is mike madano the best anerican hockey league player everf?

Answer 1

Given that he came into the sport lauded as the next Gretzky, had enormous offensive stats and no sign of a defensive talent and became the player who he is today, a great two-way player who makes personal sacrafices to make his organization win... then yes. Modano has equally played a defensive game to his offensive game AND still has the offensive stats to make it in the Hall of Fame.

Yeah, I'd say he was the best American to ever play. If his career was on a Canadian team or was on a team like Detroit or Boston this wouldn't even have to be asked. Great question.

To Habitat: Modano's goal and assist stats in juniors made him the first draft choice in 1989, a lot of people in the hockey media questioned whether we were seeing the next Gretzky... the Sporting News, was just one paper that had stated this... people forget the buzz the young Modano generated BEFORE he entered the league.

I did not say it. I said the hockey press said it. Re-read what I said.

Answer 2

Actually rich Barrrassso didn't get the media attention because he was boycotting the media. He refused to speak to them from I believe the '92 Cup until he left Pittsburgh. He was one of the TOP Goalies when he was healthy, sadly he had some injury issues. As to the Boycott, ok here is what happened. After winning the Cup he was in the bar and got a little too drunk. The Bartender asked him to leave, and he wouldn't. So the Bartender called the cops and had him arrested for Terroristic Threats. The next morning the Papers reported about it, around the same time probably that the Bartender called the cops and said he was dropping the charges. It was just a case of getting a rowdy drunk removed and he had no intrest in getting the guy in trouble. So Barrasso basically wanted the media to apoligize and they wouldn't. So he said that after how they ruined his name and his family's name he wouldn't talk to them. There were even attempts and he just told them to go talk to one of the other players and no comment. Won that game against Florida(98 I believe) with a shutout in the Eastern Conference Finals and told the reporter no comment. Well when he left Pittsburgh he finally dropped the boycott. Anyway I also have to agree about Joey Mullen. Quiet player, most don't remember him because he didn't want the attention. Heck the man retired when Mario did so that he could stay in the shadows.

Answer 3

If you are considering goalies, how about Mike Richter? He was an outstanding goalies who showed up when the games meant the most (1994 Stanley Cup finals, 1996 World Cup). I believe he is among the all-time winningest goalie list for American-born players. Also, consider Neal Broten. He had a long career (spent mostly with Minnesota/Dallas), won a Cup (1995 w/New Jersey), was a key cog on the 1980 USA "Miracle On Ice" team and scored over 1,000 points. On top of that, he was a classy ambassador for hockey in the US. The luckiest American-born player? That would be Ken Morrow (1980 Olympic gold, four consecutive Stanley Cup rings w/NYI).

Answer 4

There are probably a few better players than Mike Modano. There are players like Tom Barasso, Pat Lafontaine, Chris Chelios, Mike Richter and Brian Leetch. 4 out of five of these players play either defence or goalie, but if I were to choose between Pat Lafontaine and Mike Modano. I would choose Pat Lafontaine

Answer 5

Tough call, but I wouldn't put him first. LaFontaine was great, Chelios has to get some consideration too. Modano might be the prettiest American born player, but there are few guys that were good in all areas of the game, not just offensively. Even a guy like Tkachuk, he can pass, score, hit and loves to drop the gloves. Who knows though, maybe Modano is really tough off the ice.

Answer 6

NO, he's ok but DEFINITLY not the best ever, one of the best is Adam Graves, people only know Mike Madano because he is considered good looking compared to other hockey players. Him and his team arent very good at all

Answer 7

He has to be considered one of the best for sure,but he has some company still.
Joe Mullen wasnt too shabby in his day and neither was Lafontaine and Janney.

just for note I liked Tom Barrasso...and if he wouldve got a third cup 92-93 or had half the media attention other players got you would hear his name thrown around alot.

Answer 8

Lafontaine, Mullen and Roenick deserve some credit. JR and Pat never won a cup though.

Answer 9

No way! I mean come on, you have got a lot of past and present team USA players
e.g.
Chris Chelios
Brett Hull
Doug Weight
Derian Hatcher
Scott Gomez

Answer 10

He is really good but i dont think he is the best. Chelios should also be one of the best. There are too many great hockey players to just pick one