Top 10 Fastest Players in NHL History
These are the fastest players in NHL history based on overall speed. This list is based mainly on in-game speed. The eye test is the most important to me which is the main determinant when looking at the fastest skaters in NHL history. I will also be considering the fastest skater all-star competition which heavily favors NHL players from the 90s onwards.
Top 10 Fastest NHL Players Ever – #10 Mike Gartner
#10 – Mike Gartner
When the fastest skater competition begun in 1990, Mike Gartner immediately put his speed on display. He won the first ever fastest skater competition and followed it up with another two wins in 1993 and 1996. That makes him one of only two players in NHL history to win the fastest skater competition twice.
It’s the same story in-game. Mike Gartner was a goal scoring machine. He maintained that elite speed throughout his long 19-year career scoring more than 30 goals for 15 consecutive seasons. Right now he has the 6th most goals in NHL history with 708.
Top 10 Fastest Players in NHL History – #9 Dylan Larkin
#9 – Dylan Larkin
While he hasn’t won the fastest skater competition more than once like Mike Gartner, Dylan Larkin holds the record for the fastest time of 13.172 in the NHL All-Star fastest skater competition. He is also one of the few current players who made this list.
While he has only been in the NHL for 6 seasons, it’s clear he has game breaking speed that isn’t going anywhere. The Red Wings have struggled over this time, but not at the fault of Larkin. He may be one of the least accomplished players on this list, but his record breaking speed needs recognition.
Top 10 Fastest NHL Players Ever – #8 Scott Niedermayer
#8 – Scott Niedermayer
It takes a special kind of player to have his jersey retired for two different teams. Not only is Scott Niedermayer one of the fastest NHL skaters ever, he is also one of the best defenseman ever. Both the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Mighty Ducks recognized that greatness.
This is the two-time fastest skater competition winner and four-time Stanley Cup winner. Stanley Cups are one thing, but he also went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy which gets rewarded to the NHL’s playoff MVP.
