The NHL draws many highly skilled players from all over the world and currently has players from about 20 different countries. Although Canadians have historically constituted the majority of the players in the NHL, over the past four plus decades the percentages of American and European trained players have increased both because of the NHL’s continued expansion from six to thirty clubs since 1967, and the increased availability of highly skilled European players, especially from former Eastern Bloc countries.
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#10. Ryan Getzlaf
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Anaheim Ducks
Ryan Getzlaf
Alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks, Getzlaf was selected in the 2003 NHL draft. Skating since age 4, he is also a volleyball, baseball and football player. He made his international Debut in 2002 and was a member of the 2003 World Championships. Getzlaf was part of the Olympic Canadian Team in 2010, that won a gold medal.
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#9. Patrick Sharp
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Patrick Sharp
Patrick Sharp began his NHL hockey career with the Flyers recording only 7 points in 41 games. Midway through the 2005-06 season, Sharp was traded by the Flyers to the Chicago Blackhawks. At the start of the 2008-09 season, Sharp was named an alternate captain for the Blackhawks. Despite being limited by injuries, Sharp helped the Blackhawks form a highly offensive young team that led to 2009-2010 Stanley Cup. Today he is in the top 5 for points and a very underrated player.
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#8. Corey Perry
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Anaheim Ducks
Corey Perry
This Canadian hockey player was a member of the Ontario Hockey League before he was selected to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was part of the team that won the Gold medal for Canada in the Vancouver Olympics. His 2009-2010 season has been an exceptionally good one.
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#7. Zach Parise
Country: USA
NHL Team: New Jersey Devils
Zach Parise
Captain and left winger of the New Jersey Devils, American Parise was selected by the Devils in the 2003 NHL Draft. He won the Hobey Baker Award, playing for the University of North Dakota. He is among the top goal scorers. Representing his country in international competitions, he was the Most valuable player and best forward. He has also played on the Tournament All Star Team helping his team to win several medals. Parise, also an Olympian, comes from a family of hockey players.
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#6. Phil Kessel
Country: USA
NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Phil Kessel
This top prospect was drafted 5th overall by the Boston Bruins at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is the first NHL rookie to be honored with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. On September 18, 2009, the Boston Bruins traded him to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he quickly signed a five-year, $27 million contract. Phil Kessel is well known in Toronto Maple Leafs for his goal scoring skills. His fast release is considered by many as the best in NHL.
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#5. Pavel Datsyuk
Country : Russia
NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings
Pavel Datsyuk
Known for his excellent control over the stick and being one of the best two way forwards, Datsyuk is the alternate captain of the Detroit Red wings. Winner of Frank J. Selke Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy, Stanley Cup and has been nominated several times as the league’s most valuable player.
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#4. Evgeni Malkin
Country: Russia
NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Evgeni Malkin
Chosen by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 draft, Malkin is the Centre and Captain of the team. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and many others, he has represented Russia in 2 IIHF World Under 18 and under 20 Championships. Malkin is also responsible for winning several medals for his team.
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#3. Steven Stamkos
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Steven Stamkos
Stamkos had a breakout season in 2009–10, being near the NHL lead in goal scoring for most of the season. Stamkos ended the season with 51 goals, tied for most in the NHL with Sidney Crosby. Stamkos is the third youngest player to achieve this accomplishment. He is currently leading NHL in points and goals scored.
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#2. Sidney Crosby
Country : Canada
NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby
This Canadian Centre and Captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is nicknamed ‘The Next One’. Sidney Crosby started his NHL Career in 2005. In his second season when he won the Art Ross Trophy, he was the youngest to win a scoring title in any North American League. In 2009 he became the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup. He has won awards like the Rocket Richard Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership award. Crosby has represented Canada in World Junior Championships, IIHF World Championship and Winter Olympics.
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#1. Alexander Ovechkin
Country: Russia
NHL Team: Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin
Captain and Left winger of Washington Capitals, Ovechkin was selected in the 2004 entry draft of the National Hockey League. He joined the Dynamo Mosco from 2004 -2006. He transferred to NHL in 2006, winning Rookie of the Year, scoring 52 goals, leading with 106 points. Winning a list of trophies each season, Ovechkin deserves the Number # 1 spot.
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