The Best Hockey Players Who Shoot Left-Handed
The Greatest Left-Handed Shooters in NHL History
In the world of hockey, left-handed shooting is surprisingly dominant, despite the fact that most of these players are, ironically, right-handed. It turns out that many of the greatest hockey players in history, while naturally righty, have mastered the art of the lefty hockey stick. Why? Shooting left-handed provides better control, precision, and an angle that often throws defenders off balance.
This article celebrates the best left-handed hockey players in history—legends who wielded their lefty hockey sticks to redefine the game. From jaw-dropping goals to playmaking genius, these players proved that left-handed hockey is not just about technique but also about pure, unmatched brilliance.
Wayne Gretzky
Let’s start with “The Great One” himself. Wayne Gretzky, the highest-scoring player in NHL history, was a right-hander who shot left-handed. With 2,857 career points, including 894 goals and 1,963 assists, Gretzky didn’t just rewrite the record books—he obliterated them. Known for his hockey IQ, vision, and precision, Gretzky’s left-handed shot was a key weapon in his offensive arsenal, and his dominance spanned two decades.
Bobby Orr
Arguably the greatest defenseman of all time, Bobby Orr revolutionized his position with an offensive flair that had never been seen before. As a right-hander who shot left, Orr used his skating ability and puck control to win two Stanley Cups and eight Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman. His 46 goals in a single season remain a record for defensemen, and his end-to-end rushes became the stuff of legend.
Bobby Hull
“The Golden Jet” was one of the fastest and most prolific scorers in NHL history. Known for his blazing slap shot, which was clocked at over 100 mph, Hull’s offensive dominance helped him score 610 NHL goals. His left-handed shooting complemented his powerful skating and sharp hockey sense, making him one of the most feared forwards of his time.
Sidney Crosby
A modern-day legend, Sidney Crosby is one of the most complete players in hockey history. As a right-handed player shooting left-handed, Crosby has won multiple Stanley Cups, Olympic gold medals, and individual awards, including the Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy. His left-handed shot is lethal in tight spaces, and his ability to execute under pressure has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history.
Jean Béliveau
A symbol of elegance and sportsmanship, Jean Béliveau led the Montreal Canadiens to 10 Stanley Cups during his career. His left-handed shooting, combined with his size and skill, made him a dominant playmaker and scorer. Béliveau was also the first player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Joe Sakic
Joe Sakic was a master of clutch goals and precision shooting. The longtime Colorado Avalanche captain’s left-handed wrist shot was as smooth as it was deadly, and his leadership on and off the ice was unmatched. With two Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy, and an Olympic gold medal, Sakic’s impact on the game goes beyond his 625 career goals.
Mark Messier
Known for his fiery competitiveness, Mark Messier was one of the most complete players in NHL history. Shooting left-handed, Messier won six Stanley Cups—five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers. His physical style, leadership, and ability to elevate his game in the playoffs made him one of the most respected players of all time.
Connor McDavid
The face of modern hockey, Connor McDavid has already solidified himself as one of the game’s brightest stars. His left-handed shooting, combined with unmatched speed and agility, makes him a nightmare for defenders. With multiple Art Ross Trophies and Hart Trophies under his belt, McDavid’s ceiling seems limitless, and his left-handed shot is a major reason for his offensive brilliance.
Jonathan Toews
“Captain Serious” led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in the 2010s. Known for his two-way play and leadership, Toews’ left-handed shot has been crucial in clutch moments, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. Toews is a model of consistency and reliability, making him one of the best left-handed shooters of his era.
Jaromír Jágr
Longevity and excellence define Jaromír Jágr’s incredible career, which spanned over 25 NHL seasons. A left-handed shooter with unparalleled skill and a knack for scoring, Jágr’s 1,921 career points place him second all-time behind Gretzky. His ability to adapt and produce at an elite level into his 40s is a testament to his work ethic and talent.
Left-Handed Hockey: A Legacy of Excellence
From Wayne Gretzky to Connor McDavid, the best left-handed hockey players have shown time and again that the left-handed shot can be a game-changer. Whether it’s blasting slap shots, threading perfect passes, or redefining positions, these players have cemented their legacies through unparalleled skill, creativity, and dominance.
So, the next time you see a player wielding a lefty hockey stick, remember: they’re not just using a tool—they’re carrying forward a tradition of excellence that has shaped the game we love.
Curious about other athletic lefty legends? Explore the world of left-handed fencers, whether foil, épée, or sabre. The southpaw spirit transcends the rink and leaves its mark across every sport.
