One of the regular articles you will see posted on the blog is called "Rank". This is a top ten countdown of various topics. Each edition of Rank will focus on a different subject related to a current NHL story. Enjoy these countdowns and please use the comments section to give your opinion on what should have been #1.

To celebrate America's independence day, we have put together a list of the 10 best American born players in NHL history. You will notice Brett Hull did not make this list. Even though he is the best player to ever put on a Team USA jersey, he was actually born in Canada.

10. Keith Tkachuk
Games Played - 1,201
Goals - 538
Assists - 527
Points - 1,065


9. Mike Richter

8. Pat Lafontaine
Games Played - 865
Goals - 468
Assists - 545
Points - 1,013

7. Phil Housley
Games Played - 1,495
Goals - 338
Assists - 894
Points - 1,232


6. Chris Chelios
Games Played - 1,651
Goals - 185
Assists - 763
Points - 948
Three James Norris Trophies (Best Defenseman)
5. Joe Mullen
Games Played - 1,062
Goals - 502
Assists - 561
Points - 1,063
Two Lady Byng Trophies (Most Gentlemenly)
Three Stanley Cups




4. Jeremy Roenick
Games Played - 1,363
Goals - 516
Assists - 703
Points - 1,216

3. Patrick Kane
Games Played - 658
Goals - 251
Assists - 412
Points - 663
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
2. Brian Leetch
Games Played - 1,205
Goals - 247
Assists - 781
Points - 1,028

1. Mike Modano
Games Played - 1,499
Goals - 561
Assists - 813
Points - 1,374
One Stanley Cup
Holds record for most goals, points and playoff points by an American born player




Happy 4th of July!