who is the best US born hockey player ever?

Answer 1

From a strictly statistical perspective, you'd have to go with Mike Modano, who passed Joe Mullen this season to be the top goal-scoring American in NHL history. In total effort, though, I think it's hard to get past Chris Chelios. Brian Leetch would also deserve mention, but I think Chelios has played at a higher level for longer than Leetch did.

Honorable mention to Pat LaFontaine, too, who was more fun to watch on offense than Modano, but had one too many injuries limit his playing time.

Answer 2

Chris Chelios IMO. 3 Norris Trophies. A few cups. 1000 points as a DMan.....people forget that he used to be a decent offensive force as well as solid defensively. 3 Olympics. Tons of International. Tons of all star games. Captain of the Habs and Hawks once upon a time. People can go on about Lafontaine and Modano et al but Chelios has the best trophy case and the best case to be made as the #1 American born player all time. As LITY mentions, Lafontaine had two 100 point seasons, big whoop, when he was doing that so were 10 or 15 other players per season-the first time he scored 100+ he finished 8th in scoring.......MEANWHILE, Chris Chelios was THE BEST at his position for 3 years of his career. NEVER have any of the U.S forwards been THE BEST at their position for ANY season. To me, there is not much room for debate.

Answer 3

My opinion the best U.S. born hockey player would have to be Pat Lafontaine, he had the moves, speed and talent to be the best but got held back by injuries, plus hes from my hometown. I also really like Chris Chelios and Mike Modano. But I think the best player U.S. born player is on the rise, many american college kids like Zach Parise are awesome. Brian Gionta will be the best.

Answer 4

Chris Chelios
Pat Lafontaine
Hobey Baker
Joe Mullen
Brian Leetch
Rod Langway
Ken Morrow
Brett Hull
Phil Housley

In that order

Answer 5

Hobey Baker
Mike Modano
Chris Chelios
Bill Guerin
Pat LaFontaine
Kieth Tkachuk

Answer 6

Mike Modano

Answer 7

I agree with Rebl - JOE MULLEN - yet I am a born and raised Flames fan - funny about the perspective (even if I was 5 when he played here!)

I would have to throw a nod to both Phil Housley (obviously!) and Mike Modano ( check the stats.) Not only are they strong on paper but both had immeasurable e/(a)ffect on their team(s).
Neat question - Cheers!

Answer 8

Definately Brian Leetch. He is an awesome player. I love the way he plays the puck, when he sees an opening he takes chances that most defensive players won't. He is just really puck smart I loved watching him with the leafs.

Answer 9

I will say Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano for the best all round but if you consider Brett Hull as an American then he would be my choice as the best goal scorer.

His old man was the best IMO.

Answer 10

I am partial to Joey Mullen ( I am from Pittsburgh) but dont forget Brett Hull was born in the USA. ( he has dual citizenship.) But i gotta go with Joey, the first American born player to score 500.