His rookie year of 1957-58 saw him score 47 points in 70 games, an outstanding feat for the eighteen year old. Hull continued to work hard and was soon one of the most explosive scorers in the NHL. Goalies of the day feared Hull's booming slapshot, and defensemen were often caught flat footed by his blazing speed. Hull picking up the puck in his zone, skating down the ice, and scoring on the end-to-end rush was a common sight. His good looks and blond hair landed him the nickname "The Golden Jet", and combined with his skill, Bobby Hull was a fan magnet around the NHL.

Hull won his first Art Ross trophy as points league leader in the 1959-60 season. He set a new NHL record in 1968-69 by scoring 58 goals and a personal best with 107 points. He would lead the Chicago Blackhawks to one Stanley Cup victory and added two Hart Trophies as league MVP and a Lady Byng for sportsmanlike conduct. He was also a 12 time All-Star.

Bobby Hull shocked the hockey world in 1972 when he quit the NHL for the upstart World Hockey Association (WHA). Long at odds with the Chicago Blackhawks ownership when it came to pay, and unhappy with the quality of hockey in the NHL, Hull signed a 10 year $2.75 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets. Included was a $1 million signing bonus that was shared between all the WHA team owners, in an effort to persuade the marquee Hull and get the WHA off the ground. Hull continued to rack up the points in the WHA, finishing with 303 goals, 335 assists for 638 points in 411 games. When the Winnipeg Jets joined the NHL in 1979-80, Hull played one season in the NHL, ending his career alongside Gordie Howe as a Hartford Whaler.