From The Archive: Top 100 Bruins

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Top 100 Bruins - Nov. 13, 2023 - By James Benesh 

When looking at the greatest Boston Bruins of all-time, one thing immediately stands out: elite defensemen. No other franchise can claim that their three greatest players are defenders. According to our 2017 collector’s edition, Top 50 Players of All-Time By Franchise, only two teams – Nashville and St. Louis – even have two defenders among their top three.

And it’s really not that close, either. In our 1997 list of the top 100 NHL players, Bobby Orr and Eddie Shore, whose legacies are entirely based on their time in Boston, placed second and 10th across the league. Ray Bourque was 14th, with four excellent seasons still to come. (Phil Esposito, who only played about half his career in Boston, was 18th.) Blueliners Dit Clapper (sixth) and Zdeno Chara (10th) also rank highly on the Bruins’ list. If you add up the tenures of those five ‘D’ titans, you’ll see 2023-24 is only the 33rd season that the Bruins didn’t have one of them in the lineup.

Our Bruins franchise top-50 list from 2017 remains mostly intact, but Patrice Bergeron has now leapfrogged Cam Neely into 11th place. Tuukka Rask jumped 11 retired players and David Krejci six, but both were handily eclipsed by ‘Perfection Line’ mates Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak (neither of whom cracked the franchise’s top 50 in 2017).

Only a player’s time with the Bruins is considered for this list.

POS | D YEARS | 1966-76

GP | 631 G | 264 A | 624 P | 888

Being that Orr is still, in the minds of many, the greatest player who ever put on skates, he’s a slam dunk for top Bruin. NHL’s best player for nearly the entirety of his career.

POS | D YEARS | 1926-40

GP | 541 G | 103 A | 176 P | 279

The key to a strong opening decade for the franchise, Shore still has more Hart Trophy wins – four – than anyone but Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. His name is forever emblematic of “old-time hockey,” and he scored 10-plus goals five times.

POS | D YEARS | 1979-2000

GP | 1,518 G | 395 A | 1,111 P | 1,506

On most franchises, a defenseman with 1,500 points and 19 all-star teams would easily be their top all-time player. That’s how lucky the Bruins have been with elite D-men. Cut his career in half, and each half would surely make the Hall of Fame.

POS | C YEARS | 1967-75

GP | 625 G | 459 A | 553 P | 1,012

“Jesus saves, ‘Espo’ scores on the rebound.” Esposito was the all-time master of the garbage goal, but he had underrated finesse skills, particularly his stickhandling and passing. He combined with Orr to post cartoonish numbers in the early 1970s.

POS | C YEARS | 1936-55

GP | 776 G | 229 A | 346 P | 575

The Second World War stole three years from his career. Still, in 16 seasons, this extremely competitive all-around center won a scoring title, a Hart Trophy, two Stanley Cups and was on four all-star teams.

POS | RW/D YEARS | 1927-47

GP | 835 G | 229 A | 248 P | 477

One of the very few players in NHL history to make all-star teams at both forward and defense. Retired as the all-time games-played leader and was the first to have the Hall of Fame’s three-year waiting period waived.

POS | LW YEARS | 1957-78

GP | 1,436 G | 545 A | 794 P | 1,339

Toiled for years keeping a bad 1960s Bruins outfit afloat. Then Orr and Esposito happened, and Bucyk went along for the ride, particularly on their devastating power play. His six highest point totals came after age 34.

POS | C YEARS | 1935-47

GP | 508 G | 190 A | 347 P | 537

A pure finesse player, the gentlemanly Cowley was the top playmaker of his day. He led the league in assists three times, won two Harts, a scoring title and was a five-time all-star. Retired as NHL’s all-time points leader.

POS | G YEARS | 1938-49

RECORD | 230-144-70 GAA | 2.57 SP | N/A

Goalies with more all-star teams than Brimsek: Glenn Hall. That’s it. ‘Mr. Zero’ was voted one of the league’s top two goalies in eight straight seasons, and he surely would have made it 10 had he not left to serve in the Second World War.

POS | D YEARS | 2006-20

GP | 1,023 G | 148 A | 333 P | 481

Man-mountain is one of the best defensive defensemen of all-time, with five all-star team selections as a Bruin to prove it. Gym freak with infectious work ethic was one of the finest leaders the franchise has ever seen. Also: that slapshot.

POS | C YEARS | 2003-23

GP | 1,294 G | 427 A | 613 P | 1,040

Amazing to think that he topped 1,000 points, yet was significantly better defensively than offensively.

POS | RW YEARS | 1986-96

GP | 525 G | 344 A | 246 P | 590

Force of nature. Retired 27 years now, and scouts are still looking for (and haven’t found) the next Cam Neely.

POS | G YEARS | 1928-38

RECORD | 252-153-63 GAA | 1.99 SP | N/A

Won Cup as a rookie, starting a 10-year run as the Bruins’ No. 1, during which he made four all-star teams.

POS | LW YEARS | 2009-PRESENT

GP | 956 G | 377 A | 494 P | 871

Late-bloomer exceptional in all areas. Had impressive five-year run earning many all-star, Hart and Selke votes.

POS | RW YEARS | 2014-PRESENT

GP | 601 G | 309 A | 322 P | 631

Youngest member of ‘Perfection Line’ also the best at scoring goals. One Rocket Trophy; runner-up for another.

POS | RW YEARS | 1976-88

GP | 881 G | 402 A | 496 P | 898

Dazzling talent who came so close to 1,000 career points (988). It’s overlooked how good he was defensively.

POS | LW YEARS | 1936-54

GP | 774 G | 211 A | 219 P | 430

Defensive ace was Schmidt’s longtime linemate on ‘Kraut Line.’ Three-time all-star in 16-season career.

POS | G YEARS | 2007-22

RECORD | 543-308-165 GAA | 2.28 SP | .921

After Thomas’ heyday, gave B’s nine above-average-or-better seasons as No. 1. One Vezina, two-time all-star.

POS | RW YEARS | 1967-76

GP | 652 G | 289 A | 385 P | 674

Cashed in on the Orr/Esposito years, sure, but his physicality, grinding and passes led to a lot of ‘Espo’ goals.

POS | LW YEARS | 1965-83

GP | 1,027 G | 277 A | 516 P | 793

Did Hodge’s job, but in the left-side corner. Less individual skill but way more meanness. Lifetime Bruin.

POS | G YEARS | 2002-03, 2005-12

RECORD | 196-121-45 GAA | 2.48 SP | .921

Since 1972 Cup, six goalies have taken Bruins to the final, but only Thomas has closed the deal. Two Vezinas.

POS | D YEARS | 1945-50, 1954-61

GP | 682 G | 30 A | 147 P | 177

For five straight seasons, he placed third to fifth in Norris voting. Howe called him toughest he ever faced.

POS | C YEARS | 1928-32, 1935-39

GP | 365 G | 131 A | 107 P | 238

He took advantage of NHL’s 1929-30 forward-passing rule change and set new points record.

POS | RW YEARS | 1972-85

GP | 891 G | 204 A | 402 P | 606

Usually more of a secondary scorer, this checker and pugilist exploded for 90 points in 1977-78 (seventh in NHL).

POS | C YEARS | 1992-97

GP | 368 G | 142 A | 357 P | 499

Shorter Bruins tenure than most greats, but his 1.36 point per game ranks third in franchise history.

POS | D YEARS | 1975-83

GP | 501 G | 100 A | 317 P | 417

Arrived just in time to replace breaking-down Orr. Twice runner-up for Norris Trophy as Bruin.

POS | RW YEARS | 1937-52

GP | 327 G | 123 A | 136 P | 259

Brain of ‘Kraut Line.’ Kept up with offensive exploits of linemates, but he was not the two-way force they were.

POS | C YEARS | 1997-2005

GP | 532 G | 169 A | 285 P | 454

First-overall pick in 1997 was just 26 and in the middle of a Hart and Art Ross season when traded.

POS | D YEARS | 1938-50

GP | 547 G | 38 A | 140 P | 178

Excellent two-way ‘D’ was a presence in all-star voting nearly entire career. Finished top-four twice during WW2.

POS | C YEARS | 2007-2023

GP | 1,032 G | 231 A | 555 P | 786

While Bergeron took the hard playoff matchups, he handled the scoring. Led post-season in points twice.

POS | D YEARS | 1954-66

GP | 717 G | 47 A | 164 P | 211

Surprise Hall of Famer had long, solid career and earned some Norris votes. Twelve of 19 years were with Bruins.

POS | C YEARS | 1975-81

GP | 419 G | 155 A | 295 P | 450

Classy center only arrived in Boston as a 35-year-old, but he finished top-10 in points twice in six seasons.

POS | C YEARS | 1976-84

GP | 595 G | 263 A | 324 P | 587

Consistent scorer had 74 to 86 points for seven straight seasons. Added 74 more in 79 playoff games.

POS | D YEARS | 1949-56

GP | 461 G | 22 A | 133 P | 155

About 60 percent of his outstanding, remarkably clean career was with the Bruins. Two all-star team berths.

POS | G YEARS | 1965-72, 1976-80

RECORD | 226-103-76 GAA | 2.89 SP | .901

Won more than twice as many games as he lost over 12 seasons. No award love, but known for clutch saves.

POS | LW YEARS | 1965-82

GP | 868 G | 230 A | 254 P | 484

Selke Trophy was introduced toward the end of his career. He was a finalist in both of its first two seasons.

POS | C YEARS | 1980-86, 1991-92

GP | 379 G | 166 A | 251 P | 417

Placed fifth and sixth in NHL scoring in his early 20s. Unfortunately, more famous for being traded for Neely.

POS | D YEARS | 1925-34

GP | 378 G | 25 A | 27 P | 52

Shore’s defensive conscience may have been best stay-at-home defender of the generation.

POS | RW YEARS | 1966-72

GP | 453 G | 169 A | 227 P | 396

Formed successful second line with Bucyk and Stanfield in early 1970s. One of the league’s better agitators.

POS | D/LW YEARS | 1953-64

GP | 711 G | 118 A | 229 P | 347

Utility player scored 118 goals, mostly from the blueline. Speed made him useful as a spare forward, too.

POS | RW YEARS | 1961-72

GP | 733 G | 126 A | 213 P | 339

For 11 years as a Bruin, this solid secondary scorer might have been best penalty-killing winger in the league.

POS | C YEARS | 1954-63

GP | 592 G | 195 A | 267 P | 462

Four straight years as top-10 scorer in the late 1950s. Excellent numbers in run to 1958 Stanley Cup final.

POS | D YEARS | 1960-72

GP | 621 G | 48 A | 206 P | 254

Most famous for 1969 stick-swinging injury but was solid D-man who was second-team all-star the season prior.

POS | C YEARS | 1980-89

GP | 564 G | 135 A | 220 P | 355

During nine seasons in the 1980s, a 40- to 50-point threat and a consistent presence in Selke conversation.

POS | D YEARS | 1960-61, 1965-77

GP | 860 G | 54 A | 248 P | 302

Orr’s most frequent partner. His steady positional play helped No. 4 to do his thing. Plus-331 over 15 seasons.

POS | C YEARS | 1965-74

GP | 389 G | 135 A | 159 P | 294

Emblematic player of the wild 1970s, but he also scored at a 60-point pace and dominated the faceoff dot.

POS | RW YEARS | 1952-61

GP | 571 G | 123 A | 180 P | 303

Best known as energy player, pest and open-ice hitter, but he also scored his way into the top 20 a couple times.

POS | RW YEARS | 1952-54, 1956-64

GP | 661 G | 151 A | 218 P | 369

Occasional scorer but outstanding on the penalty kill. His eight shorthanded goals in 1957-58 led the league.

POS | D YEARS | 1951-61

GP | 541 G | 13 A | 86 P | 99

Lifetime Bruin wasn’t an all-star, but he was a defensive linchpin for nine solid seasons. Heavy hitter.

POS | RW YEARS | 1992-95, 2001-08

GP | 570 G | 209 A | 180 P | 389

Rode shotgun for emerging Thornton and led NHL in even-strength goals in 2002-03. Tough to move from crease.

POS | C YEARS | 1952-60

GP | 514 G | 127 A | 185 P | 312

Little sparkplug repeatedly came up big in the playoffs. Seventh, eighth and 10th in points in best seasons.

POS | D YEARS | 1988-2003

GP | 1,052 G | 52 A | 210 P | 262

Most frequently partnered with Bourque, providing low-risk, unspectacular play for 1,000-plus games.

POS | D YEARS | 1936-43

GP | 353 G | 84 A | 115 P | 199

Played mostly as a ‘D’ but occasionally on the wing. Earned all-star votes most years, second-teamer in 1943.

POS | RW YEARS | 1947-58

GP | 544 G | 153 A | 173 P | 326

Oft-forgotten two-way player was a top-10 scorer three times in four-year stretch from 1949 to 1952.

POS | D YEARS | 2017-PRESENT

GP | 389 G | 43 A | 195 P | 238

Has been a top-10 defenseman in the NHL for a few years now. Lots of potential to skyrocket up this list.

POS | LW YEARS | 2007-15, 2023-PRESENT

GP | 570 G | 139 A | 205 P | 344

His intimidating physical play reminded fans of a young Neely. Not too bad a scorer in his prime, either.

POS | C YEARS | 1964-78

GP | 448 G | 135 A | 274 P | 409

For six years, centered the NHL’s best second line. Often played point on power play opposite Orr.

POS | RW YEARS | 1980-89

GP | 607 G | 219 A | 258 P | 477

Power forward was with team for entire 1980s. Great trivia answer: Bruins’ leading scorer in 1985-86.

POS | C YEARS | 1929-35

GP | 279 G | 129 A | 89 P | 218

Hall of Famer and one of the best players of the 1930s was even better later on as a Red Wing.

POS | C YEARS | 1961-67

GP | 429 G | 116 A | 216 P | 332

Strong two-way player. Three top 10s in points in the early ’60s with little help from lean Boston roster.

POS | LW YEARS | 1955-61

GP | 378 G | 125 A | 166 P | 291

Strong all-around winger with size had his best three seasons in Boston: ninth in points once, 11th twice.

POS | D YEARS | 1972-75

GP | 263 G | 47 A | 134 P | 181

Highly sought-after offensive defenseman played No. 2 role behind Orr for three seasons and change.

POS | D YEARS | 1928-33

GP | 183 G | 44 A | 33 P | 77

Joined Bruins at 27 after years of university hockey. Teamed up with (and nearly outscored) Shore.

POS | G YEARS | 1962-73

RECORD | 182-192-54 GAA | 3.22 SP | .900

Stuck with the team through dismal 1960s. Finally paid off with 1970 and 1972 Cups. Won six games in ’72 run.

POS | C YEARS | 1984-90

GP | 389 G | 125 A | 247 P | 372

During the late 1980s, a point-per-gamer, checker, penalty-killer and pest. Even better in the playoffs.

POS | LW YEARS | 1947-55

GP | 442 G | 94 A | 136 P | 230

Big, strong winger had modest totals but led 1953 playoffs in goals, then made second all-star team in 1954.

POS | RW YEARS | 1926-34

GP | 353 G | 109 A | 59 P | 168

Pint-sized HHOFer from out west was a top-10 scorer during height of the late 1920s’ original dead puck era.

POS | LW YEARS | 1997-2009

GP | 797 G | 103 A | 184 P | 287

Loyal soldier earned Selke votes by killing lots of penalties. His 287 points (mostly even-strength) ain’t bad.

POS | D YEARS | 1975-87

GP | 754 G | 49 A | 189 P | 238

Spent most of the 1970s and ’80s as a No. 2 or 3 defenseman who took no guff and contributed decent offense.

POS | G YEARS | 1988-93

RECORD | 136-75-36 GAA | 3.08 SP | .886

Semi-elite goalie was top five in Vezina voting three times, and he backstopped the team to 1990 final.

POS | C YEARS | 1937-38, 1939-44

GP | 308 G | 94 A | 134 P | 228

This tiny finesse center stepped up and had his best years when the Second World War depleted the Bruins.

POS | C YEARS | 1972-78

GP | 416 G | 155 A | 220 P | 375

Three-time 30-goal scorer was an exceptional penalty-killer and a surprisingly consistent playoff producer.

POS | D YEARS | 1980-86

GP | 424 G | 70 A | 199 P | 269

No. 2 D-man behind Bourque for three full seasons from ’82-83 to ’85-86. Two-way player best on offense.

POS | G YEARS | 1982-85

RECORD | 91-58-16 GAA | 3.00 SP | .883

His ’82-83 was best season by B’s goalie between Brimsek and Thomas: led in wins, shutouts and won Vezina.

POS | LW YEARS | 1939-46

GP | 316 G | 140 A | 118 P | 258

Top-10 scorer just once, but he made it count: his 82 points in a WW2-depleted league set new NHL record in 1944.

POS | LW YEARS | 1930-37

GP | 286 G | 58 A | 79 P | 137

Rare British product was consistent mid-tier scorer and scrappy defensive specialist over eight seasons

POS | LW YEARS | 1997-2006

GP | 514 G | 164 A | 212 P | 376

Small, speedy winger followed up Calder with seven more solid seasons, including two with 70-plus points.

POS | D YEARS | 1925-28

GP | 109 G | 15 A | 11 P | 26

B’s improved from 6-24-0 to 17-15-4 after adding him. Hart runner-up, then mentored Shore as player-coach.

POS | LW YEARS | 1926-34

GP | 346 G | 31 A | 29 P | 60

Didn’t score much, but gave team eight years as one of the best defensive forwards of the 1920s and ’30s.

POS | D YEARS | 1934-40

GP | 188 G | 7 A | 20 P | 27

Towered over most NHLers in 1930s. Bruins’ No. 3 defenseman for three full seasons and parts of three others.

POS | LW YEARS | 1992-98

GP | 528 G | 119 A | 147 P | 266

Two-way second-liner topped 49 points three times and was a regular penalty-killer for 528 games.

POS | C YEARS | 2000-04

GP | 359 G | 104 A | 147 P | 251

Special-teams specialist was biggest piece in Bourque trade. Lived up to billing with 251 points in 359 games.

POS | D YEARS | 1987-94

GP | 537 G | 77 A | 230 P | 307

Joined team straight from 1987 draft. Mostly No. 2 ‘D’ for seven years before fetching three first-round picks.

POS | D YEARS | 1963-73

GP | 543 G | 21 A | 87 P | 108

Suffered through lean 1960s before peaking with the rest of the team to win two Stanley Cups in ’70 and ’72.

POS | LW YEARS | 1944-50

GP | 331 G | 78 A | 93 P | 171

Helped with the scoring and checking on a late-1940s Bruins team that had little at forward besides ‘Kraut Line.’

POS | RW YEARS | 1961-68

GP | 391 G | 96 A | 136 P | 232

Made it as a scorer after 1967 expansion. Prior to that, he was a solid secondary piece for eight seasons.

POS | RW YEARS | 1974-79

GP | 354 G | 134 A | 161 P | 295

Energetic fan favorite had five straight 20-goal seasons and scored a lot of goals in two Cup-final runs.

POS | G YEARS | 1997-2002

RECORD | 132-104-40 GAA | 2.30 SP | .911

Provided five mostly steady seasons as starter, peaking as an all-star, Vezina finalist in 1999 with 10 shutouts.

POS | G YEARS | 1951-55

RECORD | 93-99-44 GAA | 2.53 SP | N/A

Opposite ‘Rocket,’ he’s immortalized in one of hockey’s most iconic photos. Second-team all-star in 1951-52.

POS | D YEARS | 1944-49

GP | 294 G | 47 A | 85 P | 132

Physical, offensive D-man missed 1949 all-star team by one vote. Has been called a pioneer of the slapshot.

POS | D YEARS | 2010-16

GP | 401 G | 23 A | 94 P | 117

Was mostly Chara’s partner for a six-season span that included two trips to the Stanley Cup final (one win).

POS | D YEARS | 1968-72, 1977-80

GP | 513 G | 36 A | 125 P | 161

Solid all-around second-pair D-man had two separate four-season stints. Won 1970 Cup; just missed in ’72.

POS | C YEARS | 1997-2001

GP | 301 G | 105 A | 189 P | 294

Supposed bust blossomed after trade to B’s: fourth and ninth in NHL points while Boston awaited Thornton’s rise.

POS | C YEARS | 1934-39

GP | 212 G | 63 A | 41 P | 104

Acquired from Leafs for cash, this strong two-way player provided second line-caliber offense.

POS | D YEARS | 2012-20

GP | 523 G | 67 A | 270 P | 337

Diminutive offensive specialist held his own on the second pairing and cashed in on the power play.

POS | C YEARS | 1932-35, 1936

GP | 153 G | 64 A | 55 P | 119

Better known as a Maroon, but ‘Old Poison’ finished ninth, fourth and 10th in NHL scoring in 1933, ’34 and ’35.

POS | C YEARS | 1957-61

GP | 227 G | 103 A | 112 P | 215

Finesse player had trouble sticking in NHL long-term but managed to put up two exceptional seasons with B’s.

POS | C YEARS | 1992-97, 2001-03

GP | 424 G | 75 A | 206 P | 281

Big body developed into second- and then first-line center before trade to L.A. Later came back for two seasons.

POS | RW YEARS | 1992-2000

GP | 515 G | 131 A | 108 P | 239

Solid middle-sixer and penalty-killer once had 40-goal potential before injury in 1996 cut his season short.

POS | D YEARS | 1945-52

GP | 405 G | 24 A | 62 P | 86

Never a star; just a solid second-pair guy for seven years. Quiet player who didn’t draw much attention