Top 10 American-born NHL players

After Mike Modano scored two goals in the first 5 minutes of the Dallas Stars November 7th game to break Phil Housley's record of points by an American-born player, it got me thinking: "Is Mike Modano the best ever from America?" Here is a run-down of my Top 10 American bred players to ever lace up the skates:

10) Mike Richter (Retired, Goaltender): Was selected 28th overall in the 1985 entry draft by the New York Rangers. Finished with a career mark of 301-258-73 and a GAA of 2.89. Selected to the 1992, 1994, and 2000 NHL All-Star team (winning MVP in 1994). Won the Gold medal at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey (named MVP). Won the Silver medal at the 2002 winter olympics. Helped Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1994. Holds 5 Rangers team records including career games played (666) and career wins (301).

9) Keith Tkachuk (Active, Center): Was selected 19th overall in the 1990 entry draft by the Winnipeg Jets. Has 478* goals and 461* assists. Was seleted to Hockey East all-rookie team in 1991. Was an all-star in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2004. First American-born player to lead the NHL in goals (52 in 1996-1997 season). Holds Phoenix Coyotes records in most game-winning goals (40) and career penalty minutes (1,508). Currently plays for St. Louis Blues.

8) Neil Broten (Retired, Center): Was selected in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 1979 entry draft by the Minnesota North Stars. Has 289 goals and 634 assists. Won Hobey Baker award in 1981 while at University of Minnesota. Was on 1979 National champion Minnesota Gophers hockey team. Won a Gold Medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics as part of Team USA. Won Stanley Cup in 1995 with New Jersey Devils. Played in two NHL All-Star games (1983 and 1986). Won the Lester Patrick award in 1998 for his contributions to the NHL off the ice. Had his #7 jersey retired by the Minnesota/Dallas organization in 1998.

7) Jeremy Roenick (Active, Center): Was drafted 8th overall in the 1988 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. Has 499* goals and 679* assists. Won a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics as part of Team USA. Posted over 100 points in three consecutive NHL seasons (1992, 1993, 1994). Made 9* All-Star teams (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004). Currently plays for the San Jose Sharks.

6) Chris Chelios (Active, Defense): Was drafted 2nd round (40th overall) in 1981 NHL entry draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Has 183* goals and 756* assists. Was part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison 1983 National Championship team and named to All-Tournament team. Won a Silver medal at the 2002 Olympics with Team USA. Made All-Star team 11* times in career (1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002). Won James Norris trophy for leagues best defensemen three times (1989, 1993, and 1996). Led the league in Plus/Minus in 2002. Won a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986 and another Cup with Detroit in 2002. Currently plays for the Detroit Red Wings.

5) Brian Leetch (Retired, Defense): Was selected 9th overall in the 1986 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers. Has 247 goals and 781 assists. Scored a rookie defensemen record 23 goals in 1987. Won the Calder Trophy (top rookie) in 1987 and was selected to the All-Rookie team the same year. Two-time Norris Trophy winner for the leagues top defensemen (1992 and 1997). Only American-born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Stanley Cup MVP) as part of the Stanley Cup winning 1994 New York Rangers. Played in 9 NHL All-Star games (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002). Won Silver medal at 2002 Olympics with Team USA.

4) Pat LaFontaine (Retired, Center): Was selected 3rd overall in the 1983 NHL entry draft by the New York Islanders. Collected 468 goals and 545 assists in only 865 games due to post-concussion syndrome. Set record for points in a season by an American-born player with 148 in 1993. Was awarded the Bill Masterson trophy (dedication) in 1995. Made NHL All-Star team in 1992-1993 season.

3) Joe Mullen (Retired, Forward): Signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Blues in 1980. Has 502 goals and 561 assists. Two-time recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship (1987 and 1989). Played in three NHL All-Star games (1989, 1990, and 1994). Was awarded the Lester Patrick award in 1995. Was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

2) Phil Housley (Retired, Defense): Was selected 6th overall in the 1982 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Has 338 goals and 894 assists. Won a Silver medal at the 2002 winter olympics as part of Team USA. Was selected to the 1983 All-Rookie team. Played in a total 0f 7 All-Star games (1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 2000). Holds the record for most games played by an American-born player with 1,495. Also holds record for most assists by an American-born player with 894.

1) Mike Modano (Active, Center): Was selected 1st overall in the 1988 NHL entry draft by the Minnesota North Stars. Has 511* goals and 722* assists. Holds the record for most points by an American-born player with 1233. Was named to the 1990 NHL All-Rookie team. Has appeared in 7 NHL All-Star games (1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2007). Won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. Holds several Minnesota/Dallas organization records including career goals (511*), career playoff games (156*), and career playoff points (133*).

*-Number subject to change