NHL: The Top American Born Players at Each Position for 2010-11

The 2010-11 NHL season is in the books.  With it being July 4th, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look around the league and list the American-born players who stood out in the NHL this season.

Two hundred sixteen American skaters took to the ice this past season, making up almost 25 percent of NHL rosters in 2010-11.  Let's start with the center and captain of this squad.

Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver Canucks

Birthplace: Livonia, Michigan

2010-11: 41 G, 32 A, 73 points, plus-24

Kesler topped off an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals with his first Selke Trophy.  He was fourth in the NHL in goals and his 15 goals on the power play were also good for fourth in the league. 

Honorable Mention: Joe Pavelski, San Jose and Paul Stastny, Colorado

Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

Birthplace: Buffalo, New York

2010-11: 27G, 36 A, 73 points, plus-seven

Despite a drop off in production from the season before, Kane was still the only U.S. born player to average a point per contest.  Kane is one of the top perimeter plays in the game and was a top-15 scorer even after missing eight games with an ankle injury mid-season.   

Honorable Mention: Bobby Ryan, Anaheim and Phil Kessel, Toronto

R.J. Umberger, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2010-11: 25 G, 32 A, 57 points, plus-3

As well as setting a career-high in points this season, Umberger also posted a positive rating for the first time in 2010-11.  He was second to Rick Nash in scoring for the Blue Jackets. 

Honorable Mention: Erik Cole, Carolina and David Booth, Florida

Dustin Byfuglien, D, Atlanta Thrashers

Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota

2010-11: 20 G, 33 A, 53 points, minus-2

Byfuglien built on the momentum of the 2010 playoffs with Chicago, moving to defense for Atlanta and leading all NHL defensemen in goals.  Six of them were game-winners.  Byfuglien also garnered his first selection to the all-star game this season provided personality and leadership to the Thrashers.   

Honorable Mention: James Wisniewski, Montreal

Keith Yandle, D, Phoenix Coyotes

Birthplace: Boston, Massechusetts

2010-11: 11 G, 48 A, 59 points, plus-12

Yandle skated in the All-Star Game and posted a career high in points this season.  The 24-year-old is an RFA and will likely be looking at some big money this summer.

Honorable Mention: Brian Rafalski, Detroit

Tim Thomas, G, Boston Bruins

Birthplace: Flint, Michigan

2010-11: 35-11-9 record, 2.00 GAA, .938 save percentage

For a guy not really considered to be his team's starter between the pipes when the season commenced, Thomas was an all-American success story in 2010-11. He was the best goalie in the regular season, picking up his second Vezina Trophy. He also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years.

Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles and Cory Schnieder, Vancouver