Is There An NHL Fan Who Can Name 100% Of These Players?
- by Michael DeRosa
- – on
- in Sports
The NHL is easily one of the most popular leagues to watch. This is largely due to the fact that it has such a rich history. With every generation of players, there seems to be a handful of truly revolutionary ones who completely change the game for the better. In these situations, the teams they played for often went on to win a handful of Stanley Cups because of their contributions. This can definitely be applied to today's top-notch players as well, as we have seen a lot of them lead their teams to the cup. The high scoring and speed element of the game is also a major reason behind the publicity.
The NHL clearly has an abundance of fans in its realm, but for one to be successful with this quiz, they must be a real follower. These players have all left a significant impact on the game, whether it be in the past or present, so they should definitely be recognizable by the true fans of the NHL. The primary goal for one once they complete this quiz is to have received a 100%. If this happens to be the case, it will definitely display the fact a true hockey fan is amongst us.
Now, without further delay, let's get started!
Who is this franchise center?
This player was destined to be a star before he even entered the NHL. He was labeled as the "next one" before being taken first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Since joining the team, he has made Pittsburgh one of the top teams in the league each season. This is evidenced by the fact that he has three Stanley Cup championships in his time in the NHL thus far. He already has over 1,200 points, and those numbers are going to continue to grow. At the end of the day, it is easy to state that he is a future Hall of Famer.
Who is this rising superstar?
This player is becoming the face of the NHL, as he has already achieved a ton of individual success. After being taken first overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, this player has consistently been at the top of the NHL's point leaders. In four NHL seasons, he has already reached the 100-point plateau three times. Those numbers clearly make him at an elite level already, and there is so much more to come from him. However, Edmonton needs to bring in better talent around him so they can actually make some noise in the postseason.
Who is this future Hall of Famer?
This player was drafted in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. He would jump into the NHL with a bang, as he would set a record by scoring a goal in each of his first six games. From there, he has become a true superstar with the Penguins, and already has reached 1,000 points in his time in the NHL. He has also been a part of three championship teams, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009. With a number of other achievements in his time in the NHL, it is clear that this player is a future Hall of Famer.
Who is this grizzled veteran?
This player came into the NHL with the Minnesota Wild. He was seen as a top-notch prospect, but he never seemed to develop into a star for the team. After a handful of seasons in Minnesota, the team decided to trade him to the San Jose Sharks. This is where he would become one of the best players in the game. He made a name for himself playing right wing for the team, but then would be switched back to defense. Since then, he has easily been one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, and is showing no signs of dropping off.
Who is this underrated center?
This player is continuing to develop into a superstar, but he seems to not be getting much attention for it. A big reason behind this is the fact that he is playing for the Florida Panthers. However, even with this being the case, he is seriously one of the best two-way forwards in the game. The team clearly sees him as the face of their franchise, and this evidenced by the fact that he is currently their captain. At the end of the day, this player is easily one of the best in the entire league, and should be getting more praise.
Who is this agitating star?
This player is extremely disliked throughout the NHL, but he is one of the bests. He would make a name for himself with the Bruins during their Stanley Cup win, but has only gotten better over the years. He has truly blossomed into an elite player, and is currently flirting with the possibility of ending the year with 100 points. Although he has been disciplined for a number of dirty plays throughout his time in the NHL, it is clear that he has been extremely effective in Boston. He is a true superstar, and if he continues to play at this pace, he very well could secure himself a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Who is this stud rookie?
This rookie was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks fifth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Although there was some criticism by their fans for the team going off the board with this pick, they have quickly changed their opinions. He is the top candidate to win the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie this season. This should not come as a surprise to anyone at this point in time, as he has been able to dazzle with his fantastic shot and unique passing plays. This player could very well be the guy who carries Vancouver out of there struggles.
Who is this Swedish great?
This player began his time in the NHL as property of the Philadelphia Flyers, but the team would use him as part of the infamous Eric Lindros trade. He would become an instant success with the Quebec Nordiques, but his time as a superstar came when the team moved to Colorado. This is where he would end up becoming arguably the best playmaker in the league. He would go on to win two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche. He would end up returning to the Flyers, but injuries would take over. After being a rental for the Predators and a handful of games with the Avalanche, he would call time.
Who is this absolute legend?
This player is the primary reason why the Edmonton Oilers had an intense dynasty during the 1980s. He is easily the best playmaker in the history of the game, as he has the most points in NHL history. However, it is important to note that he also had a strong nose to the net, and this is evidenced by his ridiculous record-setting 92-goal campaign. He also is responsible for bringing popularity to the game in California, as he was a true star with the Los Angeles Kings as well. He would finish his time in the NHL with the Rangers, after a brief stint as a rental with the St. Louis Blues.
Who is this dominant goaltender?
This goalie has spent the entirety of his NHL life with the Montreal Canadiens, and likely will end his time there after signing an eight-year extension. He already has set a number of records in Montreal, so he is only going to pad his numbers at this point. He has arguably been the best goalie in the entire league for quite a while now, His primary goal at this point is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Montreal, as that appears to be the lone accomplishment that he is lacking on his tremendous resume. If he obtains that, he is a sure Hall of Famer.
Who is this recently signed center?
This player spent the first decade of his NHL life with the New York Islanders. In his time there, he became one of the best centers in the entire league, but failed to accomplish anything in the postseason. This is not his fault however, as he did not have a strong supporting cast of players around him. He would end up leaving the Islanders this past off-season to join his childhood team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has not disappointed in his first season with Canada's favorite team, as he is having his best season to date. It will only go up from here it seems.
Who is this former face of the franchise?
The Detroit Red Wings became a dynasty under the leader of this superstar. From the very start of his time in the NHL, it became clear that he was captain material, and the team would grant him this honor very quickly. He would go on to lead the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups during his illustrious journey. This was a major deal for the city, as they had been in ruins for a number of years up until he came to town. At the end of the day, this is a player who definitely can be deemed a true face of the franchise.
Who is this elite power forward?
This player was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes 5th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. However, he would play out his college time, and sign with the Boston Bruins via free agency. In Boston, he was developing quite nicely, but the team opted to trade him to the Atlanta Thrashers right before their 2011 Stanley Cup win. Atlanta would relocate to Winnipeg, and this is where he would blossom into one of the best players in the entire NHL. He is now the captain of the Jets, and is still producing at an elite level even as he is aging.
Who is this NHL leading scorer?
This player was a second-round pick, but it is clear that he should have taken first overall. The Tampa Bay Lightning are extremely fortunate to have given this player a chance, as he is one of the best players in the entire league. He is currently the leading scorer in the NHL at this present time, and it is by a sizeable margin. The Lightning are poised to be a contender for a number of years because of this superstar. With all of this being stated, it is quite easy to see why he has become a fan favorite in Tampa.
Who is this clutch playoff performer?
In 2007, the Chicago Blackhawks changed the entire fortune of their franchise by taking this player first overall. From the very start of his time in the NHL, this star has easily been one of the best players in the league, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. He is a major reason why the team has gone on to win three Stanley Cups since 2010. In fact, he scored the Stanley Cup winning goal in 2010, when he was still just a kid. Had the Blackhawks not drafted this stud, there is a good chance they never would have found success.
Who is this amazing playmaker?
This player was drafted first overall by the Boston Bruins in 1997. Although he struggled in his first season with the team, he began to progress rather quickly after the fact. He would end up becoming the best playmaker in the entire NHL, and due to this clear fact, he would end up becoming their captain. However, with the Bruins looking to change the identity of their team, they shipped him off to San Jose in the most questionable trade of the 2000s. In San Jose, this player hit an even higher level of player and is still effective. He recently reached 1,000 assists as well.
Who is this franchise sniper?
This player can easily be deemed the best sniper of this generation. When seeing as how he is on the cusp of passing Wayne Gretzky's goal record, there is no argument that can be given against this claim. The Washington Capitals drafted him first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, and they have nothing to complain about with his skill. Although it took some time, he would end up leading them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2018. This player is truly a talent that is hard to come by, and we will watch the rest of his journey with great admiration.
Who is this Anaheim Ducks' legend?
This player would jump into the NHL with a monstrous bang, as he would set the most goals by a rookie in a season with 76. Although he was a member of the Winnipeg Jets during this time, it is clear that he is mostly remembered for his immense success with the Anaheim Ducks. He truly was one of the pioneers of hockey in Anaheim, and he can be deemed as their most recognizable player ever. He would go on to help the Ducks win their lone Stanley Cup in 2007, and is currently a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Who is this top notch two-way forward?
The Boston Bruins struck gold when they drafted this player within the second round of the stacked 2003 NHL Entry Draft, He would make the team as an 18-year-old, and has been a major member of their core ever since. He is primarily known as being the best two-way forward of his generation, and this has allowed him to go on to win a number of Selke Awards as the league's best defensive forward. However, he also has a fantastic scoring touch, and is having his best statistical season thus far. Like fine wine, he is far better with age.
Who is this recently traded defenseman?
This player would end up being the best player in the history of the Ottawa Senators, but his tenure was cut short due to questionable management. He arguably is the best offensive defenseman in the game, but Ottawa decided that he was not a valuable piece for their rebuild. Due to this, they traded him to the San Jose Sharks this past off-season. Although he is struggling through injuries this season, he has been a very solid addition for the team thus far. At the end of the day, it is clear that he has a lot of time to accomplish so much more.
Who is this franchise goalie?
The New York Rangers were extremely lucky to have drafted this goalie, as he is easily the best one in their entire history. Although he has yet bring home a Stanley Cup to the Big Apple, it is clear that he was one of the best goalies in the entire league during his prime years. Even as he is getting older in age, he is still a star for a team that is currently in a rebuilding period. The idea of trading this player may seem blasphemous to Rangers' fans, it may be the right action to do to allow this goalie the chance to win.
Who is this monstrous veteran?
Standing in a 6'9", this player is the tallest to ever step foot in an NHL game. He would begin his time in the NHL with the New York Islanders, but it would be short-lived, as he would end up in Ottawa. With the Senators, he would blossom into one of the best defensive defensemen in the entire league. However, he would truly become great with the Boston Bruins, as he would the James Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman. He also brought back the Stanley Cup to Boston after years of mediocrity. With that, this player is clearly a future Hall of Famer.
Who is this top-of-the-line captain?
This player would end up being drafted third overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. This draft pick was a massive one for the Blackhawks, as it gave them the leader that they needed for a number of years. Although he is not the most offensive player in the league, it is clear that his ability to lead the team to success is massive. He has already won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, and this number could very increase by the time his time in the NHL ends. At the end of the day, this is yet another future Hall of Famer.
Who is this six-time Stanley Cup champion?
When it comes to a true leader, it is hard to find a player who fits the description better than this legend. From the very start of his NHL life, this player was introduced to winning, as he was fortunate to be a part of the Edmonton Oilers. He would go on to win five Stanley Cups there, but went on a mission to win elsewhere. He would go on to play for the New York Rangers, where he truly cemented himself as a Hall of Famer. His most impressive Stanley Cup would come with them in 1994. Today, he is ranked third in all-time points.
Who is this underrated star?
This player was drafted by the Calgary Flames with the sixth pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He would make the team the following season, and would quickly show the team that they made the right decision in drafting him. Each season he has shown a solid amount of progression, and he has cemented himself as a first-line center in the NHL. This season has been a great year for him as well, as he producing at a point per game rate. There is no question that this star is making a name for himself, and this should lead to more praise.
Who is this former 60-goal scorer?
This player has been a star for the Tampa Bay Lightning ever since he entered the NHL. This was expected of him however, as he was drafted by the club with the first overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has been at the top of the NHL in terms of points for a number of seasons, but his best statistical achievement was when he scored 60 goals in 2011-2012. Although injuries have taken a lot of time away from him, he still is producing at a fantastic rate. The Lightning are grateful to have him as their leader.
Who is this Sabres' star?
It is hard to be a fan of the Buffalo Sabres at this present time, as they have been stuck in a rebuilding period for almost this entire decade. However, this player is one who definitely brings the organization hope. The team would draft him second overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and he has quickly become a star in the league. He definitely is the player that they are going to build around for years to come. This season is definitely his best from an offensive standpoint, but his primary goal at this point is to make the Sabres a relevant team in the future.
Who is this quality winger?
This player has had a whirlwind of events over the past year, but it appears that he has finally found some stability. At last seasons trade deadline, he was dealt from the Detroit Red Wings to the Vegas Golden Knights. However, his tenure there would be unfortunate, and he would find himself as a healthy scratch for a significant part of their postseason run. He would thankfully be given another chance, this time with the Montreal Canadiens. With the Habs, he has found his game again, and it seems that he is going to be part of their top-six forward group for quite sometime.
Who is this growing superstar goalie?
This player was once seen as the future of the Ottawa Senators. This would ultimately change however, as Craig Anderson would end up securing the starting job. This would result in this goalie being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. However, his time with the Sabres definitely was a mixed bag. He had been going through an undiagnosed mental illness, which he now is moderating, and off-ice issues. His openness about his struggles have been inspiring to the game. After given the chance to play for the Islanders this season, he has cemented himself a starting job with them, and appears like he is developing into an elite goalie.
Who is this legendary power forward?
This player was the first overall selection in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. The Quebec Nordiques were fortunate to draft him, as he quickly become an offensive juggernaut. However, he would truly grow into an elite player after being traded to the San Jose Sharks. However, as his journey progressed, he went through a plethora of knee injuries. This would result in him missing the entirety of the 2005-2006 season. He would manage to play a handful of seasons on a number of different teams, but it became clear that his injuries slowed him down. However, he still had an amazing career, at the end of the day.
Who is this all-time great?
Many NHL fans have debated who the best player of all-time is, and this is a name that has been brought up in the conversation. There is no question that he was a transformation player, as he brought offensive numbers to the defenseman position. With the Boston Bruins, he would go on to win two Stanley Cups because of his spectacular play, as well as eight straight Norris Trophies, as the league's best defenseman. It is unfortunate that his time in the NHL would end up being cut short due to a plethora of knee injuries. He could have accomplished so much more if not for them.
Who is this legendary scoring machine?
When it comes to natural goal scorers, it is quite challenging to find one who has been as effective as this former star. Throughout the entirety of his time in the NHL, he would find himself at the top of the NHL goal list. He had his best numbers as a member of the St. Louis Blues, but he would become a champion with the Dallas Stars, as well as the Detroit Red Wings. Although his journey would end in a rather lackluster fashion with the Phoenix Coyotes, it is clear that he is one of the best players in the history of the game.
Who is this beloved enforcer?
Although the role of the enforcer has been kicked out of the NHL, there was a time when they were not only respected, but essential. This player is widely considered to be the most effective enforcer of his era, as he truly was an ominous player to line up against. He found his most success when he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they used him an effective manner. Although the team would never win a Stanley Cup with him in their lineup, he truly became a fan favorite because of his ability to protect the team's top players.
Who is this pioneer of the game?
This player is easily one of the most recognizable of all-time. This is because he played a major role in making the NHL one of the most popular professional sports leagues today. He was definitely a once in a generation type talent. and this can be seen by his outstanding statistics. He would go on to spend the vast majority of his time in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. However, he would come out of retirement in 1973 and go on to play seven more professional seasons with the Hartford Whalers. This workhorse would officially retire at 51, where he still was producing at a point per every two game rate.
Who is this revolutionary goalie?
This player is arguably the best goalie in the history of the Montreal Canadiens. This can be seen by the fact that he led the team to six Stanley Cup championships during his tenure there. Although it is clear that he was a wonderful goalie, as he has been named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players," he perhaps is most known for being the first goalie to ever wear a mask. After getting hit with a puck in the face and damaging it significantly, he decided to wear it for his own health. This is why he is a transformational player.