Mark Messier

Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier joined ESPN in 2021 as lead studio analyst for ESPN’s NHL coverage.

One of the greatest players in the history of the NHL, Messier is known for his prodigious accomplishments, unparalleled leadership skills, and unwavering dedication and loyalty to his team. Messier’s achievements over the entirety of his 26-year NHL career are astounding: six Stanley Cup championships, 1887 points scored, placing him third on the all-time NHL list (behind only Wayne Gretzky and Jaromir Jagr), two Hart Memorial trophies as the league’s Most Valuable Player and his standing as the only professional athlete ever to captain two different franchises – the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers – to championships.

Messier’s post-career honors are numerous and ongoing. In 2007, Mark was a first-ballot selection to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and in 2009, he received the Lester Patrick Award for his outstanding contributions to hockey in the U.S. In February of 2017, as the NHL launched its 100th anniversary celebration, Mark was named to the list of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players of All-Time. In June of 2017, Mark was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, a highly prestigious award which recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation of Canada. In 2007, the NHL instituted the annual Mark Messier Leadership Award, given annually to the player who combines excellent on-ice performance with extraordinary dedication to community and charity involvement.

It is in service of those ideals of social responsibility that Mark created the Mark Messier Foundation. The Mark Messier Foundation was established with a mission to help young children become better citizens by providing opportunities to participate in sporting activities and live a healthier lifestyle. He is also a member of the board of the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, and is an active supporter of the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, an organization with which he opened the Mark Messier Skyway for Tomorrow’s Children at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. Mark has taken on executive roles with the New York Rangers and Hockey Canada and was a founder of the Messier Project that developed the M-11 hockey helmet to maximize protection, particularly in regard to concussions.

In October 2021, Messier released his book, No One Wins Alone, sharing his inspiring story and the lessons about leadership and teamwork that defined his career.

Mark lives in Connecticut with his family.