Which NHL defenseman has the most career goals?

Ray Bourque has the most career goals by an NHL defenseman, with 410.

Bourque played 22 NHL seasons, primarily with the Boston Bruins, before finishing his career with the Colorado Avalanche. He was renowned for combining elite offensive production with outstanding defensive play, a rare balance that made him one of hockey’s defining defensemen.

Bourque’s 410 goals rank first among defensemen, while his 1,579 points also stand as the position’s career record. Paul Coffey finished second in defenseman goals with 396, and Chris Chelios and Bobby Orr are among the other legendary defensemen often mentioned in comparisons.

The record is sometimes overlooked because Bourque was celebrated as an all-around player rather than simply a scorer. He won five Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman and played in 19 All-Star Games. After being traded to Colorado in 2000, he finally won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001, his final season.