Brian Gionta Named Montreal's Captain: Ranking the NHL "C's"

With the news leaking last week that Brian Gionta will become the 28th captain of the Montreal Canadiens, I thought it was a good time to take a look at and rank all 30 NHL captains.

Ranking the captains is no easy task, mind you, since all of them have some combination of leadership qualities, work ethic, and a never-quit mentality.

As such, deciding which one is better than another is like splitting hairs.  The following list is a ranking of the 30 NHL captains based on my overall impression of them as captains. 

I am sure that this ranking will spur debate, rage, happiness, and all sorts of emotions but keep in mind that the positioning of one person ahead or behind another is by no means meant as disrespect to any of these individuals.

Being an NHL captain takes a special kind of character, and I truly feel that all of these players demonstrate, in some way or another, a certain "je ne sais quoi."

Note: Five teams have not yet named team captains.  In those instances, I have stated the person who I believe should become the captain.  I have ranked those teams 30 through 26 for simplicity's sake and not because I feel that their potential captains are inferior.

All stats and info were compiled from ESPN.com and Wikipedia.org.

No. 30: Currently Vacant - The Vancouver Canucks

Harry How/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - JUNE 23: Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks poses for a portrait with the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy during the 2010 NHL Awards at the Palms Casino Resort on June 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty

My selection for captain: Henrik Sedin

Years in the league: 9

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 112 Points (29 G, 83 A), plus-35

No. 29: Currently Vacant - The San Jose Sharks

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

CHICAGO - MAY 23: Dan Boyle #22 of the San Jose Sharks moves the puck while taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 23, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

My selection for captain: Dan Boyle

Years in the league: 11

2010 Stats: 76 GP, 58 Points (15 G, 43 A), plus-6

No. 28: Currently Vacant - The Edmonton Oilers

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 02: Ales Hemsky #83 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on November 2, 2009 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

My selection for captain: Ales Hemsky

Years in the league: 7

2010 Stats: 22 GP, 22 points (7 G, 15 A), plus-7

No. 27: Currently Vacant - The Atlanta Thrashers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - APRIL 10: Ron Hainsey #6 of the Atlanta Thrashers against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Philips Arena on April 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

My selection for captain: Ron Hainsey

Years in the league: 7

2010 Stats: 80 GP, 26 points (5 G, 21 A), minus-6

No. 26: Currently vacant - Anaheim Ducks

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 03: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks waits to face off against the Colorado Avalanche at the Honda Center on March 3, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Avalanche defeated the Ducks 4-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

My selection for captain: Ryan Getzlaf

What makes him great: Ryan stands in the shoes of giants having learned from one of the best—Scott Neidermayer.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 66 GP, 69 points (19 G, 50 A), plus-4

Awards and accomplishments:

• Won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.
• Played in the All-Star Game in 2008 and 2009 (starter).
• 2008 World Championship Gold
• 2010 Olympic Gold

No. 25: Bryan McCabe - Florida Panthers

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 29: Bryan McCabe #24 of the Florida Panthers skates with the puck against the Nashville Predators on March 29, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Predators defeated the Panthers 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Aue

What makes him great: Is in charge of a team in transition but has been there before.

Years in the league: 14

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 43 points (8 G, 35 A), Minus-4

Awards and accomplishments:

• Second All-Star Team - 2004
• 1997 World Championship Gold

No. 24: Chris Drury - The New York Rangers

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 25: Chris Drury #23 of the New York Rangers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 25, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Captain Clutch knows how to come through in a jam.

Years in the league: 11

2010 Stats: 77 GP, 32 points (14 G, 18 A), minus-10

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2001 Stanley Cup (Colorado)
• 2002 Olympic Silver
• 2010 Olympic Silver
• 2004 World Championship Bronze

No. 23: Doug Weight - The New York Islanders

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Doug Weight #93 of the New York Islanders skates against the Ottawa Senators on February 14, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

What makes him great: There isn’t much that Weight hasn’t experienced.

Years in the league: 18

2010 Stats: 36 GP, 17 points (1 G, 16 A), minus-1

Awards and accomplishments:

• 1995–96: Played in All-Star Game (NHL)
• 1995–96: World Cup of Hockey Championship (Team USA)
• 1997–98: Played in All-Star Game (NHL)
• 2000–01: Played in All-Star Game (NHL)
• 2001–02: Silver medal (XIX Olympic Winter Games)
• 2002–03: Played in All-Star Game (NHL)
• 2005–06: Stanley Cup Championship (Carolina Hurricanes)

No. 22: Dustin Brown - The Los Angeles Kings

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 17: Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates teammate's Fredrik Modin's #33 (not pictured) goal while Christian Ehrhoff #1 and goalie Roberto Luongo #1 lay on the ice during the second period in Game Two of the Weste

What makes him great: He's a young veteran with grit and determination.

Years in the league: 6

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 56 points (24 G, 32 A), minus-6

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2004 World Championship Bronze
• Played in NHL All-Star Game (2009)
• 2010 Olympic Silver

No. 21: Eric Brewer - The St. Louis Blues

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 20: Eric Brewer #4 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 20, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Blues defeated the Devils 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Has enough experience to be able to help guide a young, talented group.

Years in the league: 11

2010 Stats: 59 GP, 15 points (8 G, 7 A),   minus-17

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2002 Olympic Gold Medal
• 2003 World Championship Gold
• 2003 Played in NHL All-Star Game
• 2004 World Championship Gold
• 2007 World Championship Gold
• 2004 World Cup Gold

No. 20: Dion Phaneuf - The Toronto Maple Leafs

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- APRIL 10: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on April 10, 2010 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens 4-3 in overtim

What makes him great: He is the mold that the Leafs are being shaped in.  To be fair, we have yet to see what kind of captain Phaneuf will be since he was named captain in the offseason.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 81 GP, 32 points (12 G, 20 A), plus-1

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2007 World Championship Gold
• First Team All-Star 2008

No. 19: Mikko Koivu - The Minnesota Wild

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 4: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild carries the puck up ice during the NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks on April 04, 2010 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images

What makes him great: Strong leadership genes and a fiercely competitive nature.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 80 GP, 71 Points (22 G, 49 A), minus-2

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2006 Olympic Sliver
• 2010 Olympic Bronze
• 2006 World Championship Bronze
• 2007 World Championship Silver
• 2008 World Championship Bronze
• 2004 World Cup of Hockey Silver

No. 18: Jamie Lanenbrunner - The New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 22: Jamie Langenbrunner #15 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center at on April 22, 2010 in New

What makes him great: Like Doug Weight, Langenbrunner is a repository of experience.  Also, he knows the Devils organization inside and out.

Years in the league: 15

2010 Stats: 81 GP, 61 points (19 G, 42 A), plus-6

Awards and accomplishments:

• 1996–97 NHL Calder Trophy Finalist for Rookie of the Year (Dallas Stars)
• 1998 Member of the United States Olympic Hockey team
• 1998–99 NHL Stanley Cup Champion (Dallas Stars)
• 2002–03 NHL Stanley Cup Champion (New Jersey Devils)
• 2002–03 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Scoring Champion (New Jersey Devils)
• 2004 Member of the United States team at the World Cup of Hockey
• 2007–present New Jersey Devils Team Captain
• Named to 2010 United States Olympic Hockey team
• Named Captain of 2010 United States Olympic Hockey team
• 2010 Winter Olympic Silver Medalist - Men’s Ice Hockey

No. 17: Adam Foote - The Colorado Avalanche

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 28: Adam Foote #52 of the Colorado Avalanche in action during their game against the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion on March 28, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Battle hardened veteran who has seen it all.

Years in the league: 18

2010 Stats: 67 GP, 9 points (0 G, 9 A), plus-8

Awards and accomplishments:

• Named to the OHL First All-Star team in 1990-91.
• Won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001.
• Won an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2002.
• Won a World Cup championship with Team Canada in 2004.

No. 16: Shea Weber - The Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 26: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 26, 2010 in Nashville, Ten

What makes him great: He is young, skilled, and determined.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 78 GP, 43 points (16 G, 27 A), even

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2004 – WHL West Second All-Star Team
• 2004 – CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team
• 2005 – WHL airBC Trophy
• 2005 – WHL West First All-Star Team
• 2007 – Played in NHL YoungStars Game
• 2009 - Played in NHL All-Star Game
• Named to the 2010 Olympics All-Star Team

No. 15: Rick Nash - The Columbus Blue Jackets

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 23: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up before playing against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 23, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Like Lecavalier in Tampa, Nash is intensely committed to the Columbus organization.

Years in the league: 7

2010 Stats: 76 GP, 67 points (33 G, 34 A), minus-2

Awards and accomplishments:

• NHL All-Rookie Team - 2003
• Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy - 2004 (shared with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla)
• NHL All-Star Game appearance - 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009
• NHL Foundation Player Award - 2009
• World Championships gold medal - 2007
• World Championships MVP – 2007
• World Championships All-Star Team - 2007, 2008
• Gold medal - 2010 Winter Olympic Games
• Best Play ESPY Award nomination - 2008

No. 14: Craig Rivet - The Buffalo Sabres

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BOSTON - APRIL 26: Craig Rivet #52 of the Buffalo Sabres takes the puck as Vladimir Sobotka #60 of the Boston Bruins defends in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2010 in B

What makes him great: Class and poise

Years in the league: 15

2010 Stats: 78 GP,

Awards and accomplishments:

• World Championship Gold Medal - 2003

No. 13: Alexander Ovechkin - The Washington Capitals

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - JUNE 23: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals accepts the Ted Lindsay Award during the 2010 NHL Awards at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort June 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for NH

What makes him great: Wants to win so badly that you, the fans, can taste it.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 72 GP, 109 points (50 G, 59 A), plus-45

Awards and accomplishments:

• NHL All-Rookie Team: 2006
• NHL First All-Star Team: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• NHL Number 1 Star of the Month: January 2006, January 2008, March 2008, November 2008, January 2010
• NHL Offensive Player of the Month: January 2006
• NHL Rookie of the Month: December 2005 and January 2006
• NHL Number 1 Star of the Week: Week Ending – December 30, 2007; March 9, 2008; March 23, 2008; December 28, 2008; October 5, 2009; January 18, 2010.
• NHL Offensive Player of the Week: Week Ending – December 31, 2005; January 23, 2006
• NHL Player of the Year – Sporting News: 2008, 2009
• NHL All-Star Game selections: 2007, 2008, 2009
• Calder Memorial Trophy – NHL Rookie of the Year: 2006
• Kharlamov Trophy – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• Lester B. Pearson Award (Most Outstanding Player): 2008, 2009
• Ted Lindsay Award (Formerly known as Lester B. Pearson Award): 2010
• Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player): 2008, 2009
• Art Ross Trophy: 2008 (112 points)
• Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: 2008 (65 goals), 2009 (56 goals)
• 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships – Best Forward
• 2006 Winter Olympics – Ice Hockey All-Tournament Team
• 2006 IIHF World Championship – Media All-Star Team
• 2008 IIHF World Championship – Media All-Star Team

No. 12: Daniel Alfredsson - The Ottawa Senators

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 24: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators salutes the crowd after an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals during the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals at Scotiabank Place on April 24, 2

What makes him great: Wants desperately to get his team over the championship hump.

Years in the league: 14

2010 Stats: 70 GP, 71 points (20 G, 51 A), plus-8

Awards and accomplishments:

• 1996 — NHL All-Rookie Team
• 1996 — Calder Memorial Trophy
• 1996 — Played in NHL All-Star Game
• 1997 — Played in NHL All-Star Game
• 1998 — Played in NHL All-Star Game
• 2004 — Played in NHL All-Star Game
• 2005–06 — Second Team All-Star
• 2006 — Gold medal at the Winter Olympics
• 2008 — Starter to NHL All-Star Game, Guy Carbonneau Award for 'Top Penalty-Killer'

No. 11: Brian Gionta - The Montreal Canadiens

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 02: Brian Gionta #21 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wachovia Center on April 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Instills confidence with his quiet intensity.  I know it is hard to rank a captain who has yet to play a game as a captain, but I truly feel that Gionta will be one of the better leaders in the league.

Years in the league: 8

2010 Stats: 61 GP, 46 points (28 G, 18 A), plus-3

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2002–03: Stanley Cup — New Jersey Devils (NHL)

No. 10: Vincent Lecavalier - The Tampa Bay Lightning

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Vincent Lecavalier #4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New York Islanders on February 13, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Isles defeated the Lightning 5-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Despite ups and downs, Lecavalier remains intensely committed to Tampa Bay.

Years in the league: 11

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 70 points (24 G, 46 A), minus-16

Awards and accomplishments:

• NHL Second All-Star Team - 2007
• NHL All-Star Game - 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009
• Stanley Cup - 2004
• Rocket Richard Trophy - 2007
• King Clancy Memorial Trophy - 2008
• World Cup of Hockey Championship - 2004
• World Cup of Hockey All-Star Team - 2004
• World Cup of Hockey MVP - 2004

No. 9: Eric Staal - The Carolina Hurricanes

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 29: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on March 29, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Dogged determination

Years in the league: 6

2010 Stats: 70 GP, 70 points (29 G, 41 A), plus-4

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2003–04: Played in the YoungStars Game (NHL)
• 2005–06: Won Stanley Cup with Carolina Hurricanes, NHL 2nd All-Star Team
• 2007: World Ice Hockey gold
• NHL All-Star Game appearances: 2007, 2998, 2009
• 2007–08: All-Star Game MVP
• 2010: Olympic gold (Staal became the 23rd member of the Triple Gold Club)

No. 8: Zdeno Chara - The Boston Bruins

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 12: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at the Wachovia Center on May 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvani

What makes him great: His size aside, Chara is a tower of strength for the Bruins.

Years in the league: 12

2010 Stats: 80 GP, 44 points (7 G, 44 A), plus-19

Awards and accomplishments:

• Played in NHL All-Star Game in 2003, 2007, 2008 (starter) and 2009.
• Named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2004 and 2009.
• Named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2006 and 2008.
• Won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2009.
• Won the hardest shot competition at the NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

No. 7: Mike Richards - The Philadelphia Flyers

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 09: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers handles the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Six of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Wachovia Center on June 9, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Benn

What makes him great: Gritty workhorse in the mold of Bobby Clarke.

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 62 points (31 G, 31 A), minus-2

Awards and accomplishments:

• Calder Cup championship (with the Philadelphia Phantoms) - 2004–05
• NHL All-Star Game - 2008
• Bobby Clarke Trophy (Philadelphia Flyers' MVP) - 2007–08, 2008–09
• Gene Hart Memorial Award (Philadelphia Flyers' fan favorite) - 2007–08
• World Junior gold medal - 2005
• Winter Olympic Gold Medal - Vancouver 2010

No. 6: Shane Doan - The Phoenix Coyotes

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 16: Shane Doan #19 of the Phoenix Coyotes awaits a face off in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Red Wings during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 16, 2010 in Glendale,

What makes him great: He is a supremely classy individual with tough-to-beat work ethic.

Years in the league: 14

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 55 points (18 G, 37 A), plus-3

Awards and accomplishments:

• Named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team in 1995.
• Won the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Memorial Cup MVP) in 1995.
• Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2004 and 2009.

No. 5: Brendan Morrow - The Dallas Stars

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - MARCH 31: Left wing Brenden Morrow #10 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Learned under Carbonneau and Gainey’s tutelage.

Years in the league: 10

2010 Stats: 76 GP, 46 points (20 G, 26 A), minus-3

Awards and accomplishments:

• 2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships gold medal
• Gold medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics (Team Canada)

No. 4: Jonathan Toews - The Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - JUNE 11: Jonathan Toews #19 holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory parade and rally on June 11, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Maturity and wisdom beyond his years

Years in the league: 3

2010 Stats: 76 GP, 68 points (25 G, 43 A), plus-22

Awards and accomplishments:

• Nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy – 2008
• NHL All-Star Game - 2009 (starter)
• All-Star selection of the 2010 Olympic Hockey Tournament
• 2010 Winter Olympics - Best Forward
• 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy winner
• Second-youngest to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (22 years, 41 days; only Patrick Roy was younger); youngest Captain to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
• Youngest person to gain entry into the Triple Gold Club (22 years, 41 days at time last component was achieved)
• Named full captain of an NHL team after only 64 NHL games; third youngest full captain (Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier) in NHL history.
• 2010 Stanley Cup Champion
• One of only six players to win Olympic gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

No. 3: Sidney Crosby - The Pittsburgh Penguins

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - MAY 12: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins prepares for a face-off against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mellon Arena on May 12, 2010 in Pittsburgh

What makes him great: The face of his city and the NHL

Years in the league: 5

2010 Stats: 81 GP, 109 points (51 G, 58 A), plus-15

Awards and accomplishments:

• Mark Messier Leadership Award (2010)
• Rocket Richard Trophy (2010)
• Stanley Cup (2009)
• Art Ross Trophy (Leading Scorer) (2007)
• Lester B. Pearson Award (2007)
• Hart Memorial Trophy (2007)
• Sporting News NHL Player of the Year (2007)
• NHL First All-Star Team (2007)
• NHL All-Rookie Team (2006)
• Rookie of the Month (October 2005)
• All-Star Game (2007, 2008, 2009)
• Mark Messier Leadership Award (2010)
• World Championships All-Star Team (2006)
• World Championship Best Forward (2006)
• World Championship Leading Scorer (2006)
• Olympic Gold Medal (2010)

No. 2: Jarome Iginla - The Calgary Flames

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames rests during a break in the game against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on March 28, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

What makes him great: Pure heart and humility

Years in the league: 13

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 69 points (32 G, 37 A), minus-2

Awards and accomplishments:

• NHL All-Rookie Team (1997)
• First team All-Star (2002, 2008, 2009)
• Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2002, 2004)
• Art Ross Trophy (2002)
• Lester B. Pearson Award (2002)
• ESPY Best NHL Player (2002, 2004)
• Second team All-Star (2004)
• King Clancy Memorial Trophy (2004)
• NHL Foundation Player Award (2004)
• Mark Messier Leadership Award (2009)

No. 1: Nicklas Lidstrom - The Detroit Red Wings

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 08: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on agaisnt the San Jose Sharks in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HP Pavilion on May 8, 2010 in San Jose, California. (P

What makes him great: A stalwart, both on and off the ice.

Years in the league: 18

2010 Stats: 82 GP, 49 points (9 G, 40 A), plus-22

Awards and accomplishments:

• World Championship gold medal winner (Sweden, 1991).
• NHL All-Rookie Team (1992).
• 4-time Stanley Cup winner (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008).
• 11-time NHL All-Star (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2009*).
• 9-time NHL First All-Star Team member (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008).
• 2-time NHL Second All-Star Team member (2009 and 2010).
• 6-time Norris Trophy winner (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008).
• Conn Smythe Trophy winner (2002).
• Olympic gold medal winner (Sweden, 2006); Lidstrom became a member of the Triple Gold Club with this win.
• Olympic All-Star Team (2006).