1. Alexander Ovechkin
Country: Russia
NHL Team: Washington Capitals
Captain and Left winger of Washington Capitals, Ovechkin was selected in the 2004 entry draft of the National Hockey League. He joined the Dynamo Mosco from 2004 -2006. He transferred to NHL in 2006, winning Rookie of the Year, scoring 52 goals, leading with 106 points. Winning a list of trophies each season, Ovechkin deserves the Number # 1 spot.
2. Sidney Crosby
Country : Canada
NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
This Canadian Centre and Captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is nicknamed ‘The Next One’. Sidney Crosby started his NHL Career in 2005. In his second season when he won the Art Ross Trophy, he was the youngest to win a scoring title in any North American League. In 2009 he became the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup. He has won awards like the Rocket Richard Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership award. Crosby has represented Canada in World Junior Championships, IIHF World Championship and Winter Olympics.
3. Steven Stamkos
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Stamkos had a breakout season in 2009–10, being near the NHL lead in goal scoring for most of the season. Stamkos ended the season with 51 goals, tied for most in the NHL with Sidney Crosby. Stamkos is the third youngest player to achieve this accomplishment. He is currently leading NHL in points and goals scored.
4. Alexander Semin
Country: Russia
NHL Team: Washington Capitals
Semin made his professional debut in Russia’s second-tier League in 2001–02. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-2004 season. Due to confusion about Semin’s obligations to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which requires all Russian men to serve two years, Semin was not allowed to return to the Capitals when NHL resumed the following season in 2005–06. Along with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, Semin helped form a highly offensive core with the Capitals in 2008–09. Semin was identified as one of the currently most improved NHL players.
5. Brad Richards
Country: Canada
NHL Team: Dallas Stars
Richards was drafted in the 3rd round, 64th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, despite recording 82 assists and 115 points in his draft year. He won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004. On February 26, 2008, roughly 3 hours before the NHL trade deadline, Richards was traded to the Dallas Stars in a blockbuster deal along with goaltender Johan Holmqvist for goalie Mike Smith, centre Jeff Halpern, winger Jussi Jokinen and a 2009 4th round draft pick. Richards finished 7th in the NHL points standings in 2009-2010 season, just behind former teammate Martin St. Louis. He also finished fourth in total assists, and second in powerplay production in the league.