Boston Bruins: Top 20 Goal Scorers in Franchise History

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Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Bruins: Top 20 Goal Scorers in Franchise History

The Boston Bruins have had some incredibly talented players lace up a pair of skates and play for its franchise over the last 91 years. Some of the best goal scorers in history once dawned the spoked B on their chest and played some of the most meaningful hockey in the world. This list serves to honor the top 20 goal scorers to ever play for the Boston Bruins.

#20 – Joe Thornton – 169 Goals – 532 Games Played – 0.32 Goals Per Game

Joe Thornton will forever live in infamy in Boston Bruins history as one of the biggest name players to be traded in the history of the franchise. While he became known for his slick passing ability and hard hitting style of hockey, Thornton has also made a name for himself as a goal scorer throughout his career which started in Boston for 532 games. His 169 goals in that time span gives him an average of 0.32 goals per game and earned him a spot in the top 20 Bruins goal scorers of all time.

After being moved to the San Jose Shark in one of the most shocking trades in Bruins history, Joe Thornton has continued to wreak havoc on opposing defenders and netminders with his creativity and size. Joe Thornton has put up a total of 193 goals and 629 assists for 822 points in only 783 games as a member of the San Jose Sharks, proving that he can get the job done, regardless of the team he plays for.

Pro-rating his 532 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Thornton an average of roughly 26 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #19 is One of the Few Russian Players in Bruins History

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#19 – Sergei Samsonov – 164 Goals- 514 Games Played – 0.32 Goals Per Game

Sergei Samsonov is one of the few Russian players to ever play for the Boston Bruins, and he’s also one of the best goal scorers in the history of the franchise. Samsonov was more than just a goal scorer during his time with the Bruins, but with four 20 goal seasons, including two seasons in which he reached the 29 goal mark, Sergei Samsonov‘s biggest contributions as member of the Boston Bruins certainly came by way of his goal scoring ability.

While Sergei Samsonov didn’t excel on any other team following his tenure with the Boston Bruins, he was still a solid player capable of making plays for a few years. Fans of the Boston Bruins should take solace in the fact that Sergei Samsonov’s best years were far and away his years spent in the hub.

Following his time in Boston, Sergei Samsonov only put up 71 goals and 124 assists for 195 points in 374 games as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and division rival Montreal Canadiens.

Pro-rating his 514 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Samsonov an average of roughly 26 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #18 is a Former Bruins' Captain

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#18 – Don McKenney – 195 Goals – 592 Games Played – 0.33 Goals Per Game

Considering Don McKenney spent a lot of his career centering a line that included Johnny Bucyk, it’s no wonder why Don McKenney made the list as one of the best goal scorers in the history of the Boston Bruins. with a career 195 goals, McKenney ranks 18th all time in Goals Scored among Bruins players, but the fact that he did so in 592 games is what really earned him his spot on this list.

One of the more underrated players on the list, Don McKenney had a knack for finding the back of the net with ease. Most players today would certainly be envious of his goal scoring ability if they had a chance to watch him play now.

Pro-rating his 592 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give McKenney an average of roughly 28 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #17 - Despite All His Rage He is Still Just A Rat In A Cage

#17 – Brad Marchand – 129 Goals – 401 Games Played – 0.32 Goals Per Game

Brad Marchand is widely considered one of the biggest pests in the NHL, but he’s also one of the most underrated scorers in the league as well. With four 20 goal seasons in as many full years, and an 18 goal season in the lock-out shortened season, Brad Marchand has shown that he has a knack for finding the back of the net. He is often the team’s leading goal scorer, with this year being no exception through the first 26 games as he currently has 13 goals on the season.

Brad Marchand Could be one of the most consistent goal scorers in Boston Bruins history if he remains with the team after his contract is up for renewal. With the amount of positives that Brad Marchand brings to his team every single night, it seems unlikely that the team will let play elsewhere. Goal scoring is a very valuable trait among players, and while Brad Marchand does more than simply score goals, the Bruins simply cannot allow a player with the goal-scoring prowess that Brad Marchand possesses get away.

Pro-rating his 401 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Marchand an average of roughly 26 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #16 Was a Typical Hard-Nosed Bruin Player For Almost A Decade

May 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Bruins logo is frozen in ice before game one against the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

#16 – Keith Crowder – 219 Goals- 607 Games Played – 0.36 Goals Per Game

Keith Crowder was one of the most beloved Boston Bruins during his time with the team in the 1980s. The typical hard-nosed, physical forward that the Bruins were known for, Crowder was also a solid goal scorer who contributed for the better part of nine seasons while with the Bruins. When Crowder wasn’t laying out ferocious hits in opposing players, he was skating hard and finding open spots on the ice to score goals.

The Boston Bruins have long been known for employing players such as Keith Crowder on their team; players who can hit hard, and score goals that count. A recent example of a player that could be considered similar to Keith Crowder in today’s NHL would be former Boston Bruins Milan Lucic; a hard hitting power forward with the ability to score roughly 20-30 goals a season when playing at his absolute best.

Pro-rating his 607 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Crowder an average of roughly 30 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #15 Proved That Agitators Can Score Too

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#15 – John McKenzie – 169 Goals – 453 Games Played – 0.37 Goals Per Game

Skating alongside Phil Esposito and Johnny Bucyk with Bobby Orr on the back-end can do wonders for a players career, but McKenzie is deserving of every accolade he ever earned while with the Boston Bruins. It’s one thing to reap the rewards that come with playing alongside such gifted hockey players, but it’s another to make a name for yourself while skating along those very same players. John McKenzie was one of the biggest agitators in Bruins history, but he also had a knack for finding the back of the net which is why he ranks as the 15th best goal scorer in the history of the Bruins.

Pro-rating his 453 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give McKenzie an average of roughly 31 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #14 is Another Former First Round Pick of the Bruins

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#14 – Glen Murray – 209 Goals – 570 Games Played – 0.36 Goals Per Game

Glen Murray was a fan favorite for many years as a member of the Black and Gold, and for good reason. Murray never shied away from the dirty areas of the ice, and was never shy to throw a big hit, or take a big hit, so long as it resulted in something positive for his team. With 209 goals as a member of the Boston Bruins, Murray was a lock to make the list as one of the best Bruins goal scorers in franchise history.

Pro-rating his 570 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Murray an average of roughly 30 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

#13 – Bill Cowley – 190 Goals – 508 Games Played – 0.37 Goals Per Game

Bill Cowley was considered the Wayne Gretzky of his day, which is an honor that should never be taken lightly. Cowley was known more for his playmaking ability than anything, but his 190 goals and 0.37 goals per game average show that he was more than a one-trick pony. Cowley earned all star honors for the first time in 1938, led the league in playoff scoring in 1939 to help the Bruins win the Stanley Cup, and he was named the MVP of the league as a result of winning the scoring title in 1941 en route to another Stanley Cup victory with the Bruins.

Pro-rating his 508 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Cowley an average of roughly 31 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #12 Was An Amazing Playmaker Too

#12 – Adam Oates – 142 Goals – 368 Games Played – 0.39 Goals Per Game

Known more for his ability as a paper, Adam Oates was also one of the best goal scorers in the history of the Boston Bruins. Scoring 142 games in only 368 games is impressive, regardless of who scored it and which team they played for. While Oates did play most of his career outside of the city of Boston, he will always be considered one of the great players to suit up for the Boston Bruins.

Adam Oates has most recently been working on the other side of hockey operations as a coach. After spending some time in Tampa Bay as an assistant coach with the Lightning, Oates eventually became the head coach of the Washington Capitals. Following his tenure with the Washington Capitals, Oates joined the coaching staff of the New Jersey Devils, however he fell short of the head coaching position which was designated to John Hynes. Oates may not have enjoyed as much success as a coach as he did as a player at this point, but it’s admirable to see him trying to keep his passion for hockey alive.

Pro-rating his 368 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Oates an average of roughly 32 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #11 Was a Truly Gifted Hockey Player

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#11 – Peter McNab – 263 Goals – 595 Games Played – 0.44 Goals Per Game

Peter McNab was one of the more naturally gifted Bruins in history. His smooth hands and quick thinking allowed for him to score at least 20 goals in 10 different seasons, seven of which came as a member of the Bruins, as well as six seasons with at least 30 goals, and two with at least 40 goals. Reaching the 250 goal plateau is an impressive mark for any player, whether they played between the 1970s and 1980s like Peter McNab did, or whether they play in todays NHL.

While playing on the Buffalo Sabres before starting his tenure with the Boston Bruins, and while playing for the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils after his tenure in Boston, McNab was able to score an additional 100 goals. His career mark of 363 goals sits at 124th all time in NHL scoring, one ahead of former Boston Bruin and current San Jose Shark Joe Thornton.

Pro-rating his 595 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give McNab an average of roughly 36 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #10 Showed That Goals Can Be Scored No Matter How Long the Season Is

#10 – Herbert Cain – 140 Goals – 313 Games Played – 0.45 Goals Per Game

Although Cain played at a time when seasons were much shorter than they are in the current NHL, he produced statistics that would compete for the league lead now, even without prorating his numbers in some cases. Herbert Cain was the NHL scoring leader in the 1943-44 season when he scored 36 goals and 46 assists for 82 points in 48 games. Scoring 140 goals in only 313 games makes Cain as impressive a goal scorer as it gets, earning him a top 10 spot on this list.

Pro-rating his 313 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Cain an average of roughly 37 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #9 May Be Known More For Being Traded Than Anything

#9 – Barry Pederson – 166 Goals – 379 Games Played – 0.44 Goals Per Game

Barry Pederson might be known best as the main piece that was traded to the Vancouver Canucks that saw Cam Neely become a member of the Bruins; the team he is now the President of. Pederson was so much more than simply the player that was traded for Neely, however, as he was a natural goal scorer and playmaker who saw a ton of success as a member of the Boston Bruins. Pederson had two seasons with 100 points and was a very good goal scorer for years. As a member of the Boston Bruins, Pederson had four seasons with at least 20 goals, three with at least 30, and two with at least 40.

Barry Pederson was one of the best scorers of his time prior to being traded to the Vancouver Canucks, and regardless of how well the trade turned out for Boston in the end, nothing can be taken away from him. With his incredibly goal scoring ability, it’s no wonder why he’s ranked in the top 10 on this list of the greatest scorers to ever play for the Boston Bruins.

Pro-rating his 379 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Pederson an average of roughly 36 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #8 Simply Couldn't Win The Love of Bruins Fans At the Time

#8 – Ken Hodge – 289 Goals – 652 Games Played – 0.44 Goals Per Game

Ken Hodge was one of the all-time great Bruins who never won over the crowd. Coming at a time where Bruins fans expected a player of Hodge’s size — 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds — to physically intimidate opponents, Hodge was more of a skilled player as his statistics reflect. In eight of his nine seasons as a member of the Boston Bruins, Hodge scored at least 20 goals, as well as over 40 goals twice, even reaching the 50 goal mark in the 1973-73 season. Hodge was the right wing on a line with Phil Esposito for years, making his goal totals even more impressive given Esposito’s famed goal scoring career.

Pro-rating his 652 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Hodge an average of roughly 36 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #7 is Considered the Best Bruin of All Time

#7 – Bobby Orr – 264 Goals – 631 Games Played – 0.42 Goals Per Game

Bobby Orr is considered to be the greatest defenseman of all time, as well as one of the best players of all time. Although his career was cut short due to injury, Bobby Orr put up incredible statistics as a defenseman including his goals, assists, points, plus/minus, and even his award wins with a record eight Norris Trophies, two Art Ross trophies, and three Hart trophies. Orr scored an impressive 0.42 goals per game average as a defenseman, and given more time in his career, he could have very possibly ranked higher on this list as one of the best goal scorers in franchise history. He certainly holds the honor for the most famous goal in Bruins history regardless.

Pro-rating his 631 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Orr an average of roughly 34 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #6

#6 – Marty Barry – 130 Goals – 280 Games Played- 0.46 Goals Per Game

Marty Barry scored at least 20 goals in five of his six seasons as a member of the Boston Bruins, and that came at a time when the regular season consisted of only 48 games. Barry was one of the Bruins’ top offensive players for most of his time on the team, leading the team in scoring in three consecutive seasons before eventually moving on to become a Detroit Red Wing.

Pro-rating his 595 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Barry an average of roughly 38 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #5 Was The Longest Tenured Bruin In History

#5 – Ray Bourque – 395 Goals – 1518 Games Played – 0.26 Goals Per Game

Ray Bourque is the only player to score under 0.30 goals per game on this list, but he’s also a player that couldn’t be left outside of the top five due to his 395 goals as a member of the Boston Bruins. As a defenseman, Ray Bourque leads the NHL in goals by a defenseman, points by a defenseman – two categories that he also leads the Bruins franchise in. Ray Bourque played for over 20 seasons with the Boston Bruins, and although he finished his career elsewhere, he’ll forever be a Boston Bruin in the eyes of hockey fans everywhere.

Pro-rating his 1518 games played into 82 game seasons would give Bourque an average of roughly 21 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #4 Was Good Enough To Be #1 On Almost Any Other Team

Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

#4 – Rick Middleton – 402 Goals – 881 Games Played – 0.46 Goals Per Game

Rick Middleton would probably be in the competition for the #1 spot for a lot of other NHL franchises for top goal scorer in history, but unfortunately he fell just short of the mark for the Bruins. His 402 goals in 881 games ranks him third all-time in goals scored among Bruins players. Middleton is also one of only three Bruins to have scored 400 or more goals in a career, thanks largely in part to his consecutive 40 goal seasons from 1979 until 1984. As consistent a scorer as it gets, Rick Middleton will rank among the top five Bruins goal scorers in history for a very long time.

Pro-rating his 881 games played as a member of the Boston Bruins into 82 game seasons would give Middleton an average of roughly 37 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #3 Might Be Known More For His Nickname

#3 – Johnny “Chief” Bucyk – 545 Goals – 1436 Games Played – 0.38 Goals Per Game

The “Chief” is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the NHL. His 545 goals are #1 in franchise history, and his 556 career coals rank him 26th on the NHL all-time goals scorers list. Johnny Bucyk was an integral part of the Bruins for many seasons and was a critical factor in the Bruins two Stanley cup winning teams in the 1970 and 1972 seasons. Only time will tell if a player will ever pass Bucyk’s 545 goals as a member of the Bruins, but he’s looking pretty secure right now as the most goals by an active player on the Bruins is currently Patrice Bergeron who has 214 career goals.

Pro-rating his 1436 games played into 82 game seasons would give Bucyk an average of roughly 31 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #2 Wears A Suit To Games Now

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

#2 – Cam Neely – 344 Goals – 525 Games Played – 0.66 Goals Per Game

Cam Neely was unfortunately struck by injuries throughout his career which ended up taking a lot of time away from his hockey career. Despite the setbacks, Neely was an elite goal scorer in his prime and defined what it meant to be a power forward in the NHL. His 344 goals in 525 games — which amounts to a 0.66 goals per game average — is an accolade that only one other player in franchise history can boast, and even beat. Neely showed his ability best during the 1993-94 season when he scored 50 goals in only 49 games. The NHL is currently missing goal scorers who can bury the puck as well as Neely could in his prime, although he’s still a member of the league as the President of the Boston Bruins these days.

Pro-rating his 525 games played into 82 game seasons would give Neely an average of roughly 54 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

Next: #1 Is Far And Away The Best Goal Scorer In Bruins History

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

#1 – Phil Esposito – 459 Goals Goals – 625 Games Played- 0.73 Goals Per Game

Phil Esposito. The most prolific goal scorer in the history of the Boston Bruins, and the entire National Hockey League. His 459 goals in 625 games as a member of the Boston Bruins amounts to a ridiculous 0.73 goals per game average, ranking him #1 in average goals per game. With four 60 goal seasons under his belt and even a season in which he notched 76 goals, Esposito was arguably the biggest factor for the Bruins success in the 1970s outside of only Bobby Orr.

Esposito was eventually traded to the New York Rangers, but his goal scoring success didn’t end after his tenure with the Boston Bruins did as he was able to score a total of 717 goals in 1282 games — good for 0.56 goals per game — which ranks him #6 on the all time goals scorer list in NHL history.

Pro-rating his 625 games played into 82 game seasons would give Esposito an average of roughly 60 goals per season as a member of the Boston Bruins.

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