NHL · 2 years ago

Top 5 American-Born Players in NHL History: Does Matthews Rank?

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

1. Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios is the definition of a freak athlete, and he's my top American-born player. Chelios's longevity is second to none, and that doesn't even factor in how impactful of a defenseman he was during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings. Chelios won the Norris Trophy three times during his career, along with three Stanley Cups, one with Montreal in 1986 and a pair with the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008.

Career Stats: 1,651 games, 185 goals, 763 assists, 948 points
5. Mike Modano
You can't go wrong with ranking any of these five players at any position on this list. Mike Modano was a sensational hockey player whose career numbers speak for themselves. Modano sits second all-time in total points by an American-born player and fell just one game shy of playing 1,500 in his career. Modano was selected first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. It would be disingenuous not to include Modano on this list, and I won't blame you if you have him higher.

Career Stats: 1,499 games, 561 goals, 813 assists, 1,374 points
4. Auston Matthews
Would it surprise anyone if, by the time his career is over, Auston Matthews is considered the greatest American-born hockey player of all time? Considering his current goal-scoring pace, it's not out of the question. Matthews boasts one of the greatest releases I've ever seen, and his shot isn't slowing down anytime soon. Matthews is on a 70-goal pace this season and continues to baffle goalies around the NHL with his shot. Although his playmaking might be on the level of others on this list, his shot and size will continue to elevate him on this list.

Career Stats: 539 games, 352 goals, 268 assists, 620 points
3. Brett Hull
In 2021, Alex Ovechkin passed Brett Hull for fourth on the NHL's All-Time Goals list. Ovechkin and Hull go hand-in-hand when discussing the game's greatest goal-scorers. Hull still holds the record for most points by an American. Many grew up mesmerized by his speed and high-end shot. Watching him fly down the wing and wire one by a goalie remains a significant memory for many people. Hull belongs on this list, and where you rank him depends on how you view some of the top American players still playing today.

Career Stats: 1,269 games, 741 goals, 650 assists, 1,391 points
2. Patrick Kane
If you're a fan of the modern NHL, Patrick Kane, also known as "Showtime," is one of the most dynamic skaters and playmakers the game has ever seen. Kane's best years came during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Kane's postseason numbers also speak for themselves, where he's registered 138 points in 143 games. Kane is synonymous with the USA Hockey brand, and although he's still playing with the Detroit Red Wings in 2024, he's already established himself as one of the greatest American-born NHLers of all time.

Career Stats: 1,209 games, 464 goals, 804 assists, 1,268 points
1. Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios is the definition of a freak athlete, and he's my top American-born player. Chelios's longevity is second to none, and that doesn't even factor in how impactful of a defenseman he was during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings. Chelios won the Norris Trophy three times during his career, along with three Stanley Cups, one with Montreal in 1986 and a pair with the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008.

Career Stats: 1,651 games, 185 goals, 763 assists, 948 points
5. Mike Modano
You can't go wrong with ranking any of these five players at any position on this list. Mike Modano was a sensational hockey player whose career numbers speak for themselves. Modano sits second all-time in total points by an American-born player and fell just one game shy of playing 1,500 in his career. Modano was selected first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. It would be disingenuous not to include Modano on this list, and I won't blame you if you have him higher.

Career Stats: 1,499 games, 561 goals, 813 assists, 1,374 points

Top 5 American-Born Players in NHL History: Does Matthews Rank?

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