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Americans Selected First Overall

To date, eight American players have been selected first overall in an NHL Draft. The most recent player to be taken first overall was Jack Hughes (Orlando, Fla.) when the New Jersey Devils called his name first at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia.

2019 NHL Draft | Jack Hughes

Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
NHL Team: New Jersey Devils
Team Then: USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (USHL)

2016 NHL Draft | Auston Matthews

Hometown: Scottsdale, Ariz.
NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Team Then: Zurich Lions (SUI)

2007 NHL Draft | Patrick Kane

Hometown: Buffalo, New York
NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Team Then: London Knights (OHL)

2006 NHL Draft | Erik Johnson

Hometown: Bloomington, Mich.
NHL Team: St. Louis Blues
Team Then: U.S. National Under-18 Team (NAHL)


2000 NHL Draft | Rick DiPietro

Hometown: Winthrop, Mass.
NHL Team: New York Islanders
Team Then: Boston University (HEA)

1995 NHL Draft | Bryan Berard

Hometown: Woonsocket, R.I.
NHL Team: Ottawa Senators
Team Then: Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL)


1988 NHL Draft | Mike Modano

Hometown: Livonia, Mich.
NHL Team: Minnesota North Stars
Team Then: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

1983 NHL Draft | Brian Lawton

Hometown: New Brunswick, N.J.
NHL Team: Minnesota North Stars
Team Then: Mount St. Charles Academy (USHS)