Best Hockey Players Not In Nhl
Hockey is an intense and physical sport that has captivated audiences for decades. There are many talented players who have played at the highest levels, but there are also those who have flown under the radar. These players have honed their skills in leagues outside of the NHL and have become some of the best players in the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best hockey players not in the NHL.
1. Kirill Kaprizov
Kirill Kaprizov, a Russian forward, is widely considered to be one of the best players outside of the NHL. He currently plays for CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he has been dominating for several years. Kaprizov was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2015, but has yet to make the jump to the NHL. He has incredible speed and offensive instincts, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.
2. Ilya Sorokin
Ilya Sorokin, another Russian player, is a goaltender who has been turning heads in the KHL. He has been putting up incredible numbers for CSKA Moscow for several years now and is considered to be one of the best goalies in the world outside of the NHL. Sorokin was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2014, but has yet to make his NHL debut. He has incredible reflexes and a calm demeanor in the net, making him a tough goalie to beat.
3. Jan Kovar
Jan Kovar, a forward from the Czech Republic, has been dominating the KHL for several years now. He currently plays for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, where he has put up impressive numbers. Kovar is a skilled playmaker who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He has a great shot and excellent vision on the ice. Kovar signed with the New York Islanders in 2018, but played in just eight games before leaving the team.
4. Jesse Puljujarvi
Jesse Puljujarvi, a Finnish forward, was drafted fourth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2016. He played in the NHL for two seasons, but struggled to find his footing at the pro level. Puljujarvi returned to Finland to play for Karpat in the Finnish Liiga, where he has been one of the best players in the league. He has improved his skating and his offensive game, making him a potential star in the NHL if he decides to return.
5. Denis Zaripov
Denis Zaripov, a Russian forward, has been a force in the KHL for several years now. He has played for Ak Bars Kazan for most of his career, putting up impressive numbers along the way. Zaripov is a skilled playmaker who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He has great vision on the ice and is a natural leader on and off the ice. While he is getting up there in age, Zaripov is still one of the best hockey players outside of the NHL.
6. Patrik Rybar
Patrik Rybar, a goaltender from Slovakia, has been dominating the Czech Extraliga for several years now. He currently plays for HC Sparta Praha, where he has been one of the best goalies in the league. Rybar signed with the Detroit Red Wings in 2018, but has yet to make his NHL debut. He has incredible reflexes and is a great puck handler, making him a valuable asset for any team.
7. Mikko Lehtonen
Mikko Lehtonen, a Finnish defenseman, has been one of the best players in the KHL for several years now. He currently plays for Jokerit Helsinki, where he has put up impressive numbers. Lehtonen is a skilled defenseman who can move the puck up the ice and create scoring chances for his teammates. He has a great shot and is a physical presence on the ice. Lehtonen signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020 and is expected to make his NHL debut soon.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best hockey players not in the NHL. There are many other talented players who have honed their skills in leagues around the world. While the NHL is the top league in the world, there is still plenty of talent outside of North America. These players may eventually make the jump to the NHL, but for now, they are content dominating in their respective leagues.
