The 2010-11 NHL season was an exciting one, as teams battled it out to reach the top of the standings and eventually compete for the Stanley Cup. With a new format that saw the season shortened to a 48-game schedule and divisions realigned, the 2010-11 campaign was an interesting one with plenty of surprises.
In the end, it was the Boston Bruins who emerged triumphant, claiming the championship with a 4-3 series victory over the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals. It was the sixth Stanley Cup win in Bruins’ franchise history and the first since 1972.
The leadup to the Finals was an exciting one, with several teams vying for the championship and some tight series matchups. The 2010-11 NHL season was truly one to remember.
1. Tomas Holmström
Winger
Career
- National team: Sweden
- NHL Draft: 257th overall, 1994
Tomas Holmström was born on January 23, 1973 in Piteå, Sweden. He is a 6'0" 183 cm tall forward who played 12 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings before retiring in 2008.
Tomas had a decorated career in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups (2002 and 2008) as well as several other awards including a Hart Memorial Trophy (2003), Art Ross Award (2007), Lester B.
Pearson Award (2008) and Ted Lindsay Award (2009). After his retirement from hockey, Tomas became an assistant coach for HC Vita Hästen of the Swedish Hockey League where he helped guide them to their first-ever SEL championship victory in 2013/14 season.
In addition to coaching, Tomas also works as a color commentator for TV broadcasts of international hockey matches and has served as an ambassador for various charities throughout his career.
Also Played For: detroit red wings
2. Jimmy Howard
Goaltender
Career
- National team: United States
- NHL Draft: 64th overall, 2003
- Detroit Red Wings
Jimmy Howard is an American goaltender who has played for the Detroit Red Wings since 2006. He was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2001.
Howard has won two Stanley Cups with Detroit, including in 2013-14 when he led all goaltenders with 41 wins and a 2.24 GAA.
Injuries have been a problem for Howard over the past few seasons, limiting him to just 63 appearances between 2014 and 2018 combined due to various injuries sustained in each of those years (ankle, knee).
Despite this impediment, Howard remains one of the most successful goalies in NHL history, having posted back-to-back 50+ win seasons and leading his team to at least one playoff appearance every year since 2006 except for 2012 when he missed almost all of the season due to injury as well.
After spending time with Grand Rapids Griffins during training camp this season, it seems likely that if healthy Howard will retire after playing his tenth full NHL season next year.
Also Played For: 2014–15 nhl season
3. David Krejčí
Center
Career
- NHL team: Boston Bruins
- Former teams: HC Pardubice
- National team: Czech Republic
- NHL Draft: 63rd overall, 2004
David Krejčí was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round, 89th overall of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut with the Bruins in 2006 and has since played for Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens.
David Krejčí won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics with Team Czech Republic and also represented Canada at two World Championships (2007 & 2009).
In November 2014, he signed with HC Davos of Switzerland as an unrestricted free agent. David Krejčí was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2004.
He has since played for HC Pardubice, HC Olomouc, and the Czech Republic national team. David is a right-handed shot and competes primarily as a defenceman.
In 2006 he helped Pardubice win their first Slovakian championship and represented his country at the World Championships that year.
David re-signed with Olomouc in 2013 after spending two seasons with Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga; during that time he won back-to-back championships with Olomouc (2014–15) and led them to their first appearance in an international tournament finals (the Champions Hockey League).
On July 1st, 2017, David signed a three year contract extension with HC Pardubice which will keep him with the club until 2020." David Krejčí is one of Slovakia's most successful hockey players ever having amassed over 200 caps for his country between 2006 – present day.
A defenseman, Krejčí began playing professionally in 2003 when he joined Slovan Bratislava from where he moved on to play for several other clubs before signing upwith HC Pardubice.
With this side, Krejčie won both Slovakian championships (2006 & 2007 ) plus made it all the way to the Champions Hockey League semi-finals before losing out to eventual winners Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
Joining Kometa Brno midway through 2013 proved fortuitous as they went on achieve back - 2nd place league titles within 3 years while also winning another CHL silver medal.
Finally returning home ahead of schedule following 2 successful seasons abroad; Dave decided 2019 would be his final hurrah captaining HCPARDUBICE once again into yet another domestic cup competition victory.
Also Played For: boston bruins
4. Zdeno Chára
Defenseman
Career
- Sparta Praha
- New York Islanders
- Dukla Trenčín
- Ottawa Senators
- Färjestad BK
- Boston Bruins
- Lev Praha
- Washington Capitals
- National team: Slovakia
- NHL Draft: 56th overall, 1996
- New York Islanders
Chára was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He played for Sparta Praha before joining the Bruins on a free transfer in 2001.
Chára won a Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011, and again in 2013 as part of an all-star defence corps that also featured Tim Thomas and Zdeno Chara.
He announced his retirement from professional hockey after playing his last game for HC Kladno at age 40 during the 2016–17 Czech Extraliga season.
Chára has been honoured several times with awards, including being named to both the NHL All-Star First Team (2004) and Second Team (2006) as well as making it to three consecutive All-Rookie Teams between 1998–2000 while playing for Detroit Red Wings; he is one of only two players ever to achieve this feat (the other being Chris Chelios).
In 2007, he was awarded The Order of Merit “For Exceptional Achievement” by President Vědecký komisař ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY Jiří Dienstbier at Prague Castle whereupon Prince Philip presented him with his insignia bearing special rank „SSG“ within Czechoslovak Army.
Finally, Chára became one of very few people who have had their name engraved on two different statues inside the Montreal Canadiens Hall Of Fame – one representing him as a player while another commemorating him posthumously due to injury sustained during playoffs against Ottawa Senators on May 18th 2017.
Also Played For: ottawa senators
5. Milan Lucic
Left wing
Career
- 2004–05: Coquitlam Express
- 2004–05: Vancouver Giants
- 2005–06: Vancouver Giants
- 2006–07: Vancouver Giants
- 2007–08: Boston Bruins
- 2008–09: Boston Bruins
- 2009–10: Boston Bruins
Milan Lucic is a talented left winger who has spent his entire career with the Calgary Flames. He was drafted by the Flames in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and has since become one of their most important players.
Lucic is known for his physical play and lethal shot, which makes him a dangerous player on offence. He has won multiple awards over the course of his career, including being named to both the All-Star team and the Stanley Cup champion in 2017.
In 2019, he signed a five-year contract extension with Calgary that will keep him with the team until 2023 Milan Lucic is a talented left winger who has played in the NHL for six years.
Milan Lucic was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2006 and has spent most of his career with them.
In 2007, he led the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup since 1972 and became one of the most popular players on the team.
He continued his success with Boston in 2010, 2012, and 2014 before moving to Edmonton in 2017 where he has been an important part of their lineup ever since.
Milan Lucic is known for being strong on the puck and having a powerful shot that can score goals at any time.
He also plays a physical game which often results in penalties being called against him; but he never backs down from a challenge.
Milan Lucic will be 36 years old when his playing career comes to an end; but he continues to perform at a high level both on and off the ice, making him one of the best players currently playing in hockey.
Also Played For: vancouver giants, memorial cup
6. Jordan Eberle
Right winger
Career
- 2007–08: Regina Pats
- 2008–09: Regina Pats
- 2008–09: Springfield Falcons
- 2009–10: Regina Pats
- 2009–10: Springfield Falcons
- 2010–11: Edmonton Oilers
Jordan Eberle is a right-wing who has played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames in his NHL career. He was drafted by the Oilers in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Eberle scored 46 goals and added 82 assists for 128 points during the 2010-11 season with Edmonton, winning both the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP that year.
In 2013, he was traded to New York where he spent four seasons before being dealt to Calgary at the trade deadline in 2017.
During his time with Edmonton, he won two Stanley Cups (2008 & 2009) and an Olympic gold medal (2010). On July 1st, 2018 Jordan Eberle re-signed with Calgary on a one-year contract worth $5 million USD.
He finished second on Team Canada's roster in their successful quest for Olympic gold once again this year - scoring 4 goals along with 5 assists over 7 games while averaging almost 17 minutes per game.
Also Played For: world junior ice hockey championships, seattle kraken
7. Mark Recchi
Career
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Atlanta Thrashers
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Boston Bruins
- National team: Canada
- NHL Draft: 67th overall, 1988
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- World Championship: 1997 Finland
- World Junior Championships: 1988 Soviet Union
Mark Recchi is a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, and was one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history. He played for Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes over his 19-year career.
Mark Recchi was known as an excellent right winger who could score goals with either hand. His legendary long shot helped him become one of the most popular players in the NHL during his era.
In 2017, he was honoured by being named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Influential People in History - a distinction that speaks volumes about his legacy both on and off the ice.
Mark Recchi is a retired professional ice hockey player who spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Thrashers. Recchi was born on October 25, 1967 in Toronto, Ontario.
He played junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). After his junior career was over, Recchi signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins in 1987.
He made his NHL debut that season and went on to play 614 regular season games over fourteen seasons with Boston, Pittsburgh and Atlanta before retiring after the 2011–12 season.
In 1994–95 he won both the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as best gentlemanly player in the NHL and The Frank J Selke Trophy as best defensive forward in league history.
Mark Recchi has also represented Canada internationally at several tournaments including World Championship tournaments where he won gold medals at both 1997 Finland tournament and 2006 Russia tournament respectively.
On November 2nd 2016 it was announced that Mark recchi had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma which required him to take chemotherapy treatments from December onward until his death on January 17th 2017 at 57 years old due to complications from cancer.
Also Played For: philadelphia flyers, montreal canadiens
8. Jeff Skinner
Left wing
Career
- NHL team: Buffalo Sabres
- Former teams: Carolina Hurricanes
- National team: Canada
- NHL Draft: 7th overall, 2010
- Carolina Hurricanes
Jeff Skinner is a 30-year-old left wing who was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He has played for both the Halifax Mooseheads and Toronto Marlies of the QMJHL before joining Carolina as a full-time player in 2013.
Skinner led all rookies with 28 goals and 57 points in 64 games during his rookie season with Carolina; he also added 10 assists for 70 points total on the year.
In 2014–15, Skinner finished second among NHL scorers behind Sidney Crosby with 106 points (37 goals, 63 assists) in 78 games played; he also registered career highs with 24 powerplay goals and 11 game-winning goals that season.
The following season—2015–16—Skinner again dominated offensively posting 128 points (50 goals, 74 assists), leading all players in scoring once more while establishing himself as one of hockey's most reliable offensive weapons over an extended period of time.
Injuries limited him to only 73 regular season games during 2017–18 but still managed to contribute 42 points (17g/27a) along with seven game-winning tallies en route to earning his fourth consecutive nomination for both Hart Memorial Trophy and Art Ross Trophy award winners.
Also Played For: carolina hurricanes, kitchener rangers
9. Ľubomír Višňovský
Defenseman
Career
- National team: Slovakia
- NHL Draft: 118th overall, 2000
Višňovský was born on August 11th, 1976 in Topoľčany, Czechoslovakia. At the age of 46, Ľubomír Višňovský is a defenceman playing for the New York Islanders in the NHL.
Before turning to professional hockey, Višňovský played several seasons with HC Slovan Bratislava of the Slovak Extraliga and SKA Saint Petersburg of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
In 2009, Višňovský won his first Stanley Cup championship with the Detroit Red Wings following their victory over Pittsburgh in seven games during the playoffs that year.
Known for his hard-hitting style of play and ability to quarterback a powerplay from his position on defense, Ľubomír Višňovský has been praised as one of Slovakia's most successful hockey players ever.
Married since 2001 to former ice dancer Martina Kusnirova-Višňova (born 1977), Štefan and Martina have two daughters – Klara (born 2002) and Dália (born 2006).
In addition to Slovak language media coverage at home where he is commonly referred to by diminutive forms such as "Babi" or "Dobri", internationally Đubo also enjoys recognition having been named one of Canada’s 25 Greatest Living Players by Lester B Pearson Award winners The Hockey News in 2011.
Also Played For: anaheim ducks, los angeles kings
10. Daniel Sedin
Left wing
Career
- Modo Hockey
- Vancouver Canucks
- NHL Draft: 2nd overall, 1999
- Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sedin is a 6'1" tall Swedish hockey player who has played for the Vancouver Canucks since 2002.
He was drafted by the Canucks in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and has been a perennial All-Star and Selke Trophy nominee with them over that time period.
In 2012 he won his third Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer while also being named to his fourth consecutive All-Star team. Sedin holds numerous Canucks records including most goals (374), assists (731) and points (1,033).
On 14 July 2018 it was announced that Daniel Sedin had signed an 8 year contract extension with Vancouver worth $64 million ($8 million per season).
This makes him one of only four players ever to sign an eight year contract worth more than $10 million per season in modern-day NHL history.
As well as playing for Team Sweden at various international championships throughout his career, Daniel Sedin served as captain of their national team from 2011 until his retirement following Euro 2016 tournament play where they went undefeated en route to winning gold medal.
Also Played For: vancouver canucks
11. Kevin Bieksa
Defenseman
Career
- National team: Canada
- NHL Draft: 151st overall, 2001
- Vancouver Canucks
Kevin Bieksa is a veteran defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks. He has played in 902 NHL games, recording 207 points (29 goals and 158 assists). Kevin was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
After playing with them for 3 seasons, he was traded to Vancouver in 2004 as part of an eight-player deal that also involved Brian Campbell and Rickard Wallin.
Bieksa has been an instrumental player on both sides of the ice during his career; being known as a strong two-way defender who can quarterback a power play from the blue line or provide timely offense when needed.
Injuries have slowed down Bieksa somewhat over recent years but he still provides value to Vancouver on defense, averaging 22 minutes per game over the past three seasons combined (2013 – 15).
Outside of hockey, Kevin is heavily involved in philanthropy through his foundation “Bieksa’s Kids” which focuses on supporting youth hockey programs across Canada . The organization has raised more than $1 million since its inception in 2010.
Kevin will be looking to start 2018 off on the right foot after undergoing successful surgery to remove a tumor from his thyroid gland earlier this year and is currently rehabbing back at home before returning to training later this spring/summer.
12. Dan Hamhuis
Defenseman
Career
- National team: Canada
- NHL Draft: 12th overall, 2001
- Nashville Predators
Hamhuis is a physical player who uses his size and strength to dominate opposing players. He has played in the NHL for 10 seasons, most notably with the Vancouver Canucks.
Hamhuis also played for the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers before joining the Canucks in 2011. Injuries have hampered Hamhuis' career recently, but he is still able to contribute on offence from time to time.
He will be 39 years old at the end of this season, which may mean that he is nearing the end of his playing days. Hamhuis was born in Canada but represents Australia at international level Dan Hamhuis played for the Nashville Predators from 2002 to 2020.
He was drafted by Vancouver Canucks in 2001, but he only played with them for two seasons before moving on to Dallas Stars. Dan is a left-handed defenceman and has represented Canada at both junior and international level.
In 2010, he won the Stanley Cup with Dallas Stars after defeating Philadelphia Flyers in six games series finale.
After playing his final season with Vancouver Canucks in 2018–19, Hamhuis signed a one-year contract with Nashville Predators ahead of the 2019–20 NHL season.
Also Played For: 2012–13 nhl season, nashville predators
13. Dustin Byfuglien
Defenseman
Career
- 2003–04: Prince George Cougars
- 2004–05: Prince George Cougars
- 2005–06: Norfolk Admirals
- 2005–06: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2006–07: Norfolk Admirals
- 2006–07: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2007–08: Rockford IceHogs
- 2007–08: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2008–09: Chicago Blackhawks
Dustin Byfuglien is an American professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
He was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and has since played for several other teams, including Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings.
In 2016, he joined his fourth NHL team when he signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets. Known for his powerful slapshot and physical play, Byfuglien has twice been voted to serve as captain of his team; first with Avalanche in 2009–10 season and then again with Capitals in 2013–14 season.
He is married to Jennifer Schamberg and they have two children together: Jackson Arthur Sullivan Byfuglien (born May 1st 2014) and Ella Elizabeth Annabelle "Lena" Byfuglien (born March 10th 2017).
Dustin's hobbies include hunting big game such as elk, deer or moose; playing video games; spending time outdoors fishing or skiing.
Watching sports events on television; cooking elaborate meals for friends and family members at home or at restaurants whenever possible; reading non-fiction books about history or science topics that interest him.; collecting vintage cars.
Also Played For: winnipeg jets, nhl 17
14. Rich Peverley
Career
- 2003–04: St. Lawrence University
- 2004–05: South Carolina Stingrays
- 2004–05: Portland Pirates
- 2005–06: Reading Royals
- 2005–06: Milwaukee Admirals
- 2006–07: Milwaukee Admirals
- 2006–07: Nashville Predators
- 2007–08: Milwaukee Admirals
Rich Peverley is a centre who played for the Boston Bruins from 2006 to 2012. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the third round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his debut with them in 2002-03.
In 2006, he was traded to the Bruins in exchange for goaltender Tuukka Rask. Peverley had a productive career with Boston, winning Stanley Cups in 2011 and 2013 as well as an Olympic gold medal in 2010.
After playing his last game for Boston on May 12th, 2014, he announced his retirement from professional hockey at age 38 after 17 seasons Rich Peverley was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2004 and played for them until 2014.
He also played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, JYP Jyväskylä, Dallas Stars, and Canada National Team during his career. Rich is best known for his time with the Nashville Predators where he scored 184 points in 438 games.
After leaving hockey Rich has gone on to work as a color commentator and scout for various teams around the NHL.
Also Played For: atlanta thrashers, echl
15. Kari Lehtonen
Goaltender
Career
- Jokerit
- Atlanta Thrashers
- Dallas Stars
- National team: Finland
- NHL Draft: 2nd overall, 2002
- Atlanta Thrashers
Kari Lehtonen is a highly successful goaltender in the NHL. Lehtonen has won the Stanley Cup twice, with the Dallas Stars in 2013 and 2014. Lehtonen has also won the Vezina Trophy twice, as the top goaltender in the NHL.
Lehtonen played for the Finnish national team at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Lehtonen is currently a goaltender for the Dallas Stars. Lehtonen has a wife and two children. Lehtonen is a devout Christian. Lehtonen is a fan of golf.
Lehtonen is a popular figure in Finland. Kari Lehtonen is a Finnish goaltender who played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Nashville Predators in the NHL. Kari Lehtonen was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round of the 2002 NHL Draft.
Kari Lehtonen played for the Atlanta Thrashers from 1999 to 2008, winning the Calder Cup in 2003.
Kari Lehtonen played for the Dallas Stars from 2008 to 2014, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011. Kari Lehtonen played for the Nashville Predators from 2014 to 2018, winning the Stanley Cup in 2017.
Kari Lehtonen has represented Finland in international play, including at the World Championships and the Olympics. Kari Lehtonen is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, as the highest-rated goaltender in the NHL.
Kari Lehtonen is set to retire at the end of the 2018-19 NHL season. Kari Lehtonen is a respected member of the NHL community, and he has worked with various charities throughout his career.
Also Played For: dallas stars
16. Toni Lydman
Buffalo Sabres
Career
- Tappara
- HIFK
- Calgary Flames
- Buffalo Sabres
- Anaheim Ducks
- National team: Finland
- NHL Draft: 89th overall, 1996
- Calgary Flames
Toni Lydman is a former defenceman who played for Tappara in Finland. Lydman was born in 1977 in Lahti, Finland. Lydman is 6'1" and weighs 202 pounds. Lydman shoots left-handed.
Lydman has played for Finland at the international level. Lydman retired from professional hockey in 2013. Lydman has a degree in business administration from the University of Helsinki.
Lydman is married and has two children. Lydman currently works as a business consultant. Toni Lydman is a Finnish-born NHL defenseman who played for the Calgary Flames from 1996 to 2013. He was a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Flames.
Lydman was born in 1967 in Turku, Finland. He played for the Jokerit Helsinki team of the Finnish SM-liiga before being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the ninth round of the NHL Draft in 1996.
Lydman made his NHL debut with the Flames in the 1996–97 season. He played in 975 games for Calgary, scoring 153 goals and 389 points.
He was a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 2004. Lydman played for the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and Helsinki Jokerit before retiring in 2013.
He is the all-time leader in games played by a Finnish-born player in the NHL. Lydman is currently the head coach of the HPK Helsinki team in the Finnish Liiga.
17. Zenon Konopka
Tampa Bay Lightning
Career
- Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- New York Islanders
- Ottawa Senators
- Minnesota Wild
- Buffalo Sabres
- KH Sanok
- NHL Draft: Undrafted
Konopka was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on January 2, 1981. Konopka played hockey for the Ottawa Senators from 2003 to 2011. Konopka has played in the NHL for 9 seasons and has scored 267 points.
Konopka is a centre and shoots left. Konopka was a member of the Canada men's national ice hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the 2005 World Championships, and the 2007 World Championships. Konopka is married and has two children.
Konopka is a fitness enthusiast and has competed in Ironman and triathlon races. Konopka retired from hockey in 2011. Konopka is a ambassador for the Sens Foundation and has worked with the organization to raise money for cancer research.
Zenon Konopka was born on October 26, 1988 in Krakow, Poland. Konopka played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild and Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. Konopka retired from professional hockey in 2015.
In his career, Konopka recorded 89 goals and 164 assists for 277 points in 547 games. Konopka was a member of the Polish national team and played at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Konopka has been involved in humanitarian work, notably with the Special Olympics. Konopka is the owner of his own hockey school in his home country of Poland.
Konopka is married and has two children. Konopka is a self-taught artist who has been painting for over a decade.
Final Words
The 2010-11 NHL season was an exciting one, as teams battled it out to reach the top of the standings. Some of the best players of all time shone during the season, and they are listed here in no particular order.
