The Top 10 Greatest Boston Bruins of All-Time

By Jayson Panganiban January 07, 2024 23:59

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Boston Bruins, one of the Original Six teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), have a rich and storied history. Over the years, the Bruins have been home to some of the greatest players to ever lace up their skates. From iconic goal scorers to legendary defensemen, the Bruins' roster has been filled with talent. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 greatest Boston Bruins of all time.

1. Bobby Orr

No discussion about the greatest Bruins of all time can begin without mentioning the name Bobby Orr. Orr revolutionized the game of hockey with his incredible skill and offensive prowess from the blue line. He won eight Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman and three Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player. Orr's impact on the game is immeasurable, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play the sport.

2. Ray Bourque

Ray Bourque is another Bruins legend who is often mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Orr. Bourque spent 21 seasons with the Bruins and became the franchise's all-time leader in numerous categories, including points and assists. He won five Norris Trophies and was known for his incredible offensive and defensive abilities. Bourque's leadership and dedication to the game make him one of the greatest Bruins of all time.

3. Cam Neely

Cam Neely was a dominant force for the Bruins during his career. Known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, Neely was a fan favorite in Boston. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Neely's impact on the game cannot be understated. He scored 50 goals in a season three times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005.

4. Phil Esposito

Phil Esposito is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. He spent eight seasons with the Bruins and set numerous records during his time in Boston. Esposito won two Hart Trophies and five Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer. He was instrumental in leading the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships in 1970 and 1972.

5. Johnny Bucyk

Johnny Bucyk is the all-time leading scorer in Bruins history. He spent 21 seasons with the Bruins and played a key role in the team's success during the 1960s and 1970s. Bucyk won two Stanley Cups with the Bruins and was a consistent offensive threat throughout his career. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

6. Milt Schmidt

Milt Schmidt was a dominant force for the Bruins during the 1940s and 1950s. He played a key role in leading the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships in 1939 and 1941. Schmidt was known for his playmaking abilities and was a consistent scorer throughout his career. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.

7. Terry O'Reilly

Terry O'Reilly was a fan favorite during his time with the Bruins. Known for his toughness and physical play, O'Reilly was a key leader on the ice. He played his entire career with the Bruins and served as the team's captain from 1983 to 1985. O'Reilly's dedication to the team and his willingness to stand up for his teammates make him one of the greatest Bruins of all time.

8. Eddie Shore

Eddie Shore is a true legend in the history of the Boston Bruins. He played for the Bruins during the 1920s and 1930s and was known for his aggressive and physical style of play. Shore won four Hart Trophies during his career and was a key part of two Stanley Cup-winning teams. His impact on the game and his dedication to the Bruins make him one of the greatest players in franchise history.

9. Brad Park

Brad Park may have spent the majority of his career with the rival New York Rangers, but his time with the Bruins cannot be overlooked. Park played for the Bruins from 1975 to 1983 and was a key part of the team's success during that time. He was a seven-time All-Star and was known for his offensive abilities and strong defensive play.

10. Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara is the most recent addition to this list but deserves recognition for his contributions to the Bruins. Chara captained the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011 and was a dominant force on the blue line for over a decade. Known for his size and physicality, Chara was a key leader on the team and one of the best defensemen of his generation.

The Boston Bruins have had the privilege of being home to some of the greatest players in NHL history. From Bobby Orr to Zdeno Chara, these players have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the game of hockey. Their skill, dedication, and leadership have cemented their places among the top 10 greatest Boston Bruins of all time.