Best American Hockey Players All Time
Hockey is one of the most loved sports in the United States, and Americans have produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game. The NHL has seen some amazing players in its time, but this article will focus on the best American hockey players of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Okay, so Wayne Gretzky isn't American, he's Canadian. But we would be remiss not to mention him on any list of the greatest hockey players of all time, American or otherwise. Nicknamed "The Great One," Gretzky dominated the NHL throughout the 1980s and is widely regarded as the best hockey player of all time.
2. Mike Modano
Mike Modano is the highest-scoring American player in NHL history, with 561 goals and 1,374 points over his 21-year career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.
3. Brian Leetch
Brian Leetch was a defenseman for the New York Rangers and is considered one of the best American players of all time. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1989 and won two Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman. Leetch was also a key player on the US Olympic team that won the gold medal in 1988.
4. Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios played for 26 seasons in the NHL, making him the oldest defenseman in NHL history. He won three Stanley Cups, two Norris Trophies and was a 11-time All-Star. Chelios was also a key player on the US Olympic team, winning silver in 2002 and 2010.
5. Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane is one of the most talented American forwards to ever play in the NHL. He has won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks and has won multiple awards, including the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013. Kane is still playing and will no doubt climb higher on this list with more years of success.
6. Joe Mullen
Joe Mullen is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the top American goal scorers of all time. He scored over 500 goals during his career and won three Lady Byng Trophies for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly play. Mullen was also a key player on the US Olympic team, winning silver in 2002 and 2010.
7. Phil Housley
Phil Housley was a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres and is one of the top-scoring American defenseman in NHL history. He played for 21 seasons and had over 1,200 career points. Housley was also a key player on the US Olympic team, winning silver in 2002 and 2010.
8. Keith Tkachuk
Keith Tkachuk played for four different teams during his 19-year NHL career and scored over 1,000 points. He was one of the best power forwards in the game and was known for his strength and hard-hitting style. Tkachuk was also a key player on the US Olympic team, winning silver in 2002 and 2010.
9. Jeremy Roenick
Jeremy Roenick played for several NHL teams over his 20-year career and scored over 1,200 points. He was known for his skill and his tough, physical play. Roenick was also a key player on the US Olympic team, winning silver in 2002.
10. USA Miracle on Ice Team
And last but certainly not least is the USA Miracle on Ice team from the 1980 Olympics. This team, made up of mostly amateur and collegiate players, beat the heavily-favored Soviet team in one of the greatest upsets in sports history. They then went on to beat Finland to win the gold medal. This team will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in American sports history.
In conclusion, the United States has produced some amazing hockey players over the years, and this list just scratches the surface. With new talent emerging every year, we can't wait to see who will be added to this list in the years to come.
