Ranking the 10 Best American Players in the NHL Today

There was a time in NHL history when no American players populated rosters. The game belonged to Canadians, with very few exceptions, and European hockey players were in their own leagues.

The explosion of U.S.-born players in the game of hockey is old news, but the quality of performers is incredible. In just a few decades, American hockey players have taken the league by storm and now boast many of the very best names in the game.

Here are the 10 best American players in the NHL today.

10. Tyler Johnson, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Where Is He From? Tyler Johnson of the Tampa Bay Lightning is from Spokane, Washington.

Why Is He Special? Johnson is a very effective offensive player. He possesses a terrific skill set and is an adept playmaker.

What Is He Famous For? Johnson was never drafted, despite scoring well in junior hockey. He played fewer than 150 AHL games before graduating to the NHL, meaning scouts missed him completely. He serves as a cautionary tale for NHL teams undervaluing smaller players.

9. David Backes, C, St. Louis Blues

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Where Is He From? David Backes of the St. Louis Blues is from Minneapolis. The Blues took him in the second round of the 2003 draft.

Why Is He Special? Backes is a skilled center who brings a physical element to every game. He can play any style the opposition pleases, beating them with a goal, pass or hit.

What Is He Famous For? He has performed many times in international play, including two Olympics. Backes has a Silver Medal as part of Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

8. Dustin Byfuglien, D-RW, Winnipeg Jets

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Where Is He From? Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets is from Roseau, Minnesota. He was drafted No. 245 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 draft.

Why Is He Special? Byfuglien is a unique player because of his size and strength. He looks like a linebacker on skates and is a very intimidating presence on the ice.

What Is He Famous For? Byfuglien has plenty of skill and defensive ability, but his spectacular hits may be what he is best known for among NHL fans. Everyone in the building knows where he is on the ice, including fans and opponents.

7. Joe Pavelski, C, San Jose Sharks

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Where Is He From? Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks was born in Plover, Wisconsin. He was drafted by the Sharks in the seventh round in 2003's entry draft.

Why Is He Special? Pavelski is an outstanding offensive player and productive at even strength and on the power play.

What Is He Famous For? Pavelski excels in all areas. He can play center or wing and is an effective scorer and playmaker. The Sharks scouting department scored a major hit with Pavelski at No. 205 overall—he's one of the best late picks since 2000.

6. Max Pacioretty, LW, Montreal Canadiens

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Where Is He From? Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens is from New Canaan, Connecticut. He was a first-round selection—No. 22 overall—in the 2007 draft. 

Why Is He Special? Pacioretty is a shooter and a sniper. He ranks No. 4 in goals and No. 2 in shots this season.

What Is He Famous For? On March 8, 2011, Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara angled Pacioretty into a stanchion and the Canadiens forward was badly injured. Despite many terrific skills of display by Pacioretty, he's best known for a devastating hit by the big Bruins defender.

5. Zach Parise, LW, Minnesota Wild

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Where Is He From? Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild was born in Minneapolis. He was a first-round selection of the New Jersey Devils in the 2003 draft.

Why Is He Special? Parise is a quality offensive player. He is on the verge of another 30-goal season, and it will be the sixth of his 10-year career.

What Is He Famous For? Parise is famous for two reasons: He is the son of J.P. Parise, a former NHL player and former hockey director at Shattuck-Saint Mary's. Zach Parise is also famous for strong performances for Team USA internationally, including the 2004 World Junior Championships and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

4. Phil Kessel, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Where Is He From? Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs is from Madison, Wisconsin. He was selected No. 5 overall in the 2006 draft. 

Why Is He Special? Kessel is an exceptional goal-scoring winger. He is one of the most consistent snipers in the game, having exceeded 20 goals in each of the last seven seasons—including the shortened 2012-13 campaign.

What Is He Famous For? His signature move comes when Kessel drives the right wing toward the opposition goaltender and snaps a quick shot at the net. It's a patented, effective scoring chance every time.

3. Ryan Suter, D, Minnesota Wild

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Where Is He From? Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild was born in Madison, Wisconsin. He was drafted No. 7 overall by the Nashville Predators in 2003.

Why Is He Special? Suter boasts a complete skill set, meaning he can be trusted in all phases of the game. A reflection of his value comes from his time-on-ice, which ranks him No. 2 overall in the NHL.

What Is He Famous For? The Suter name is one of the most famous in U.S. hockey history. His father Bob Suter was a member of the famous 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympic team, and uncle Gary Suter had a long and productive NHL career. Ryan Suter has enjoyed success at the Olympics—he won a Silver Medal with Team U.S.A. in 2010—and is one of the best defensemen in the game. 

2. Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings

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Where Is He From? Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings was born in Milford, Connecticut. He was the Kings' third-round pick in 2005.

Why Is He Special? He can handle a heavy workload successfully. Quick has played over 60 games in a season four times, including this year.

What Is He Famous For? Quick is money in the playoffs, winning all 16 games for Los Angeles in its 2012 and 2014 championship runs. Los Angeles has employed many famous goaltenders, going all the way back to Rogie Vachon, but none have had the success of Quick.

1. Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

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Where Is He From? Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks was born in Buffalo, New York. He entered the NHL in the months after being chosen No. 1 overall in the 2007 entry draft.

Why Is He Special? Kane is a nightmare for the opposition's defensemen. He's fast, has soft hands, can beat a defender with speed, a deke or a deft pass and has an exceptionally quick release.

What Is He Famous For? Kane's goal to win the Stanley Cup in 2010 was so incredible it caught most onlookers by surprise and caused a memorable moment for fans. His terrific skills were on display but most missed it, because it happened in the wink of an eye. That moment describes Patrick Kane's skills perfectly.