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

16. Steve Heinze, Lawrence: Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings 1991 – 2003

Steve Heinze was able to play for his hometown Boston Bruins to begin his NHL career. He spent 9 seasons with Boston, before playing parts of three seasons in Columbus, Buffalo, and Los Angeles.

In his career, Heinze scored 178 goals and had 158 assists. He had a +13 rating in Boston, but he fell to career -20 thanks to his time in Columbus (-19) and Los Angeles (-20).

15. Tom Fitzgerald, Billerica: New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins 1988 – 2006

Tom Fitzgerald wasn’t an All-Star, he was an NHL journeyman. He spent time with seven different teams over his long career, and he got to end it with his hometown Boston Bruins.

Fitzgerald had just 329 points in 1,097 NHL games, but his longevity got him onto this list. You must be doing something right if you can span parts of three decades in your career.

14. Ted Donato, Boston: Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers 1991 – 2004

Another journeyman makes the cut in the form of Ted Donato. He began his career in Boston and ended it there as well. Donato was also a standout at Catholic Memorial High School and at Harvard before his time in the NHL.

In the NHL he scored 150 goals and recorded 197 assists in 796 games.

Immediately after his playing career ended, Donato became the head coach at Harvard. In 2017, he led the Crimson to a Beanpot title and an appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four. His son Ryan is a top prospect for the Boston Bruins.