
Originally Posted by
Marc Brunengraber
I don't think it's really a valid debate to lump offensemen, defensemen, and goaltenders together.
As for each category, the best Americans ever, in my view, are as follows -
1. OFFENSE -
Pat LaFontaine. With all due respect, it's not even close. His point per game totals speak for themselves. He had a 168 point season, another 100+ point season, and was, for his career, more than a point per game player in both the NHL and the Olympics. Injuries sadly cut his career short.
You could argue for Brett Hull, but he's a dual Canadian-American.
2. DEFENSE -
Brian Leetch. In short, he was the American's closest thing to Bobby Orr (not that he was as good as Orr, mind you, but even to be reminiscent of Orr is damned impressive). His career stats would have been better if he wasn't stuck on so many terrible NY Rangers teams.
3. GOAL -
Mike Richter or Tom Barrasso. Good arguments can be made for both.