Ice Cold: The Top 10 Black Players In The NHL Right Now [PHOTOS]
Written by
Roosevelt Bowman
Published on
May 26, 2014
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The NHL has come a long way since Willie O’Ree debuted as the first Black hockey player (ironically enough for the Boston Bruins) in the late ‘50s.
During the 80’s and 90’s goalie Grant Fuhr helped the Edmonton Oilers win five Stanley Cups and he would later become the first Black hockey player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. With the NHL playoff hunt for the Stanley Cup in full effect, what better time than now to highlight some of hockey’s best Black players?
African-American players are becoming increasingly prominent in the sport, and here you can check out the current top 10 in the gallery.
NHL Awards 2016 held at The Joint – Arrivals Featuring: PK Subban Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States When: 22 Jun 2016 Credit: DJDM/WENN.com
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Photo: AP Photo
10. Joel Ward, RW, Washington Capitals
Ward is a high-energy, physical player with a knack for big goals, particularly at playoff time. Ward scored a career-high 24 goals for the Caps this year.
9. Trevor Daley, D, Dallas Stars
Daley’s play has steadily improved over the past few years. He is solid in his own end but has good speed to join the rush as well.
8. Seth Jones, D, Nashville Predators
Jones’ production during his rookie year tailed off a bit near the end of the season, but the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones has the size, speed and skill to become a top NHL defenseman.
7. Dustin Byfuglien, D/RW, Winnipeg Jets
Byfuglien has tremendous size and solid goal scoring ability. His defensive play, however, can be indifferent at times.
6. Johnny Oduya, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Oduya is a solid shutdown defenseman for perennial Cup contender Chicago. He also won a silver medal as a member of Team Sweden at this year’s Olympics.
5. Evander Kane, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Kane has a disappointing past 2 seasons after scoring 30 goals in the 2011-12 campaign. Some of his struggles, however, are a result of playing with subpar linemates who lack speed and playmaking ability.
4. Wayne Simmonds, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Simmonds follows in the long tradition of tough and nasty Philly forwards. His power play prowess contributed to his career high 60 points this year. Simmonds is also a good fighter and will drop the gloves when necessary.
3. Kyle Okposo, RW, New York Islanders
Okposo has blossomed over the past 18 months for the Islanders. He’s extremely tough to knock of the puck, has a good wrist shot, and exhibits excellent leadership qualities. He was a notable omission from Team USA at this year’s Olympics, as Team USA limped through a disappointing showing.
2. Jarome Iginla, RW, Boston Bruins
Iginla is a first ballot future Hall of Famer for his many years as the leader of the Calgary Flames. He is currently in Boston in search of his first Cup. Iginla was magnificent in leading Team Canada to gold in 2002, and was a dominant player again in 2010 when Canada beat the U.S. in overtime for the gold.
1. P.K. Subban, D, Montreal Canadiens
Iginla obviously has the longer and more decorated career, but Subban is best current Black NHL player. Last year Subban won the reigning Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s best defenseman. Subban blends his hard, accurate shot with creative playmaking and is physical in his own end of the ice. He leads the Canadiens in scoring during the current playoff campaign.
