NEW YORK – APRIL 04: Sticks and the puck photogarphed during a faceoff between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers on April 4, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The 1980 Miracle on Ice team did not make this list, but five amazing players did. How many did we get right? Who did we miss? Do you agree with the order? Should someone be moved up or down? Leave your comments below.
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 was he 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)
He is 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 and if he leads the Leafs to a Stanley Cup, he will be a legend.
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 and a huge part of the Dallas Stars 1999 Stanley Cup team.
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.
