Local Roots: The greatest NHL players of all-time from Massachusetts

Massachusetts always churns out top NHL talent, and these are the 20 best. Some on this list are projected to get even better since they still play.

When you look at most NHL rosters, you’ll likely find a player from Massachusetts on it. While some current players will crack my list of the top 20 NHL players all-time from the Bay State, a lot of these guys are retired. Some current players still have room to make this list or move up, maybe to the top.

My rankings are not an exact science. I took games played, points scored, and a number of other factors into account, but I did not base the list on one particular stat. Some of these players just have it. We all know what it is, even if can’t explain it. As always with these rankings, let me know where you disagree or let me know who I left off the list!

20. Jack Eichel, North Chelmsford: Buffalo Sabres 2015 – Present

Jack Eichel is just 20-years old, but he’ll be entering his 3rd season in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres. He’s one of the Massachusetts natives that I believe has a chance to skyrocket up this list.

Through two seasons, Eichel has 113 points in 142 games. Last season, he had 57 points after 56 in 2015-16. He actually played in 20-less games though in his second year. In year three, expect another jump for Eichel. He’ll likely end up somewhere around 70-75 points.