10 Best NHL Players From Minnesota

#10: Bob Suter (1975 – 1980)

Position: Defenseman
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs
College Team: University of Wisconsin

Bob Suter is best known as a defenseman on the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team that won gold. While born in Wisconsin, Suter’s impact on hockey extended to Minnesota, where he became a significant figure in youth hockey development. 

Though he didn’t play in the NHL, Suter’s contributions to the sport, both as a player and mentor, solidified his legacy in American hockey history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team
• Olympic Gold Medalist (1980)
• Played for the University of Wisconsin
• Major contributor to youth hockey in Minnesota

#9: Ryan McDonagh (2010 – Present)

• Position: Defenseman
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 lbs
• High School: Cretin-Derham Hall High School, St. Paul, MN
• NHL Teams: New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators

Ryan McDonagh has established himself as one of the premier defensemen in the NHL, known for his physical play, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute offensively when needed. 

Drafted 12th overall in 2007, McDonagh became the captain of the New York Rangers and was instrumental in leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. 

He later played a crucial role in helping the Tampa Bay Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. McDonagh’s leadership, strong defensive play, and shot-blocking ability make him one of the most respected defensemen in the league.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x Stanley Cup Champion (2020, 2021)
• NHL All-Star (2016)
• Captain of the New York Rangers (2014-2018)

#8: Jamie Langenbrunner (1994 – 2012)

• Position: Right Wing
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 200 lbs
• High School: Cloquet Senior High School, Cloquet, MN
• NHL Teams: Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues

Jamie Langenbrunner was known for his leadership, two-way play, and ability to perform in the biggest moments. Drafted by the Dallas Stars in 1993, Langenbrunner played a pivotal role in helping the Stars win the Stanley Cup in 1999. 

He later joined the New Jersey Devils, where he served as captain and led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2003. Langenbrunner’s combination of offensive ability, defensive responsibility, and leadership made him a key figure on both teams. 

He was also known for his playoff heroics, finishing as the leading scorer in the 2003 postseason.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x Stanley Cup Champion (1999, 2003)
• Captain of the New Jersey Devils

#7: Matt Cullen (1997 – 2019)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 200 lbs
• High School: Moorhead High School, Moorhead, MN
• NHL Teams: Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, among others

Matt Cullen is one of the most accomplished and versatile players to come out of Minnesota, known for his longevity and ability to contribute in all aspects of the game. Cullen played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning three Stanley Cups over the course of his career. 

A consistent two-way player, Cullen was valuable in both offensive and defensive roles, excelling in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. He played a key role in helping the Carolina Hurricanes win their first Stanley Cup in 2006 and was a veteran leader for the Pittsburgh Penguins during their back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. 

Cullen’s leadership, durability, and ability to adapt his game made him one of the most respected players in the league.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x Stanley Cup Champion (2006, 2016, 2017)

#6: T.J. Oshie (2008 – Present)

• Position: Right Wing
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 189 lbs
• High School: Warroad High School, Warroad, MN
• NHL Teams: St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals

In the 2014 Winter Olympics, T.J. Oshie became a hero by scoring four shootout goals to lead Team USA to a thrilling victory over Russia. His clutch performance against Russian goalie Sergei Bobrovsky made him an instant icon in Olympic hockey history.

Known for his offensive creativity, hard-nosed play, and ability to rise to the occasion in pressure moments, Oshie became a fan favorite with the St. Louis Blues before joining the Washington Capitals. Oshie played a crucial role in helping the Capitals win their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018, contributing key goals throughout the playoffs. 

His combination of skill, grit, and leadership has made him one of the most popular and impactful players from Minnesota.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Stanley Cup Champion (2018)
• 2x NHL All-Star (2017, 2020)
• Olympic shootout hero for Team USA (2014 Winter Olympics)

#5: Dustin Byfuglien (2005 – 2020)

• Position: Defenseman / Right Wing
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 260 lbs
• High School: Roseau High School, Roseau, MN
• NHL Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets

Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, he played a key role in their 2010 Stanley Cup victory, scoring 11 goals during the playoff run. 

Byfuglien later became a franchise cornerstone for the Winnipeg Jets, where he was known for his booming slap shot, physical play, and ability to log heavy minutes. His ability to change the course of a game with his physicality or offensive contributions made him a unique player in NHL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Stanley Cup Champion (2010)
• 4x NHL All-Star

#4: Blake Wheeler (2008 – Present)

• Position: Right Wing
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 225 lbs
• High School: Breck School, Golden Valley, MN
• NHL Teams: Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets

Blake Wheeler has been a standout in the NHL for over a decade, known for his leadership, playmaking ability, and scoring touch. 

A powerful forward with exceptional vision, Wheeler has consistently ranked among the top point producers in the league. As captain of the Winnipeg Jets, Wheeler led the team to its first-ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2018. 

His combination of size, speed, and hockey IQ has made him one of the most consistent offensive players from Minnesota. Wheeler is also known for his durability, frequently playing entire seasons without missing games.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Captain of the Winnipeg Jets (2016-2022)
• NHL All-Star (2018, 2019)

#3: Zach Parise (2005 – Present)

• Position: Left Wing
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 190 lbs
• High School: Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Faribault, MN
• NHL Teams: New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders

Zach Parise has been one of the most consistent and hard-working forwards in the NHL for nearly two decades. Known for his relentless motor, goal-scoring ability, and leadership, Parise was the captain of the New Jersey Devils when they reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. 

After signing a blockbuster contract with the Minnesota Wild in 2012, Parise became the face of the franchise, leading the team through multiple playoff appearances. 

On the international stage, Parise was a key figure for Team USA, famously scoring the game-tying goal in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game. Parise’s impact on Minnesota hockey, both at the professional and international levels, cements his place as one of the state’s greatest players.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NHL All-Star (2009)
• Captain of the New Jersey Devils (2011-2012)
• Olympic Silver Medalist (2010)

#2: Phil Housley (1982 – 2003)

• Position: Defenseman
• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 185 lbs
• High School: South St. Paul High School, South St. Paul, MN
• NHL Teams: Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals

Phil Housley is one of the greatest offensive defensemen in NHL history and a true Minnesota hockey legend. Known for his skating, vision, and playmaking ability, Housley racked up over 1,200 points during his Hall of Fame career, which spanned over two decades. 

Housley’s ability to quarterback a power play and generate offense from the blue line set him apart from his peers. A seven-time All-Star, he played for eight NHL teams, most notably the Buffalo Sabres and Calgary Flames. 

After his playing career, Housley continued to impact the game as a coach, including a stint as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. His legacy as one of the best American-born defensemen is firmly established.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2015)
• 7x NHL All-Star
• Over 1,200 career points (fourth-most all-time among defensemen)
• Olympic Silver Medalist (2002)

#1: Neal Broten (1980 – 1997)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 175 lbs
• High School: Roseau High School, Roseau, MN
• NHL Teams: Minnesota North Stars, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings

Neal Broten is perhaps the most iconic hockey player to ever come out of Minnesota. A member of the famed “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team that won gold in 1980, Broten went on to have an outstanding NHL career, most notably with the Minnesota North Stars and New Jersey Devils. 

Broten’s speed, hockey sense, and playmaking ability made him a star in the NHL, and he became the first American-born player to score over 100 points in a season. In 1995, he helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup, solidifying his place as one of the greatest American players of all time. 

Broten remains a Minnesota hockey legend, remembered for his contributions to both international and professional hockey.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team
• Stanley Cup Champion (1995)
• 2x NHL All-Star
• First American-born player to score 100 points in an NHL season