With an empty-net objective on Thursday evening, Patrick Kane grew to become simply the sixth American-born NHL participant to attain 500 objectives in his profession. It was one other main milestone that cements Kane’s place as one of many best — if not the best — American ever to play the sport.
With underneath 4 minutes remaining within the Detroit Purple Wings’ win over the Vancouver Canucks, Kane received the puck on the impartial zone and stared down an empty cage on the different finish. He took a couple of strides contained in the blue line and flicked a shot into the web, becoming a member of the 500-goal membership.
That was simply the newest in an extended listing of accomplishments and accolades that Kane has accrued over his profession. The three-time Stanley Cup champion additionally has a Hart Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and Calder Trophy on his shelf. That resume stacks up very favorably with different American gamers all through historical past, and it offers Kane an actual case to be No. 1.
Nonetheless, Kane has some stiff competitors with gamers like Mike Modano, Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch among the many all-time greats. That is with out even contemplating the trendy period of American gamers like Auston Matthews, Connor Hellebuyck, Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes.
Now that Kane has reached the 500-goal mark, listed below are the highest 10 American-born gamers all through NHL historical past.
*Brett Hull was not included on this listing as a result of, regardless of taking part in for Group USA through twin citizenship, he was born in Canada.
Under * denotes energetic participant
- Objectives: 252
- Assists: 401
- Factors: 653
The primary half of Eichel’s profession, which he spent with the Buffalo Sabres, was tumultuous. Nonetheless, he was a productive participant, and it was clear that he could possibly be a real game-changer with a extra competent group. Enter the Vegas Golden Knights. Eichel has established himself as among the finest two-way facilities within the recreation, and he performed a pivotal function within the Golden Knights profitable their first Stanley Cup in 2023 as he led the league in assists that postseason. Eichel’s resume ought to solely get extra spectacular as a result of it does not look like Vegas is dropping out of competition anytime quickly, and he’s a giant cause for that.
9. Matthew Tkachuk, RW*
- Objectives: 240
- Assists: 396
- Factors: 636
There’s a Tkachuk on this listing, nevertheless it’s not Keith. As a substitute, his eldest son slots in right here after an unbelievable run over the past 4 seasons. Even earlier than getting dealt to the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk put up 104 factors with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22, and he is fully modified the fortunes of the franchise since arriving in Dawn. Florida has reached the Stanley Cup Ultimate in every season with Tkachuk on the roster, they usually’ve now received all of it in back-to-back years. Whereas taking part in by some gnarly accidents, Tkachuk has tallied 69 factors in 67 playoff video games with Florida, together with some big game-winning objectives.
8. Phil Housley, D
- Objectives: 338
- Assists: 894
- Factors: 1,232
Housley is among the finest offensive defensemen in historical past, and that is no matter nationality. His 338 objectives are probably the most by an American defenseman, they usually rank fourth-most all-time behind solely Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. Housley could not have the Stanley Cups or awards to match a few of his American friends, however he is among the finest in a wealthy and rising historical past of nice defensemen from the USA when he performed from 1982-2003.
7. Pat LaFontaine, C
- Objectives: 468
- Assists: 545
- Factors: 1,013
Whereas the totals will not be as gaudy as some gamers left off this listing, it must be famous that LaFontaine did all that injury in simply 865 video games. By way of factors per recreation, no American participant was higher than LaFontaine. From 1987-1993, he tallied not less than 41 objectives and 88 factors in every season. Within the 1992-93 marketing campaign, LaFontaine put up 148 factors, falling simply 12 wanting the league-leading Mario Lemieux.
6. Auston Matthews, C*
- Objectives: 422
- Assists: 339
- Factors: 761
On the ripe outdated age of 28, Matthews is already among the finest scorers in American historical past. He is simply on tempo to develop into the primary American-born 600-goal scorer, and 700 profession objectives definitely is not out of the query. He is received the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy because the NHL’s main scorer thrice, and he is considered one of three Individuals to win the Hart Trophy within the enlargement period. If he can ever recover from the playoff hump, he’ll vault up this listing, presumably to No. 1.
5. Connor Hellebuyck, G*
- Wins: 331
- GAA: 2.56
- SV%: .917
- Shutouts: 45
Hellebuyck is already the best American goaltender in historical past, and he nonetheless has loads of saves left in these pads. In 2024-25, Hellebuyck picked up his third Vezina Trophy, and he additionally earned his first Hart Trophy because the league MVP. Hellebuyck shouldn’t be solely among the finest American goalies, however he’ll go down as one of many best general by the point he is performed. Oh, and if he can backstop Group USA to a gold medal on the 2026 Olympics, his legacy will solely develop.
4. Brian Leetch, D
- Objectives: 247
- Assists: 781
- Factors: 1,028
I believe Leetch has an actual case to be not less than one spot larger, however there’s nothing improper with sitting within the high 4. Very similar to Kane, Leetch’s profession has been suffering from awards. He began his profession with the Calder Trophy in 1989, and he added two Norris Trophy wins within the years after that. To high all of it off, he led the New York Rangers to a Stanley Cup in 1994 and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP.
3. Mike Modano, C
- Objectives: 561
- Assists: 813
- Factors: 1,374
Modano nonetheless holds the report for many objectives by an American-born participant. Whereas I believe that may fall over the following few seasons, that does not change the truth that Modano was among the finest gamers of his technology. When the Dallas Stars received the Stanley Cup in 1999, Modano led all playoff performers in assists with 18, after which he did it once more within the 2000 playoffs with 13. Modano completed his prolific profession with 1,499 video games performed, and we should always by no means forgive Mike Babcock for robbing him of 1,500.
2. Chris Chelios, D
- Objectives: 185
- Assists: 763
- Factors: 948
A real iron man, Chelios holds the report for many video games performed by an American-born participant with 1,651. All through his 26 seasons, Chelios established a legacy as one of many best defensemen ever to hit the ice. He received the Norris Trophy thrice, and he has three Stanley Cup rings (one with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Detroit Purple Wings). Between his manufacturing, accolades and longevity, Chelios was extraordinarily near taking the highest spot in these rankings.
1. Patrick Kane, RW*
- Objectives: 500
- Assists: 869
- Factors: 1,369
Name it recency bias. Blame my age. Regardless of the case, Kane is the perfect American-born participant in NHL historical past proper now, particularly after becoming a member of the 500-goal membership. Going past the uncooked numbers, and his Hart Trophy win, Kane’s case can also be constructed upon his skill to show the Chicago Blackhawks from perennial losers right into a semi-dynasty with three Stanley Cup wins in six seasons. In 136 profession playoff video games, he has 132 factors, and he took dwelling the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015. Accidents plagued Kane towards the tip of his tenure with the Blackhawks — they usually nonetheless have lingering results in the present day — however he was a real celebrity at his peak.
