NHL and International Hockey's Future: Steven Stamkos and 6 Stars to Know

One of hockey's distinguishing qualities is wrapped in the game's global nature and cross-cultural appeal. NHL rosters are woven together with athletes from more than 15 countries worldwide—establishing the league as a truly international entity, not simply confined by North American borders.

Swedes and Finns, Russians and Canadians alike, bring different perspectives and styles of play, but the ice and the game unifies them nonetheless. Not just defined by its tactics, each country is represented by stars—icons with great talent, ambassadors for their flag as they play professionally and internationally.

Here's a list of the men from each of the top seven hockey nations, who will serve as the foundation of both their professional and international clubs into the future.

No. 7: Tomas Tatar (RW/LW), Slovakia

Draft Status:

Drafted by Detroit 60th overall in the second round of the 2009 entry draft.

What They're Saying:

"Has good speed, tenacity and versatility up front. Can play both wing and center, as well as be used in a variety of ways. Possesses a lot of scoring upside," - The Hockey News

The Future:

At just 21, Tomas Tatar is forced to bide his time for both his professional club, Detroit and his country Slovakia. The good news for Tatar is that both teams are aging, so his services should be employed sooner rather than later.

Detroit head coach Mike Babcock is fond of speed and versatility in crafting a roster, so Tatar will likely fit in nicely, although he finds himself playing for the Red Wings AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids at the moment.

The Slovakian roster is aging as the likes of Miroslav Satan, Jozef Stumpel and Richard Zednik no longer serve as core members. And, Zdeno Chara is 35 years old at this point and unlikely to serve Slovakia in a leadership role much longer.

Instead, Tatar is poised to join Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik and Jaroslav Halak as the country's nucleus in future international play.

No. 6: Radek Faksa (C), Czech Republic

Draft Status:

Eligible for the 2012 NHL entry draft

What They're Saying:

"If size/speed ratio is a mandate for any NHL team, then this player is a home run. He's already an excellent skater with plenty of room to get stronger. Coming over the ocean is a great idea for him, as he looks to fit the mold of a third-line, secondary offensive player." -ESPN's Grant Sonier

The Future:

In his first year playing away from his native Czech Republic, 17-year-old Radek Faksa is making a name and niche for himself with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League.

Faksa has 44 points in 39 games, making him a lock to be selected in the top half of this summer's NHL entry draft. His size and speed will be a boon for whatever NHL team is fortunate enough to draft him.

The Czech Republic, winners of several World Championships and the 1998 Olympics, are also facing an aging roster similar to that of neighbor Slovakia.

Jaromir Jagr has served at the face of Czech hockey for more than 20 years, but how much longer will that be the case? 

Alongside Jakub Voracek, Martin Havlat and Michael Frolik, Faksa offers youthful promise for a proud hockey nation.

Faksa represented the Czech Republic at last year's World Junior Championships and will continue to do so as he prepares for a bright future in the NHL and international competition.

No. 5: Mikael Granlund (C), Finland

Draft Status:

Drafted by Minnesota ninth overall in the first round of the 2010 entry draft

What They're Saying:

"...a smart playmaker with excellent vision and the versatility to play all three forward positions. Works hard, can skate and shoot. Great hockey sense, he can score highlight-reel goals." - The Hockey News

The Future:

If you haven't seen his goal from last year's World Championships in Slovakia, you have permission to open a new tab and watch it—it's that good.

Granlund served notice to the world as it watched him score nine points in nine games at last year's World Championship competition—just his first with Finland's senior club. He finished second in scoring on the roster behind Jarkko Immonen, who had a breakout tournament in his own right. 

Not only did Finland win a second World Championship in 2011 — in grand style, defeating rival Sweden 6-1 — but, a new star might be moving to the forefront for the Lions. Typically the Finish style of play is characterized by solid defense and top-notch goaltending and not necessarily offensive polish. But after what we saw last year, Finland is excited to have a new offensive weapon.

So too are the Minnesota Wild—the club that drafted Granlund two years ago. The Wild are a solid, system-style team that could use Granlund's playmaking ability and top-end offensive skill.

No. 4: Nick Bjugstad (C), USA

Draft Status:

Drafted by Florida 19th overall in the first Round of the 2010 NHL entry draft.

What They're Saying:

"Has a great frame (6-4) for the center position, as well as plenty of goal-scoring instincts and a quick trigger. A big scoring center with good upside." - The Hockey News

The Future:

Florida added a ton of veteran leadership via free agency prior to the 2011-12 season not only to establish a viable playoff competitor but also eyeing the development of its young, raw talent like Jack Skille, Keaton Ellerby and Dmitry Kulikov.

Even more unproven is highly touted draft pick, Nick Bjugstad (pronounced b-yoog-stahd), who currently plays for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

In two collegiate seasons, Bjugstad has shown the ability to pass the puck and score in a balanced fashion, something the Panthers and Team USA are both excited about. The Panthers have gone without a bonafide superstar for some years now, and Bjugstad could become that individual with time and coaching.

Meanwhile, Team USA proved that the team game can trump superstar play, in its unexpected march to the gold medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. It's not that the team is without any individual talent; Patrick Kane and Phil Kessel prove otherwise, but compared to Canada or Russia, the red, white and blue isn't on a even playing field.

Time will tell if Bjugstad, or other young Americans, will emerge as legitimate stars, but the crop of talent is broadening for the USA.

Honorable Mention: James van Riemsdyk, Jason Zucker, Jack Skille

No. 3: Nail Yakupov (RW), Russia

Draft Status:

Eligible for the 2012 NHL entry draft

What They're Saying:

"Coming off an outstanding underage season with 101 points, this small, compact Russian continues to wow people with not only his talent, but with his determination." -ESPN's Grant Sonier

The Future:

Yakupov is considered far and away the top prospect for the upcoming 2012 NHL entry draft, possessing major offensive talent and the drive to be the game's best. As a 17-year-old Yakupov scored 101 points in 65 games for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League and is on pace to post similar numbers this season.

As the NHL season winds down this spring, bottom-feeding clubs will enter the "Fail for Nail" campaign, as it's being called, in order to acquire the rights of this up-and-coming star.

In terms of Yakupov's homeland, the crop of Russian talent is fertile with the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk and a rabble of gifted performers.

While unproven at the moment, Yakupov stands next in line to assume the throne of Russian hockey royalty. Already taking part in two international junior tournaments, Yakupov has tallied 22 points in just 14 games, most recently winning a silver medal at the U-20 Junior Championship in Canada.

No. 2: Erik Karlsson (D), Sweden

Draft Status:

Drafted by Ottawa 15th overall in the first round of the 2008 NHL entry draft.

What They're Saying:

"Is a smooth skater with exceptional hockey sense and puck-moving control, dangle and goal-scoring ability. He's getting faster and loves to pounce on the attack. Also possesses a booming slap shot, which he uses to produce on the power play." - The Hockey News

The Future:

Ottawa's young, stud defenseman is establishing himself as one of the NHL's best young offensive-defenseman, chocked-full of speed, talent and on-ice savvy.

Karlsson started the 2012 All-Star Game in front of the Senators' faithful—a result of his leading all NHL defenseman in points (48) this season.

Tre Kronor (Sweden's National Team) is undergoing a slow changing of the guard, now led by Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg and Henrik Lundqvist with a bevy of young players in good position to round out a skilled, accomplished Swedish side.

Names such as Adam Larsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Magnus Paajarvi and Victor Hedman will headline Tre Kronor for years to come, but amongst them, Erik Karlsson is the true heir-apparent.

No. 1: Steven Stamkos (C), Canada

Draft Status:

Drafted by Tampa Bay first overall in the first round of the 2008 NHL entry draft.

What They're Saying:

"Skates very well, has awesome hand/eye coordination and can score in a variety of ways. His one-timer when parked high in the slot is deadly. Displays solid playmaking and two-way upside. Plays with enough grit and aggression to keep opponents honest." - The Hockey News

The Future:

Already the holder of the NHL's Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer in 2009-10, Stamkos is one of the most-feared snipers in the game. At 21 years old, Stamkos has notched three NHL seasons under his belt and undeniably gets better each year. 

One of the biggest criticisms of the NHL marketing scheme is the overwhelming focus on Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, with a seeming lack of attention paid to other deserving players. As the league gains in popularity, the NHL must earnestly consider posturing the young Stamkos as one of its great icons.

Stamkos' early NHL success is undeniable, yet surprisingly the Markham, Ontario, native has only represented Canada three times—twice in junior tournaments and the 2009-10 World Championship.

A country with the deepest reserve of hockey talent, Canada, headed by GM Steve Yzerman, decided to leave Stamkos off the 2010 Olympic roster that took gold in Vancouver.

Sochi 2014 will be a different story altogether. Should Stamkos be healthy, there's no doubt he will don the maple leaf in Russia, and for that matter, several future international hockey engagements.

A country with so many stars, Steven Stamkos will serve as another major asset to Team Canada for the next two decades.

Wrap-Up

The game of hockey continues to generate great talent and international superstars.

This was Bleacher Report's list of future NHL and foreign stars to watch. Who's on your list? Tell us in the comments below, we'd like to hear your opinion.