 Before the 1971 – 72 season , Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau announced their retirements . Beliveau finished his 18 @-@ year career with 10 Stanley Cups , 2 Hart Trophies and 1 @,@ 219 career points ; his points total was the second @-@ highest in NHL history . After playing 25 seasons in the NHL , Howe retired as the league 's all @-@ time leader in games played , goals , assists and points . Howe was a six @-@ time league scoring champion , and also won six Hart Trophies . Both players had the customary three @-@ year waiting period waived for entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame in acknowledgement of their achievements . 
