Hockey remains fourth among the major sports behind football, basketball, and baseball in the United States, but it has grown nationwide over the past few decades. George “Gerry” Peirce Geran, a native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, was the first American-born player to play in the NHL when he played for the Montreal Wanders during the league’s inaugural season of 1917-18.
According to statistics from Hockey-Reference.com, since Geran’s debut, 1,417 players born in the United States have skated in at least one NHL game. Those players come from 43 states, including the District of Columbia. We will take a cross-country trip to highlight the best players from each state. The only criterion is that we are going by the state the player was born in, not where he was raised or played his youth hockey.
Alabama – Nic Dowd
Three players have been born in Alabama: Nic Dowd, Jared Ross, and Aud Tuten. Born in Huntsville, AL, Dowd is a member of the Washington Capitals and had 22 points in 2023-24. After nine seasons, he’s recently appeared in his 500th game and collected his 149th point. The 33-year-old previously played with the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings.
Alaska – Scott Gomez
The Land of the Midnight Sun has produced 14 NHL players, including Jeremy Swayman, Matt Carle, Brandon Dubinsky, and Nate Thompson. However, Scott Gomez is the state’s most successful player. After being selected in the first round (27th overall) by the New Jersey Devils in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, he scored 181 goals and 765 points in 1,079 games.
Gomez won the Calder Trophy in 2000, scoring 19 goals and 70 points in 82 games during this rookie campaign. As of 2024, he remains the last player to win the Calder and Stanley Cup in the same season. He played in the Stanley Cup Final in 2000, 2001, and 2003, winning two championships in 2000 and 2003. In 16 seasons, Gomez dressed with the Devils, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators.
Arizona – Matthew Tkachuk
Before the Arizona Coyotes relocated to the desert in 1996, Arizona’s hockey registration numbers were slightly over 2,100; by 2023, the number was hovering around 9,710. Until 2012, defenseman Jim Brown, who played three games for the Kings in 1983, was the only player born in the Grand Cayon State to play in the NHL. Today, nine players from Arizona are playing in the league, including Sean Couturier, Tage Thompson, Brady Tkachuk, and his brother Matthew Tkachuk.
After a historic run during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Panthers, including four game-winning goals, Tkachuk finds himself at the top of the list of the state’s best skaters. As the only player from the state to crack 100 points in a season, he’s a two-time All-Star who was a Hart Trophy finalist in 2023. Tkachuk scored 40 goals for the second consecutive season and a career-high of 109 points. He’s approaching 600 games and 600 points in eight seasons, both within reach in 2024-25.
California – Auston Matthews
Thanks to expansion to cities like Los Angeles (Kings), San Jose (Sharks), and Anaheim (Ducks), the game of hockey has grown in California. There have been 56 players from the Golden State to play in the NHL, with the majority of those making their debuts since 2000.
Although Auston Matthews was born in San Ramon, CA, he was raised in Arizona and began his love of the game by watching the Coyotes. As one of his generation’s most dynamic goal-scorers, the Toronto Maple Leafs All-Star is approaching 400 goals with 368 in just 562 games. Additionally, he’s collected 649 points and should easily collect his 700th in 2024-25.
Related – 7 Cool Things About Auston Matthews
After becoming only the 18th player in NHL history to score 69 goals in a single season, Matthews won his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2023-24. The former Hart Trophy winner (2022) also won the Lester B. Pearson (2022), plus the Calder Trophy (2017).
Colorado – Jaccob Slavin
Jaccob Slavin is one of 19 players born in Colorado and hails from Denver, which has produced 13 NHL players. The former Lady Byng Trophy winner (2021) is a Carolina Hurricanes fourth-round pick (120th overall) from the 2012 Entry Draft and has played 665 games (272 points) over nine seasons with the club.
With just 86 penalty minutes in his career, Slavin has been a top 5 finalist for the Lady Byng in the past four seasons, averaging over 30 points a campaign. Thus far, his best statistical numbers came in 2021-22, when he had 42 points with 38 assists in 79 games.
Connecticut – Jonathan Quick
The Constitution State has produced 36 NHLers, including Cam Atkinson, Nick Bonino, Chris Drury, and Max Pacioretty. However, the most accomplished player among the group is Jonathan Quick, who has built a Hall of Fame resume with the Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Rangers.
Quick won two Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014, including the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012. As a backup in 2023, he won his third championship with the Golden Knights and, in 2024, became the winningest American-born netminder with his 392nd victory. Quick won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2014 and 2018 while playing in two All-Star Games in 2012 and 2016.
Delaware – Mark Eaton
Mark Eaton is the only player born in Delaware to play in the NHL. The Wilmington, DE, native played 13 seasons, skating in 650 games for the Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders. He played in all 24 postseason games during the Penguins’ run to the 2009 Stanley Cup, scoring four goals and seven points.
District of Columbia – Kevyn Adams
Only three NHL players, Jeff Halpern, Bill Nyrop, and Kevyn Adams, were born in Washington, D.C. Adams had the best career of the trio, with 136 points in 540 games, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Hurricanes in 2006. As a former first-round pick (25th overall), he skated with six clubs over 10 seasons, including the Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Panthers, Hurricanes, Coyotes, and Chicago Blackhawks. Adams serves as the General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres.
Florida – Quinn Hughes
There have been only 18 players in NHL history from The Sunshine State, including Shayne Gostisbehere, Jakob Chychurn, Jack Hughes, and his brother Quinn Hughes. As captain of the Canucks, Quinn is about to become the first player from Florida to win an NHL award, as he is a Norris Trophy finalist and front-runner after a career-high 92 points.
Although many could argue that Gostisbehere is the best statistical player with 619 games and 367 points, Quinn Hughes is about to surpass him in points, with 333, in half the games at 365. Meanwhile, the all-time debate will likely come down to Quinn and Jack since the latter is a 99-point player with a 43-goal season in 2022-23. Ultimately, the battle for the top spot may end up between the two brothers and who finishes with the best career.
Georgia – Mark Mowers
Georgia has only produced three NHL players: forwards Eric Chouinard, Mark Mowers, and goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier. Mowers had 18 goals and 62 points in 278 games for the Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Anaheim Ducks. The Decatur, GA native played three postseason games for the Red Wings during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Idaho – Pat Shea
Pat Shea is one of two Idaho players to play in the NHL, joining Guyle Fielder. Shea and Fielder were from Potlatch, ID, and played in a combined 19 games. Shea gets the nod because the defenseman had one assist for the Blackhawks during his 10 games of the 1931-32 season. Fielder never had a point in his nine games but had one penalty with the Red Wings during the 1950s.
Illinois – Chris Chelios
Illinois is home to Chicago, the third-most populous city in the United States. Out of the 78 skaters from the state, the Windy City is home to 27, including Eddie Olczyk, Lee Fogolin, and Chris Chelios, one of the best American-born players ever.
During his 26-year career, Chelios won three Stanley Cup titles with two Original Six franchises, the Canadiens and Red Wings, while serving as captain of his hometown Blackhawks. In the first 12 seasons, he won three Norris Trophies as best defenseman (1989, 1993, and 1996) and finished in the top 10 in voting from 1988 to 1997. Chelios received votes for the award 17 times with three different teams.
With 1,651 games on his resume, Chelios ranks second all-time in games played by a defender and ninth all-time while outranking every skater, including goalies, with 266 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He is part of three Hall of Fames: first, the United States (2012), Hockey (2013), and the IIHF (2018).
Indiana – Jack Johnson
The Hoosier State has produced 12 NHL players, four of whom have played over 800 games. Among those are forward Donald Brashear (1,025) and defensemen Ken Klee (934) and John-Michael Liles (836). However, Jack Johnson is the best skater from Indiana, with a Stanley Cup ring and approximately 1,200 games.
The Indianapolis, IN, native is still pursuing his second championship in 2024, skating with the Avalanche. Initially drafted by the Hurricanes third overall at the 2005 Entry Draft behind Sidney Crosby and Bobby Ryan, Johnson has skated with six clubs, including the Penguins, where he played alongside Crosby from 2018 to 2020. After 18 seasons and 1,187 games, he’s collected 336 points with 77 goals and 259 assists.
Iowa – Scott Clemmensen
Four players were born in Iowa, including Tucker Poolman, C.J. Smith, and goalies Calvin Petersen and Scott Clemmenson. Regarding the state’s best player, the choice is Clemmenson, who played 191 games with the Devils, Panthers, and Maple Leafs, earning a 73-59-24 record. His best season came in 2008-09, when he collected 25 wins while finishing his career with seven shutouts, a 2.79 goals against average, and a .905 save percentage.
Louisiana – Mason Lohrei
On Nov. 2, 2023, Baton Rouge, LA native Mason Lohrei became the first skater from the Bayou State. At 23, many people wonder how someone from the state made it to the NHL, but it’s pretty simple. Lohrei was born in Louisana while his dad (David) was coaching the ECHL. From there, he grew up and played hockey in various states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio before signing an amateur contract with the Providence Bruins in 2023. On May 6, 2024, he became the first player from Louisana to score a playoff goal.
Maine – Brian Dumoulin
The Pine Tree State has produced eight NHL players and three active players, including Garnet Hathaway, Oliver Wahlstrom, and Brian Dumoulin. Born in Biddeford, ME, Dumoulin is the only player from the state with his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. He won back-to-back titles with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. Among his fellow players from the state, he’s the leader in games played (626), assists (130), and points (155).
Maryland – Jeff Brubaker
According to Hockey-Refence.com and EliteProspects.com, only three players were born in Maryland—defenseman Jamie Fritsch, goalie Jeremy Duchesne, and left winger Jeff Brubaker. However, NHL.com lists Jarred Tinordi from Millersville, MD, growing the group to four.
Although the tie usually goes to the runner, there’s no confirmation regarding Tinordi’s official birthplace, so it’s challenging to list him as Maryland’s best player if he’s not born in the state. Therefore, the honor goes to Brubaker, who played eight seasons in the NHL from 1979 to 1989, scoring 16 goals and 25 points in 178 games.
Massachusetts – Tom Barrasso
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is one of the most passionate places regarding hockey. Whether people cheer on the Bruins or pack the TD Garden for the annual Beanpot tournament, some top college teams, like Boston College and Boston University, call Beantown home.
According to NHL.com, 221 players have come from Massachusetts, including some of the best American-born players like Jeremy Roenick, John Carlson, Jack Eichel, Bill Guerin, Kevin Stevens, Keith Tkachuk, and Chris Kreider. However, only goalie Tom Barrasso is a Hockey Hall of Fame member.
The Sabres drafted Barrasso out of high school in the 1983 Entry Draft and won the Calder and Vezina Trophy after the 1983-84 season at just 18. Besides earning All-Rookie honors, he won the William M. Jennings trophy in his second season.
Related: All-Time Massachusetts-Born Lineup
By the end of the decade, Barrasso was traded to the Penguins, where he had won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992. After 12 seasons in Pittsburgh, he spent his final campaigns bouncing between teams like the Senators, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, and Blues. Barrasso skated in 777 games, compiling a 369-277-86 record. He holds the NHL record for most points by a goalie with 48 assists. In 2009, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.
Michigan – Mike Modano
Michigan has produced 196 NHL players, including Ryan Miller, Kyle Conner, Derian and Kevin Hatcher, Mark Howe, Al Iafrate, Jacob Trouba, Alex DeBrincat, and Ryan Kesler. Despite producing one of the deepest lineups of any state, Mike Modano is arguably one of the best players in American hockey history.
Regarding his place among skaters born in Michigan, Modano leads all players in goals (561), assists (813), and points (1,374). He’s a one-time Stanley Cup champion with the Dallas Stars (1999) and the all-time leader in most statistical categories in franchise history. As a U.S. and Hockey of Fame member, Modano ranks in the top three in games played, goals, assists, and points by an American-born skater.
Minnesota – Frank Brimsek
As of 2024, Minnesota has produced the most NHL players, with 303 skaters hailing from the “State of Hockey.” Some of those names include David Backes, Neal Broten, Dustin Byfuglien, Matt Cullen, Jamie Langenbrunner, Zach Parise, Blake Wheeler, Jake Oettinger, and Hall of Famer Phil Housley.
Unfortunately, netminder Frank “Mr. Zero” Brimsek has been overlooked among the best netminders in NHL, Bruins, and Minnesota history. He debuted during the 1938-39 season, leading Boston to the Stanley Cup in his first campaign and being named Calder Trophy winner as Rookie of the Year.
Brimsek finished his career with a 252-182-80 record in 514 games, pitching 40 shutouts and winning two Vezina Trophies in 1939 and 1942 while guiding the Bruins to the Stanley Cup for a second time in 1941. As one of the top netminders of his era, Brimsek was named to eight NHL All-Star Teams.
The native of Eveleth, MN, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966 and was the first goalie inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame in the inaugural class in 1973. Every year, the top goaltender in his home state wins the Minnesota Mr. Goalie – Frank Brimsek Award.
Mississippi – Mathieu Olivier
Mathieu Olivier, born in Biloxi in 1997, remains the only player in NHL history from Mississippi. As an undrafted free agent, he’s played over 150 games and collected over 30 points in five seasons, skating with the Predators and Blue Jackets.
Missouri – Pat LaFontaine
Thanks to the growth in youth hockey programs over the decades, Missouri has seen 23 skaters, including Clayton Keller, Adam Lowry, and Pat Maroon, make it to the NHL. However, Missouri can claim to have produced one of the best American-born players of all time, Pat LaFontaine, born in St. Louis. In 865 games, he scored 468 goals and 1,013 points while playing with all three New York teams: the Islanders, Sabres, and Rangers.
As the Islanders’ third overall pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, he had seven seasons with at least 40 goals, including a stretch of six between 1987 and 1993, and a career-high of 54 in 1989-90. In his second season in Buffalo (1992-93), he scored 53 goals and picked up 95 assists for a career-high 148 points to finish second in the league behind Mario Lemieux (160). At this time, LaFontaine is a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and remains the only player from Missouri in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Montana – Bill Lindsay
Bill Lindsay is one of two NHL players born in Montana; the other is Jake Sanderson. In 13 seasons, Lindsay scored 83 goals and 224 points in 777 games with Quebec Nordiques, Panthers, Flames, Sharks, Canadiens, and Atlanta Thrashers. He is fondly remembered for his time with the then-expansion Panthers, where he scored five goals and 10 points during the franchise’s first trip to the Stanley Cup in 1996.
Nebraska – Jake Guentzel
Omaha, Nebraska native Jake Guentzel is one of four Nebraska natives to play in the NHL, including Neal Pionk of the Jets. As of 2024, Guentzel remains the only player from his home state with his name on the Stanley Cup, winning as a rookie with the Penguins in 2017.
Guentzel was one of the most coveted players at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, moving to the Hurricanes in a blockbuster transition. In 67 playoff games, he’s netted 67 points with 38 goals. During the regular season, he’s collected two 40-goal campaigns and has 227 goals with 491 points in 520 games.
Nevada – Gage Quinney
Now that the Golden Knights have established themselves as a premiere NHL franchise, winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, their successes on and off the ice will expand the list of Nevada-born players, which currently stands at one, Gage Quinney. Naturally, Quinney debuted with his hometown Golden Knights on Feb. 22, 2020, and played three games over a week, picking up one assist.
New Hampshire – Ben Lovejoy
Fifteen Granite State players, including Casey DeSmith, Mark Fayne, Deron Quint, and Luke Hughes, have advanced to the NHL. Unlike his two brothers, Jack and Quinn, Luke was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, where his mom, Ellen, is a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame. In 82 games, the Calder Trophy nominee already has 47 points, which ranks seventh all-time in state history and accounts for 32.8% of Quint’s 143 career points.
Although Hughes will eventually be the best skater from NH, the top spot currently belongs to Ben Lovejoy, the only skater with his name on the Stanley Cup. In 544 games from 2009 to 2019, he scored 101 points and was a member of the 2016 Penguins, who won it all. He ranks first in games played, fourth in goals, and second in assists and points.
New Jersey – Johnny Gaudreau
Of the 30 players to skate in the NHL from New Jersey, 13 played in 2023-24, including James and Trevor van Riemsdyk, Anthony Stolarz, Connor Clifton, and Tony DeAngelo. With seven players skating in over 700 games, including Bobby Ryan, Jim Dowd, and Paul Mara, the list of best players is extensive, but the player answer is quite simple: Johnny Gaudreau.
Through 763 games, Gaudreau has collected 743 points to lead all players from New Jersey. With 500 helpers and 243 goals, he’s already the top assist artist and is on pace to beat out James van Riemsdyk in goals (311) within a couple of seasons. At 30, Gaudreau is projected to be the only player to surpass 1,000 points from The Garden State.
New York – Patrick Kane
The Empire State is home to 139 NHL players, which includes two Hall of Famers, Joe Mullen and Billy Burch, plus Stanley Cup champions Dustin Brown, Mathieu Schneider, and Kevin Shattenkirk. But Patrick Kane is undeniably the guy when discussing who holds the top spot as the best player from New York.
After 17 seasons, Kane is the most decorated skater in state history, which includes three championships, a Calder Trophy, Conn Smythe, Art Ross, Hart, and Ted Lindsay Awards. At 35, he’s already been named to the NHL’s Top 100 Players of All-Time while ranking first in assists and points among New York skaters. If Kane remains healthy and productive, he’s got a shot at a handful of American-born records.
North Carolina – Jared Boll
Jared Boll joins Logan Brown, Jake Leschyshyn, and Ben Smith, the only four players born in North Carolina. Smith had one more goal than Boll, while Boll played in nearly 400 more games. Over 11 seasons, he skated in 579 games with the Blue Jackets and Ducks, racking up 1,298 penalty minutes.
North Dakota – Paul Gaustad
North Dakota is not an overly c state, with a population of 779,261. Still, it outranks many others, with 20 players skating in the NHL, including Tim Jackman, Fido Purpur, and Ryan Potulny. As the best statistical and most veteran player, Paul Gaustad is the best skater, logging 727 games and collecting 89 goals with 231 points.
Ohio – J.T. Miller
In 2024, eight Ohio players skated in the NHL, bringing the total number of players from the state to 33. Some prominent names on this list include Dave Ellett, Bryan Smolinski, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Mike Rupp. When discussing the top player from The Buckeye State, the apparent winner emerges in J.T. Miller.
In 11 seasons, Miller is on the cusp of becoming Ohio’s top scorer, trailing Smolinski by just 12 points and 36 goals while trailing Ellett by just 14 assists for the top mark in that category. At 31, if he remains healthy, he’ll become the third player to dress in 1,000 games. After three 20-goal seasons early in his career, Miller has become one of the top scorers this decade with 330 points in his past 295 games, reaching a personal best of 103 points in 2023-24.
Oklahoma – Tyler Arnason
Five players born in Oklahoma have made it to the NHL, including Wild defenseman Jon Merrill. Although he has skated in 612 games, the state’s best player is Tyler Arnason, whose father Chuck played 401 contests from 1971 to 1979. As a member of the Blackhawks, Tyler debuted in 2001 and was a one-time 20-goal scorer, reaching 22 in 2003-04. He played 487 games, netting 88 goals and 245 points, earning All-Rookie honors.
Oregon – Jere Gillis
Oregon has often popped up as a possible spot for future NHL expansion, with a team setting up shop in Portland. If that ever happens, the list of players from the state to make the NHL could grow from seven. Jacob MacDonald is the only active skater from The Beaver State, but with just 135 games, he has a way to go to catch the statistics of Jere Gillis. Interestingly, Gillis was drafted fourth overall in 1977 by the Canucks, ahead of Hall of Famers Doug Wilson and Mike Bossy. He skated with five teams, including Vancouver twice, finishing his career with just 78 goals and 173 points in 386 games.
Pennsylvania – Mike Richter
Despite having two iconic expansion franchises for 57 years, Pennsylvania has only produced 39 NHL players, including Logan Cooley, Ryan Malone, Brandon Saad, Vincent Trocheck, and R.J. Umberger. As one of the most influential and historic states, it is only fitting that arguably the greatest American-born netminder, Mike Richter, is from The Keystone State.
Richter debuted in 1988 and eventually helped end the Rangers’ 54-year championship drought in 1994. Until Henrik Lundqvist came to New York, he owned most of the franchise’s goalie records. As an international star with the United States, he won the 1996 World Cup and a Silver Medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The NCAA named its annual top goalie award after Richter, who graduated from Yale University after he retired.
Rhode Island – Bryan Berard
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, 20 skaters have come from The Ocean State. Thus far, only five players, Keith Carney, Noel Acciari, Chris Terreri, and Brian Boucher, have played in more than 300 games. Another one of those five is former Calder Trophy winner Bryan Berard.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to an eye injury, but in 619 games (10 seasons), he scored 323 points with 247 assists while being an All-Rookie Team member. Through perseverance in trying to remain a professional hockey player after his injury, Bedard won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2004. As the top pick in the 1995 Entry Draft, he played in just 20 playoff games.
South Carolina – Ryan Hartman
It took South Carolina 98 seasons to get its first player in the NHL, Ryan Hartman, who debuted in 2015. After Michael Kesselring made it into the league in 2023, Hartman was not alone on the list. However, at just 78 games, he’s got a long way to go to catch his fellow statesman, a former first-round pick who had collected 278 points in 580 games, including 128 goals.
South Dakota – Walker Duehr
Thanks to his debut on Nov. 14, 2021, Walker Duehr became the first NHL player in South Dakota history. Over the past three seasons, the undrafted winger has been in and out of the Calgary Flames lineup, skating in 68 games and collecting 18 points with nine goals and nine assists.
Texas – Brian Leetch
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the NCAA, NFL, NBA, and MLB. Despite several professional hockey franchises over the decades, The Lonestar State only welcomed the NHL in 1993, when the Minnesota North Stars relocated to Dallas. Relocation worked, as 10 of the 12 players from the state debuted after the 2010 season, with seven still skating in 2024.
Considering Texas is home to sports legends, it is also the birthplace of one of the greatest defensemen of all time, Brian Leetch. The Rookie of the Year (1989) would eventually become the first American-born Conn Smythe Trophy winner, capturing his only Stanley Cup title in 1994 with the Rangers. The two-time Norris Trophy winner is second among U.S. defenders in goals (247), assists (781), and points (1,028) while ranking in the top 10 in each category in NHL history.
Utah – Trevor Lewis
In the spring of 2024, Utah received its second professional sports franchise when the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City to share the Delta Center with the NBA’s Utah Jazz. Hopefully, the new NHL team will grow hockey in the state, and eventually, the list of professional hockey players will expand beyond five.
The list includes Steve Konowalchuk, Richard Bachman, Dylan Olsen, Daniel Brickley, and two-time Stanley Cup winner Trevor Lewis. After 974 games, he’s tallied 98 games and 225 points to trail Konowalkchuk in each category, but if he resumes his career in 2024-25, he will soon become the only player from Utah to skate in 1,000 games.
Vermont – John LeClair
Vermont, a New England state with a population of slightly over half a million, has only produced two NHL players: Graham Mink and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer John Leclair. After debuting with the Canadiens in 1991, LeClair went on to win the Stanley Cup with the team in 1993 before being traded to the Flyers.
LeClair became a star in Philadelphia, netting at least 50 goals in three consecutive seasons (1995-1998) as the left winger on the famous “Legion of Doom” line with Eric Lindros and Mikael Renberg. Despite scoring at least 40 goals in five consecutive campaigns, he finished his 16-year career with 406 goals and 819 points in 967 games.
Virginia – Eric Weinrich
Virginia may have a special place in U.S. History, but there are fewer accolades for professional sports. Out of the thousand-plus American-born NHLers, only seven have come from the state, including current players Zac Jones and Joe Snively. However, 17-year veteran Eric Weinrich is the top player, with a resume that includes 1,157 games and 388 points. As a second-round pick in 1985, he would dress with eight teams, scoring a career-high 38 points with the Devils in 1991.
Washington – T.J Oshie
Out of the 14 players from Washington, everyone debuted before the Seattle Kraken joined the league in 2021. As mentioned before, hopefully, a new professional hockey team will grow the sport in the Pacific Northwest, and the list of NHL stars like Tyler Johnson, Derek Ryan, Kaller Yamamoto, and Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie will expand.
As the only skater with 1,000 games under his belt, Oshie is leaps and bounds the best player from Washington, thanks to 302 goals and 695 points. Moreover, he’s the only one from his home state with his name on the Stanley Cup, achieving his championship with the Capitals in 2018.
Wisconsin – Gary Suter
It is only fitting that the last state on the map to discuss the best NHL players is also one of the most difficult to discuss. Wisconsin may not be known for its deep hockey roots. Still, it has produced some elite professional hockey players, including Joe Pavelski (476 goals), Ryan Suter (1,444 games), three-time Stanley Cup champion, and 12-time 20-goal scorer Phil Kessel. Although this was a challenging debate, with so many capable candidates, the player to ever come from The Badger State is U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Gary Suter.
In 17 seasons, Suter became one of the top American-born defensemen, thanks to a stat line that reads 203 goals, 641 assists, and 844 points in 1,145 games. He won the Calder Trophy in 1986 and scored 68 points in 80 games, eventually winning the Stanley Cup in 1989. Internationally, Suter was a premiere defender on several U.S. teams that won the World Cup and the Silver Medal at the Winter Olympics.
Historic Perspective
As mentioned, an NHL player has been born in 43 states, with Arkansas, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming waiting to join the list. Thus far, 22 states have reached double digits, with only four leading the pack with more than 100 skaters, including New York (139), Michigan (194), Massachusetts (221), and Minnesota (304). There are 14 American-born players in the Hockey Hall of Fame, with 10 skating in the NHL and six making this list.