American hockey has produced legends at every position. From goal scorers to defensemen and goalies, these players changed the game and raised the profile of US hockey. This ranking looks at the greatest American-born players based on awards, career impact, and lasting influence. (Via BetMGM)
10. Keith Tkachuk – Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues left wing Keith Tkachuk (7) skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Tkachuk has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Keith Tkachuk brought size and scoring together like few American players before him. A 52-goal season in 1996-97 made him the first American-born player to lead the NHL in goals. More than 500 career goals followed. Physical play defined his style in front of the net. Several All-Star selections showed his value to the league. Induction into the US Hockey Hall of Fame confirmed his impact.
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9. Jonathan Quick – New York Rangers
New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jonathan Quick stands as the greatest American goaltender in NHL history. Three Stanley Cups highlight his career, with two coming for the Kings. A Conn Smythe Trophy arrived in 2012 after a dominant playoff run. He later became the winningest American-born goalie ever. Quick was also the first American netminder to reach 400 career wins. Speed and reflexes made him elite for many seasons.
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8. Phil Housley – Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues
Nashville Predators assistant coach Phil Housley behind the bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1. Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Housley ranks among the most productive American defensemen ever. Over 1,200 career points showed his rare offensive ability from the blue line. Seven NHL All-Star appearances marked his best years. Skating and puck movement defined his game. Housley helped set the path for future American defensemen. Longevity added to his strong legacy.
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7. Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his game winning shootout goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews represents the new generation of American stars. Four goals in his first NHL game set a league record. The Hart Trophy followed in 2022 as league MVP. Multiple Rocket Richard Trophies came after leading the league in goals. Shot power and control make him one of today’s most dangerous scorers. His career continues, yet his place among the greats is already clear.
6. Jeremy Roenick – Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes
Jeremy Roenick, NHL hall of famer, announces the third overall pick for the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jeremy Roenick built his career on emotion and scoring. Over 500 goals and more than 1,200 points define his production. Nine NHL All-Star selections showed consistent respect from the league. Roenick also played a role in growing hockey’s popularity in the United States. Leadership and intensity shaped his identity. Fans remember him as one of the most passionate American players.
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5. Pat LaFontaine – New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres center Pat LaFontaine (16) on the ice at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
Pat LaFontaine was one of the most efficient scorers in NHL history. He recorded 1,013 points in only 865 games. Injuries shortened his career, but his output stayed elite. A famous overtime goal gave Team USA the 1996 World Cup of Hockey title. Smart positioning and quick finishing defined his game. Few American centers matched his scoring rate.
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4. Brian Leetch – New York Rangers
Rangers Brian Leetch gets the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP following game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News
Brian Leetch changed how defensemen played offense. Two Norris Trophies highlighted his career as the league’s best defenseman. A Conn Smythe Trophy came in 1994 after leading the Rangers to the Stanley Cup. He became the first American-born player to win playoff MVP honors. A 102-point season showed rare production from the blue line. Hall of Fame induction followed in 2009.
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3. Mike Modano – Dallas Stars
Former Dallas Stars center Mike Modano (left) talks with left wing Jamie Benn (right) before the game between the Stars and the Minnesota Wild at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Modano remains the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history. A Stanley Cup win in 1999 helped the Dallas Stars reach their peak. Over 1,300 career points showed his speed and offensive skill. Silver at the 2002 Olympics added international success. Modano also helped expand hockey’s reach in the southern United States. Hall of Fame honors later confirmed his importance.
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2. Chris Chelios – Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings
Chris Chelios, former player for the Chicago Blackhawks, participates in the ceremonial puck drop before the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field. Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Chris Chelios enjoyed one of the longest careers in league history. Twenty-six NHL seasons gave him the record for most games played by a defenseman. Three Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies proved his dominance. Olympic silver came with Team USA in 2002. Toughness and durability defined his style. Few defensemen stayed elite for as long as he did.
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1. Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) gets set during a face off in the second period against the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Patrick Kane stands as the greatest American forward in NHL history. Three Stanley Cups came with Chicago in 2010, 2013, and 2015. A Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013 made him the first American playoff MVP. The Hart Trophy followed in 2016 as league MVP. That same year, he won the Art Ross Trophy by leading the NHL in scoring. Kane became known for elite puck skills, creativity, and clutch goals in big moments.
Conclusion
These players shaped the history of American hockey. Their success came through championships, personal awards, and unforgettable performances. Each one helped prove that American-born players could dominate the NHL. Together, they built a legacy that continues to influence today’s stars. Their careers still define what greatness means for US hockey.
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