Many greats leaving the league...

In the last week, two of the top four scorers of all time have decided to retire from the NHL, in Mark Messier (#2 overall) and Ron Francis (#4 overall). Franics is #2 on the assist list, behind Gretzky, with Messier 3rd on that list.

All time scoring, total points (#6 & #7 active for 2005-2006 season):

CODE

1. Wayne Gretzky 2957
2. Mark Messier 1887
3. Gordie Howe 1850
4. Ron Francis 1798
5. Marcel Dionne 1771
6. Steve Yzerman 1721
7. Mario Lemieux 1701

(next closest active player is Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche) at 16th overall with 1402 points)

Yzerman (Detroit Redwings) has a chance to pass Francis this year, as does Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins). Lemieux with an average season could get to Howe at #3, with a 149 point season (accomplished 4 times in his career with a high of 199 in 1988-1989 season, and most recently 161 in 1995-1996). Lemieux has said he will play 2-3 more years including this one; Yzerman has made no such commitment, signing only a one-year contract with the Wings. Both could set themselves up to finish #2 and #4 or #3 and #4 alltime.