The Top Players in NHL

The NHL – National Hockey League – is a popular sport in the United States. This is a North American professional ice-hockey league played between 32 teams. Out of these 32 teams, 25 are from the United States, and 7 belong to Canada. The team that wins the league is awarded the Stanley Cup, which is the oldest sporting trophy in North America.

This league has some talented players that have honed their skills through years of practice. The players have great skill and dexterity in their chosen sport, capable enough to change the NHL odds in a single match. Understanding these players can be beneficial since it can give you an insight into what to expect from the league. Here is a list of the top 5 NHL players and a little about their professional achievements.

Connor Andrew McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Connor Andrew McDavid is a professional ice-hockey player hailing from Edmonton, Canada. He is considered one of the best ice-hockey players of the current era. Connor joined the NHL in 2015 and has been breaking records ever since.

Connor has won the Art Ross trophy thrice as the leading scorer of his team. This trophy is awarded to a player who scores the most goals in the league across a season. On average, Connor has scored 97 points with 30 goals in the last five years.

Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov is a Russian Ice-hockey player playing for Tampa Bay Lightning. Born in 1993, he is considered the best team player and has won many trophies for his outstanding performance. Like Connor, he is also breaking records and bagging back-to-back awards.

Kucherov has won the Art Ross trophy as the leading scorer in 2019, Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player in 2019, and Ted Lindsay Award, with his fellow members picking him as the best player in 2019. He also won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s been playing for this team since 2005 and has been a pivotal player for most games. He started getting noticed during his college days, where his outstanding performances made him stand out.

Sidney is the youngest NHL player to score 100 points in the league. He achieved this feat at the age of 18 years and 253 days. The following year, Sidney also won the Art Ross Award by breaking another record of being the youngest and only teenager to win the trophy at 19. In the same year, he also won the Hart Memorial trophy. He also became the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup in the year 2018.

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

A Canadian player, Nathan MacKinnon, was born in 1995. He joined the NHL in 2013 and has been impressing everyone with his outstanding skills ever since. Nathan is also referred to as “Nate the Great” or “The Dogg.” He is considered to be one of the most talented ice hockey players who showcases excellent techniques.

Nathan won the Stanley Cup in 2014, before which he had also won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. Until now, Nathan MacKinnon has scored 210 goals.

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Timothy Kane is an American NHL player playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He also serves as the team vice-captain. Patrick joined the NHL in 2007 with the Blackhawks and has been playing for them ever since. He has also represented the United States national team in the 2010 and 2014 winter Olympics.

Kane has won the Stanley Cup thrice in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013, given to the most valuable team player. Kane has also won the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy in the 2015-16 season. Kane’s goal is to win Olympic gold for his country.

Enjoying the NHL is common in most American households. Understanding your players a little more can earn you bragging rights when watching with friends and family.

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.