Canadian · Edmonton, Canada · Born 18 January 1961The most clutch player in NHL history — six Stanley Cups and the famous 1994 Guarantee before Game 6 against New Jersey.
Mark Messier won six Stanley Cups, five with the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the 1980s and one as captain of the New York Rangers in 1994, ending that franchise's 54-year championship drought. He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP twice and the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP once, and his ferocious leadership on and off the ice was considered so influential that the NHL later created the Mark Messier Leadership Award in his honour, given annually to the league's most inspirational player.
Leading the New York Rangers to the 1994 Stanley Cup championship, breaking the franchise's 54-year championship drought.
"The Guarantee" — predicting a Rangers win then scoring a third-period hat-trick to deliver it — is the greatest individual clutch moment in NHL history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Messier was known for his exceptional leadership qualities and clutch performances in crucial moments. He combined physical strength and intimidation with elite offensive skills, excelling at both scoring goals and setting up teammates. His two-way play made him effective defensively while maintaining consistent offensive production throughout his career.
Lasting Impact
Messier is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and leaders in NHL history, setting the standard for clutch playoff performance. His ability to elevate his game in pressure situations and inspire teammates established him as a legendary figure in professional hockey.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 6x
- Hart Trophy 2x
- Conn Smythe
- Messier Leadership Award
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | 1979–1991 | 851 | 392 |
| New York Rangers | 1991–1997 | 435 | 250 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 1997–2000 | 207 | 48 |
 Canada | — | 84 | 25 |
Canadian Athletes