Canadian · Edmonton, Canada · Born 18 January 1961Mark Messier was a dominant power forward and leader who won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and a sixth with the New York Rangers, whom he captained to their first title in 54 years in 1994.
Mark Messier told reporters before Game 6 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Final that the Rangers would win, a guarantee that made headlines specifically because it put him on record with no way to walk it back if New Jersey won instead. He scored a third-period hat-trick to make sure they didn't, delivering on his own prediction in the most literal way possible. That willingness to put his name on the line publicly reflected a captaincy style built on demanding accountability rather than leading quietly -- teammates across both Edmonton and New York consistently described him as someone who held others to a standard he'd already set for himself, which made the guarantee credible rather than reckless. Messier's six Stanley Cups, split between two different Original Six-era franchises, and his 1994 title with the Rangers ending a 54-year championship drought, meant he'd delivered exactly the kind of guaranteed result his reputation was built on -- twice, with two different teams, a rarer feat than the raw ring count alone suggests.
Legendary captain who won six Stanley Cups, the only player to captain two different franchises to championships
"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
- Hockey Hall of Fame (2007)
- 6x Stanley Cup champion
- 2x Hart Trophy
- Conn Smythe Trophy (1984)
- 15x NHL All-Star
- #11 retired by both Oilers and Rangers
| 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