and Rangers)
🏆 Milestones:
- Scored 694 career goals and 1,887 points in 1,756 games
- Second all-time in NHL history in points at the time of retirement
- Famously guaranteed (and delivered) a win in Game 6 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Final, scoring a hat trick
- Helped end the Rangers’ 54-year Cup drought in 1994
- Served as captain of both the Oilers and Rangers for over a decade combined
