5 most underrated European NHL stars of all-time ft. Alexei Kovalev

Hockey has become a global game, and the NHL has seen star players from all over the world come over. Europe has produced countless NHL Hall of Famers and All-Stars.

But through the years, some European NHL stars haven't gotten the recognition they deserve. Here are five of the most underrated European NHL stars ever.

5 most underrated European NHL stars of all-time

#1, Alexei Kovalev

Alexei Kovalev played in the NHL from 1992 until 2013. He skated in 1,316 NHL games between the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.

Kovalev was never the star player on the teams he played for, but he was always one of the top players in the NHL. He finished his career with 1,029 points. He was never inducted into the Hall of Fame despite being a Stanley Cup champion, three-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist.

#2, Marian Hossa

Marian Hossa played in the NHL from 1997 until 2017. He skated in 1,309 regular season games and recorded 1,134 points.

Hossa was a star player in the NHL. He had played for the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

Hossa was the top player on some of his teams but was never one of the best in the NHL. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and five-time All-Star wasn't inducted into the Hall of Fame.

#3, Saku Koivu

Saku Koivu skated in 1,124 NHL games (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Saku Koivu was a beloved captain of the Montreal Canadiens, but his career isn't talked about as how good he was.

Koivu played in the NHL from 1995 until 2014, finishing his career with 832 points. Although he was a two-time NHL All-Star, he didn't get much recognition for his play. However, he was a great two-way player and is tied with Jean Beliveau as the longest-serving captain of the Canadiens.

#4, Peter Bondra

Peter Bondra played in the NHL from 1990 until 2007. He skated in 1,081 games and recorded 892 points.

Bondra, a five-time NHL All-Star, was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2016. Although he won't get into the NHL, Bondra had a stellar NHL career that isn't talked about.

Bondra is one of four eligible 500-goal players currently not in the Hall of Fame, which shows how underrated his career was.

#5, Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek played in the NHL from 2005 until 2019. He skated in 1,029 games and recorded 729 points.

Vanek was never the best player on the teams he played for, but he was a solid NHL player who could play on the first or second line. Vanek was good for 30+ goals and was a key offensive player for the Buffalo Sabres.