The Rise of European Players in the NHL – How international talent reshaped the league
Europeans excel at ice hockey due to their cold climate upbringing. Nearly 50% of NHL’s new players in 2019-2020 were Europeans, from countries like Sweden, Russia, and Finland. Key players such as Alex Ovechkin and Jaromir Jagr have made significant impacts. Historical figures like Ulf Sterner and Borje Salming paved the way for the European NHL presence.
Europeans excel at ice hockey due to their cold climate upbringing. Nearly 50% of NHL’s new players in 2019-2020 were Europeans, from countries like Sweden, Russia, and Finland. Key players such as Alex Ovechkin and Jaromir Jagr have made significant impacts. Historical figures like Ulf Sterner and Borje Salming paved the way for the European NHL presence.
