MONTREAL, CANADA – NOVEMBER 05: A closeup view of the NHL crest is seen on a referee jersey during the second period between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Sadly, the entire 1980 Miracle on Ice team did not make this list, but many amazing players did. How many did we get right? Who did we miss? Leave your comments below.
10. Brett Hull (1986-2005)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1988: Brett Hull #16 of the St. Louis Blues warms up prior to the start of an NHL Hockey game against the New Jersey Devils circa 1988 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Hulls playing career went from 1986-2005. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
The Greatest St. Louis Blues player of all time.
9. Neal Broten (1981-1997)
American ice hockey player Neal Broten of the New Jersey Devils lifts the Stanley Cup at a rally, 1995. (Photo by John Giamundo/Getty Images)
Won a Gold medal and a Stanley Cup Championship in New Jersey.
8. Keith Tkachuk (1992-2010)
LANDOVER, MD – APRIL 12: Keith Tkachuk #7 of the Winnipeg Jets skates during warm-ups of a hockey game against the Washington Capitals on April 12, 1994 at the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Only American player to lead the NHL in goals during a season.
7. Jeremy Roenick (1989-2009)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 13: Jeremy Roenick #27 of the Chicago Black Hawks skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during NHL game action on February 13, 1995 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images)
An icon to the younger generation for how well he skated.
6. Chris Chelios (1984-2010)
DETROIT – MAY 20: Chris Chelios #24 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Anaheim Ducks in game five of the 2007 Western Conference finals during the NHL Playoffs on May 20, 2007 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Ducks won 2-1 in overtime to take a 3-2 series lead. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion.
5. Brian Leetch (1988-2006)
Brian Leetch #2, Captain and Defenseman for the New York Rangers in motion on the ice during the NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division game against the New Jersey Devils on 16th December 1997 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. The New Jersey Devils won the game 4 – 3. (Photo by Al Bello/Allsport/Getty Images)
Not only the greatest American defenseman but one of the greatest in hockey history.
4. Pat LaFontaine (1983-1998)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1990: Pat LaFontaine #16 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils during an NHL Hockey game circa 1990 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. LaFontaine’s playing career went from 1983-98. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
3. Auston Matthews (2017-Present)
TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 20: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
On his way to becoming the greatest American offensive player.
2. Mike Modano (1990-2011)
DALLAS – JANUARY 22: Mike Modano #9 of the 1999 Dallas Stars Stanley Cup team walks with the Stanley Cup during the 1999 Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Reunion at the American Airlines Center on January 22, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Highest scoring American-born player.
1. Patrick Kane (2008-Present)
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 15: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates by hoisting the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2-0 in Game Six to win the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion and still playing at an incredibly high level this late in his career.
