Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden and Russia are easily the first countries that come to mind when you think of hockey superpowers. Each of those countries have had their success over the past decade at either the pro or junior level or both.
This week we take a look at who has been the best player from each of those countries over the past decade
Russia: Alex Ovechkin
There are plenty of talented players from Russia, but over the past decade Ovechkin has definitely stood out as the best and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
Finland: Mikko Koivu
If you went with a goalie, Pekka Rinne could have a shot at this, but when it comes to being influential, Koivu has certainly been just that.
Sweden: Henrik Lundqvist
Swedes are everywhere you look in the NHL and there have been so many incredibly talented players to come out of the country over the past 10 years that it is so hard to name just one....I mean Detroit had at least four during their last Stanley Cup run. King Henrik has proven himself to be one of the best goalies in the world though for the last seven years at least.
USA: Zach Parise
He's been Mr. Consistent for the national team and is still an important part of the Minnesota Wild organization. Zach Parise has been an important name for USA Hockey since we first saw him win Gold at the World Juniors in 2004.
Canada: Jonathan Toews
With all the great Canadian players throughout the last decade, it seems like this is a nearly impossible one to pick, but when you consider the fact that Jonathan Toews has two Junior Championships for Canada, two Olympic Gold Medals for Canada and three Stanley Cup rings before he's even hit 30 years old...it's hard not to pick Jonathan Toews.