July 4: Power Ranking the Top 5 all-time American-born players in the NHL
Happy July 4th! Let’s take a look at the Top 5 American-born players to have graced the NHL with their presence.
It is America’s day so it seems fitting that we pay tribute to some of the best American-born players to have played in the National Hockey League, and there are plenty of elite players to choose from.
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Now, there are a couple of things to remember; firstly, this is meant as a bit of fun to celebrate July 4th and this isn’t the definitive list of the best American players of all time. Secondly, we’ve decided not to include Canadian-born Americans in this list, hence why you won’t see Brett Hull‘s name.
With that out of the way, let’s carry on with the spirit of the day and take a look at how we’ve ranked the cream of the crop when it comes to the best American-born players in the NHL…
Power Ranking the Top 5 all-time American-born players in the NHL
5. Pat LaFontaine, C (1984-1998)
Arguably one of the most underrated players of all-time in the long and rich history of the National Hockey League, Pat LaFontaine will go down as one of the greatest players never to win a Stanley Cup having burst onto the scene after the New York Islanders’ championship dynasty.
However, no ring shouldn’t take away from what was a Hall of Fame career for LaFontaine, who recorded 468 goals and 545 assists for 1,013 points in 865 career NHL games, in addition to 63 points (26 G, 37 A) in 69 career Playoff games.
LaFontaine has the most points per game among USA-born players, he was a five-time All-Star and you have to wonder how much greater his legacy would be were it not for the string of concussions he suffered throughout his career.
But, make no doubt about it, Pat LaFontaine absolutely belongs on this list.