by Dan Adkisson
The NHL and Canada have a long-standing relationship that has produced some of the best talents to ever grace the ice. The league has seen countless legendary hockey players from Canada who have made significant contributions to the game.
From greats like Wayne Gretzky to modern-day stars like Connor McDavid, Canadian players have consistently dominated the league. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Canadian players to ever participate in the NHL.
Wayne Gretzky
It is impossible to speak about the best Canadian players to ever participate in the NHL without mentioning Wayne Gretzky. Dubbed “The Great One”, he is considered by pundits to be the greatest hockey player.
He has several NHL records to his name including most career goals, assists, and points. Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s and won two more Cups with the Los Angeles Kings in the 90s.
Mario Lemieux
Another Canadian legend who cemented his name in NHL lore is Mario Lemieux. The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward is one of the most skilled players to ever play the game. Lemieux led the Penguins to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. He also won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player three times.
Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand is a Canadian forward currently playing for the Boston Bruins. Marchand is known for his physicality and tenacity on the ice and has won the Stanley Cup and the World Cup of Hockey. In the 2022-23 season, he scored 21 goals and 67 points in 73 games, a testament to his value to the Bruins.
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is a modern-day Canadian superstar who has already established himself as one of the best players in NHL history. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
Crosby has won numerous awards including the Art Ross Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and Conn Smythe Trophy. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada.
Martin Brodeur
Canadian goaltender Martin Brodeur is widely considered to be the greatest goaltender of all time. Brodeur won three Stanley Cup championships with the New Jersey Devils and is the NHL’s all-time leader in career wins and shutouts. He is a four-time Vezina Trophy winner and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid is one of the best Canadian players currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers. He has been in the league since 2015 and has won the Ted Lindsay Award, Hart Memorial Trophy, and the Art Ross Trophy. In the 2020-21 season, he had a career-high 105 points in only 56 games, further showcasing his brilliance on the ice.
Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon, playing for the Colorado Avalanche, is another Canadian player who is a top-tier talent in the league. MacKinnon has won the Lady Byng Trophy and Calder Memorial Trophy.
He had an impressive 2022-23 season, recording 111 points in over 71 games, a career-high achievement.
Conclusion
Canada has produced some of the greatest hockey players in NHL history. From legends like Gretzky and Orr to modern-day stars like McDavid and Crosby, Canadian players have consistently dominated the league. The players mentioned in this article are just a few of the many great Canadian talents that have graced the ice.
With more talented Canadian players joining the league every year, the NHL’s connection with Canada is bound to continue to grow stronger.
Resonating with Canadian NHL fans, Canadian players have lit up the NHL rinks across North America in the past and continue to inspire today. For those fans, the excitement continues through FanDuel, where they can keep up with the latest NHL scores and news.