Top 10 Hockey Players Today

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.

6. Evgeni Malkin

Country: Russia

NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Chosen by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 draft, Malkin is the Centre and Captain of the team. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and many others, he has represented Russia in 2 IIHF World Under 18 and under 20 Championships. Malkin is also responsible for winning several medals for his team.

7. Pavel Datsyuk

Country :  Russia

NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

Known for his excellent control over the stick and being one of the best two way forwards, Datsyuk is the alternate captain of the Detroit Red wings. Winner of Frank J. Selke Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy, Stanley Cup and has been nominated several times as the league’s most valuable player.

8. Zach Parise

Country: USA

NHL team       New Jersey Devils

Captain and left winger of the New Jersey Devils, American Parise was selected by the Devils in the 2003 NHL Draft. He won the Hobey Baker Award, playing for the University of North Dakota. He is among the top goal scorers. Representing his country in international competitions, he was the Most valuable player and best forward. He has also played on the Tournament All Star Team helping his team to win several medals. Parise, also an Olympian, comes from a family of hockey players.

9. Corey Perry

Country: Canada

NHL Team: Anaheim Ducks

This Canadian hockey player was a member of the Ontario Hockey League before he was selected to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was part of the team that won the Gold medal for Canada in the Vancouver Olympics. His 2009-2010 season has been an exceptionally good one.

10. Patrick Sharp

Country: Canada

NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp began his NHL hockey career with the Flyers recording only 7 points in 41 games. Midway through the 2005-06 season, Sharp was traded by the Flyers to the Chicago Blackhawks. At the start of the 2008-09 season,  Sharp was named an alternate captain for the Blackhawks. Despite being limited by injuries, Sharp helped the Blackhawks form a highly offensive young team that led to 2009-2010 Stanley Cup. Today he is in the top 5  for points  and a very underrated player.