Golden Gophers in the NHL
Golden Gophers Currently in the NHL
Golden Gophers on the Stanley Cup
Golden Gophers in the NHL All-Star Game
Minnesota's First-Round NHL Draft Picks
Minnesota's Highest Overall Draft Picks
Golden Gophers Drafted by Round
Golden Gophers Drafted by Team
All-Time NHL Draft Picks
Seventeen former Golden Gophers have played in the NHL since the start of the 2010-11 season
|
Keith Ballard
Defenseman
Vancouver Canucks
2002 NHL Draft: 1st Rd (11th)
Golden Gophers (2002-04)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos 
|
|
|
|
Stu Bickel
Defenseman
New York Rangers
Golden Gophers (2008)
NHL Bio
|
|
|
|
Cade Fairchild
Defenseman
St. Louis Blues
2007 NHL Draft: 4th Rd (96th)
Golden Gophers (2007-08)
NHL Bio
@caderade0
YouTube
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erik Johnson
Defenseman
Colorado Avalanche
2006 NHL Draft: 1st Rd (1st)
Golden Gophers (2007)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Jordan Leopold
Defenseman
Buffalo Sabres
1999 NHL Draft: 2nd Rd (44th)
Golden Gophers (1999-02)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
|
|
|
Paul Martin
Defenseman
Pittsburgh Penguins
2000 NHL Draft: 2nd Rd (62nd)
Golden Gophers (2001-03)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
|
|
|
Aaron Ness
Defenseman
New York Islanders
2008 NHL Draft: 2nd Rd (40th)
Golden Gophers (2008-11)
NHL Bio
@aaron_ness |
|
|
|
Jim O'Brien
Forward
Ottawa Senators
2007 NHL Draft: 1st Rd (29th)
Golden Gophers (2007)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ryan Stoa
Forward
Colorado Avalanche
2005 NHL Draft: 2nd Rd (34th)
Golden Gophers (2006-09)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
|
|
|
Jeff Taffe
Forward
Minnesota Wild
2000 NHL Draft: 1st Rd (30th)
Golden Gophers (2000-02)
NHL Bio
NHL Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top
Golden Gophers on the Stanley Cup
| Year |
Player |
Team |
| 1977 |
Mike Polich |
Montreal |
| 1991 |
Frank Pietrangelo |
Pittsburgh |
| 1991 |
Bob Johnson (coach) |
Pittsburgh |
| 1992 |
Bob Johnson (coach) |
Pittsburgh |
| 1995 |
Tom Chorske |
New Jersey |
| 1995 |
Neal Broten |
New Jersey |
| 2004 |
Ben Clymer |
Tampa Bay |
| 2009 |
Alex Goligoski |
Pittsburgh |
Top
Golden Gophers in the NHL All-Star Game
| Year |
Player |
Team |
| 1978 |
Reed Larson |
Detroit |
| 1980 |
Reed Larson |
Detroit |
| 1981 |
Paul Holmgren |
Philadelphia |
| 1981 |
Reed Larson |
Detroit |
| 1982 |
Mike Ramsey |
Buffalo |
| 1983 |
Neal Broten |
Minnesota |
| 1983 |
Mike Ramsey |
Buffalo |
| 1985 |
Mike Ramsey |
Buffalo |
| 1986 |
Neal Broten |
Minnesota |
| 1986 |
Mike Ramsey |
Buffalo |
| 2009 |
Thomas Vanek |
Buffalo |
| 2011 |
Phil Kessel |
Toronto |
Top
Minnesota's First-Round Draft Picks
| Year |
Player |
Team |
Pick |
| 1979 |
Mike Ramsey |
Buffalo |
11 |
| 1985 |
Tom Chorske |
Montreal |
16 |
| 1989 |
Doug Zmolek |
Minnesota |
7 |
| 1996 |
Erik Rasmussen |
Buffalo |
7 |
| 2000 |
Jeff Taffe |
St. Louis |
30 |
| 2002 |
Keith Ballard |
Buffalo |
11 |
| 2003 |
Thomas Vanek |
Buffalo |
5 |
| 2004 |
Blake Wheeler |
Phoenix |
5 |
| 2004 |
Kris Chucko |
Calgary |
24 |
| 2006 |
Erik Johnson |
St. Louis |
1 |
| 2006 |
Phil Kessel |
Boston |
5 |
| 2006 |
Kyle Okposo |
NY Islanders |
7 |
| 2007 |
Patrick White |
Vancouver |
25 |
| 2007 |
Jim O'Brien |
Ottawa |
29 |
| 2009 |
Nick Leddy |
Minnesota |
16 |
| 2009 |
Jordan Schroeder |
Vancouver |
22 |
| 2010 |
Nick Bjugstad |
Florida |
19 |
Top
Minnesota's Highest Overall Draft Picks
| Pick |
Player |
Year |
| 1 |
Erik Johnson |
2006 |
| 5 |
Phil Kessel |
2006 |
| |
Blake Wheeler |
2004 |
| |
Thomas Vanek |
2003 |
| 7 |
Kyle Okposo |
2006 |
| |
Erik Rasmussen |
1996 |
| |
Doug Zmolek |
1989 |
| 11 |
Keith Ballard |
2002 |
| |
Mike Ramsey |
1979 |
Top
Golden Gophers Drafted by Round
| Round |
Total |
| 1st |
18 |
| 2nd |
25 |
| 3rd |
17 |
| 4th |
18 |
| 5th |
19 |
| 6th |
21 |
| 7th |
17 |
| 8th |
12 |
| 9th |
16 |
| 10th |
2 |
| 11th |
7 |
| 12th |
0 |
| 13th |
1 |
| 14th |
1 |
| 15th |
1 |
| 21st |
1 |
| Supplemental |
4 |
Top
Golden Gophers Drafted by NHL Team
| 1. |
Dallas Stars (previously Minnesota North Stars) |
22 |
| 2. |
Colorado Avalanche (previously Quebec Nordiques) |
12 |
| 3. |
Washington Capitals |
11 |
| |
Pittsburgh Penguins |
11 |
| 5. |
Phoenix Coyotes (previously Winnipeg Jets) |
10 |
| |
St. Louis Blues |
10 |
| 7. |
Buffalo Sabres |
9 |
| 8. |
Calgary Flames (previously Atlanta Flames) |
7 |
| |
Montreal Canadiens |
7 |
| |
New Jersey Devils |
7 |
| |
New York Rangers |
7 |
| |
Philadelphia Flyers |
7 |
| 13. |
Los Angeles Kings |
5 |
| |
Vancouver Canucks |
5 |
| |
Chicago Blackhawks |
5 |
| 16 |
New York Islanders |
4 |
| |
Minnesota Wild |
4 |
| |
Detroit Red Wings |
4 |
| 19. |
Boston Bruins |
3 |
| |
Nashville Predators |
3 |
| |
San Jose Sharks |
3 |
| |
Carolina Hurricanes (previously Hartford Whalers) |
3 |
| |
Florida Panthers |
3 |
| 24. |
Edmonton Oilers |
2 |
| |
Ottawa Senators |
2 |
| |
Toronto Maple Leafs |
2 |
| |
Columbus Blue Jackets |
2 |
| 28. |
Anaheim Ducks |
1 |
| |
Winnipeg Jets (previously Atlanta Thrashers) |
1 |
| |
California Golden Seals |
1 |
| |
Colorado Rockies |
1 |
| |
Kansas City Scouts |
1 |
| |
Tampa Bay Lightning |
1 |
Top
All-Time NHL Entry Draft Picks
Photo Album
| Player |
Team |
Year |
Rd |
Pick |
Kyle Rau
|
Florida Panthers
|
2011
|
3
|
91
|
Seth Ambroz
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
2011
|
5
|
128
|
Travis Boyd
|
Washington Capitals
|
2011
|
6
|
177
|
Nick Bjugstad
|
Florida Panthers
|
2010
|
1
|
19
|
Mark Alt
|
Carolina Hurricans
|
2010
|
2
|
53
|
Justin Holl
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
2010
|
2
|
54
|
Max Gardiner
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2010
|
3
|
74
|
Ben Marshall
|
Detroit Red Wings
|
2010
|
7
|
201
|
Christian Isackson
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
2010
|
7
|
203
|
Seth Helgeson
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2009
|
4
|
114
|
Josh Birkholz
|
Florida Panthers
|
2009
|
3
|
67
|
Zach Budish
|
Nashville Predators
|
2009
|
2
|
41
|
Jordan Schroeder
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
2009
|
1
|
22
|
Nick Leddy
|
Minnesota Wild
|
2009
|
1
|
16
|
Aaron Ness
|
New York Islanders
|
2008
|
2
|
40
|
Kent Patterson
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
2007
|
4
|
113
|
Jake Hansen
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
2007
|
3
|
86
|
Nico Sacchetti
|
Dallas Stars
|
2007
|
2
|
50
|
Taylor Matson
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
2007
|
6
|
176
|
Nick Larson
|
Washington Capitals
|
2007
|
7
|
185
|
Patrick White
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
2007
|
1
|
25
|
Jim O'Brien
|
Ottawa Senators
|
2007
|
1
|
29
|
Mike Hoeffel
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2007
|
2
|
57
|
Cade Fairchild
|
St. Louis Blues
|
2007
|
4
|
96
|
Erik Johnson
|
St. Louis Blues
|
2006
|
1
|
1
|
Phil Kessel
|
Boston Bruins
|
2006
|
1
|
5
|
Kyle Okposo
|
New York Islanders
|
2006
|
1
|
7
|
David Fischer
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
2006
|
1
|
20
|
Mike Carman
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
2006
|
3
|
81
|
Ryan Flynn
|
Nashville Predators
|
2006
|
6
|
176
|
Jay Barriball
|
San Jose Sharks
|
2006
|
7
|
203
|
Ryan Stoa
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
2005
|
2
|
34
|
Jeff Frazee
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2005
|
2
|
38
|
Nate Hagemo
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
2005
|
2
|
58
|
Tony Lucia
|
San Jose Sharks
|
2005
|
6
|
193
|
Blake Wheeler
|
Phoenix Coyotes
|
2004
|
1
|
5
|
Kris Chucko
|
Calgary Flames
|
2004
|
1
|
24
|
Alex Goligoski
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
2004
|
2
|
61
|
R.J. Anderson
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2004
|
4
|
101
|
Derek Peltier
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
2004
|
6
|
184
|
Thomas Vanek
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
2003
|
1
|
5
|
Danny Irmen
|
Minnesota Wild
|
2003
|
3
|
78
|
Ryan Potulny
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2003
|
3
|
87
|
Mike Vannelli
|
Atlanta Thrashers
|
2003
|
4
|
136
|
Gino Guyer
|
Dallas Stars
|
2003
|
5
|
165
|
Keith Ballard
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
2002
|
1
|
11
|
Barry Tallackson
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2002
|
2
|
53
|
Mike Erickson
|
Minnesota Willd
|
2002
|
3
|
72
|
Andy Sertich
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
2002
|
5
|
136
|
P.J. Atherton
|
Tampa Bay Lightning
|
2002
|
6
|
170
|
Jake Taylor
|
New York Rangers
|
2002
|
6
|
177
|
Jeff Taffe
|
St. Louis Blues
|
2000
|
1
|
30
|
Matt DeMarchi
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2000
|
2
|
57
|
Paul Martin
|
New Jersey Devils
|
2000
|
2
|
62
|
Troy Riddle
|
St. Louis Blues
|
2000
|
4
|
129
|
Matt Koalska
|
Nashville Predators
|
2000
|
5
|
154
|
Grant Potulny
|
Ottawa Senators
|
2000
|
5
|
157
|
Joey Martin
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
2000
|
6
|
193
|
Dan Welch
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
2000
|
8
|
245
|
Jordan Leopold
|
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
|
1999
|
2
|
44
|
Adam Hauser
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
1999
|
3
|
81
|
Doug Meyer
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1999
|
6
|
176
|
Pat O'Leary
|
Phoenix Coyotes
|
1998
|
3
|
73
|
Erik Wendell
|
Washington Capitals
|
1998
|
5
|
125
|
Erik Westrum
|
Phoenix Coyotes
|
1998
|
7
|
187
|
John Pohl
|
St. Louis Blues
|
1998
|
9
|
255
|
Ben Clymer
|
Boston Bruins
|
1992
|
2
|
27
|
Aaron Miskovich
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
1997
|
5
|
133
|
Wyatt Smith
|
Phoenix Coyotes
|
1997
|
9
|
233
|
Erik Rasmussen
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1996
|
1
|
7
|
Reggie Berg
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
1996
|
7
|
178
|
Mike Anderson
|
Washington Capitals
|
1996
|
7
|
180
|
Ryan Kraft
|
San Jose Sharks
|
1995
|
8
|
194
|
Casey Hankinson
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
1995
|
8
|
201
|
Jason Godbout
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1994
|
9
|
232
|
Nick Checco
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1993
|
6
|
137
|
Mike Crowley
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
1993
|
6
|
140
|
Dan Hendrickson
|
Washington Capitals
|
1993
|
7
|
173
|
John Hillman
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1993
|
11
|
283
|
Charlie Wasley
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1992
|
5
|
100
|
Dan Trebil
|
New Jersey Devils
|
1992
|
6
|
138
|
Greg Zwakman
|
Hartford Whalers
|
1992
|
9
|
201
|
Brian Bonin
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1992
|
9
|
211
|
Jeff Moen
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1992
|
11
|
250
|
Steve Magusson
|
Calgary Flames
|
1991
|
4
|
85
|
Jeff Callinan
|
St. Louis Blues
|
1991
|
5
|
109
|
Jay Moser
|
Boston Bruins
|
1991
|
8
|
172
|
Jed Fiebelkorn
|
St. Louis Blues
|
1991
|
9
|
197
|
Craig Johnson
|
St. Louis Blues
|
1990
|
2
|
33
|
Mike Muller
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1990
|
2
|
35
|
Joe Dziedzic
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1990
|
3
|
61
|
Jeff Nielsen
|
New York Rangers
|
1990
|
4
|
69
|
Darby Hendrickson
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
1990
|
4
|
73
|
Chris McAlpine
|
New Jersey Devils
|
1990
|
7
|
137
|
Doug Zmolek
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1989
|
1
|
7
|
John Brill
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1989
|
3
|
58
|
Trent Klatt
|
Washington Capitals
|
1989
|
4
|
82
|
Tom Nevers
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1989
|
5
|
100
|
Tom Newman
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
1989
|
5
|
103
|
Peter Hankinson
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1989
|
*
|
4
|
Jon Anderson
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1989
|
*
|
9
|
Jeff Stolp
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1988
|
4
|
64
|
Travis Richards
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1988
|
9
|
169
|
Grant Bischoff
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1988
|
11
|
211
|
Cory Laylin
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1988
|
11
|
214
|
Sean Fabian
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
1987
|
5
|
87
|
Ken Gernander
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1987
|
5
|
96
|
Ben Hankinson
|
New Jersey Devils
|
1987
|
6
|
107
|
Jake Enebak
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1987
|
8
|
156
|
Lance Werness
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
1987
|
9
|
176
|
Larry Olimb
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1987
|
10
|
193
|
Jeff Pauletti
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
1987
|
11
|
231
|
Dave Snuggerud
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1987
|
*
|
2
|
Scott Bloom
|
Calgary Flames
|
1986
|
5
|
100
|
Robb Stauber
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
1986
|
6
|
107
|
Randy Skarda
|
St. Louis Blues
|
1986
|
8
|
157
|
Marty Nanne
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
1986
|
8
|
161
|
Lance Pitlick
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1986
|
9
|
180
|
John Blue
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1986
|
10
|
197
|
Steve MacSwain
|
Calgary Flames
|
1986
|
*
|
4
|
Tom Chorske
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1985
|
1
|
16
|
Todd Richards
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1985
|
2
|
33
|
David Espe
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1985
|
4
|
78
|
Paul Broten
|
New York Rangers
|
1984
|
4
|
77
|
David Grannis
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
1984
|
5
|
87
|
Frank Pietrangelo
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1983
|
4
|
63
|
Tim Bergland
|
Washington Capitals
|
1983
|
4
|
75
|
Craig Mack
|
Quebec Nordiques
|
1983
|
7
|
132
|
Steve Orth
|
New York Rangers
|
1983
|
7
|
133
|
John Labatt
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
1983
|
8
|
150
|
Mike Anderson
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1982
|
2
|
26
|
Corey Millen
|
New York Rangers
|
1982
|
3
|
57
|
Wally Chapman
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1982
|
3
|
59
|
Todd Okerlund
|
New York Islanders
|
1982
|
8
|
168
|
Tom Ward
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1982
|
9
|
180
|
Pat Micheletti
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1982
|
9
|
185
|
Richard Erdall
|
Calgary Flames
|
1982
|
11
|
219
|
Tom Hirsch
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1981
|
2
|
33
|
David Preuss
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1981
|
2
|
34
|
Anthony Kellin
|
Washington Capitals
|
1981
|
4
|
68
|
James Malwitz
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1981
|
4
|
76
|
Mike Guentzel
|
New York Rangers
|
1981
|
7
|
135
|
Scott Bjugstad
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1981
|
9
|
181
|
Jeff Teal
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1980
|
4
|
82
|
David Jensen
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1980
|
5
|
100
|
Aaron Broten
|
Colorado Rockies
|
1980
|
6
|
106
|
Mike Ramsay
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1979
|
1
|
11
|
Neal Broten
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1979
|
3
|
42
|
Steve Christoff
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1978
|
2
|
24
|
Rob McClanahan
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1978
|
3
|
49
|
Bob Bergloff
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1978
|
6
|
87
|
Eric Strobel
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
1978
|
8
|
133
|
Paul Joswiak
|
New York Islanders
|
1978
|
9
|
152
|
Tom Gorence
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
1977
|
2
|
35
|
Mike Greeder
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
1977
|
8
|
139
|
Don Micheletti
|
Washington Capitals
|
1977
|
9
|
143
|
Tim Harrer
|
Atlanta Flames
|
1977
|
9
|
148
|
Reed Larson
|
Detroit Red Wings
|
1976
|
2
|
22
|
Bill Baker
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1976
|
3
|
54
|
Phil Verchota
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1976
|
5
|
75
|
Russ Anderson
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1975
|
2
|
31
|
Paul Holmgren
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
1975
|
6
|
108
|
Joe Baker
|
Kansas City Scouts
|
1975
|
8
|
128
|
Robin Larson
|
Detroit Red Wings
|
1975
|
11
|
178
|
Robert Fish
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
1975
|
14
|
207
|
Don Madson
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1975
|
15
|
214
|
Dick Spannbauer
|
Atlanta Flames
|
1974
|
3
|
46
|
Tom Sundberg
|
California Seals
|
1974
|
6
|
93
|
John Sheridan
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1974
|
6
|
96
|
William Schneider
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
1974
|
6
|
98
|
Bill Moen
|
Atlanta Flames
|
1974
|
6
|
100
|
Joe Micheletti
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
1974
|
7
|
123
|
Brad Morrow
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
1974
|
13
|
211
|
Warren Miller
|
New York Rangers
|
1974
|
21
|
241
|
Dean Blais
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
1971
|
5
|
68
|
Mike Antonovich
|
Minnesota North Stars
|
1971
|
9
|
113
|
Wally Olds
|
Detroit Red Wings
|
1969
|
5
|
57
|
* indicates NHL Supplemental Draft
WHA Draft Picks
| Tom Gorence |
Calgary Cowboys
|
1977
|
2
|
13
|
| Don Micheletti |
Calgary Cowboys
|
1977
|
6
|
50
|
Tim Harrer
|
Calgary Cowboys
|
1977
|
9
|
78
|
Bill Baker
|
New England Whalers
|
1976
|
5
|
49
|
| Phil Verchota |
Calgary Cowboys
|
1976
|
7
|
79
|
Russ Anderson
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
1975
|
2
|
22
|
Dick Spannbauer
|
Houston Aeros
|
1974
|
1
|
15
|
Paul Holmgren
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
1974
|
5
|
67
|
William Schneider
|
Minnesota Fighting Saints
|
1974
|
5
|
73
|
Joe Micheletti
|
Cincinnati Stingers
|
1974
|
8
|
106
|
John Sheridan
|
Indianapolis Racers
|
1974
|
9
|
121
|
Tom Sundberg
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
1974
|
9
|
126
|
Warren Miller
|
New England Whalers
|
1974
|
11
|
161
|
Robin Larson
|
Minnesota Fighting Saints
|
1974
|
13
|
188
|
Joe Baker
|
Minnesota Fighting Saints
|
1974
|
14
|
201
|
Reed Larson
|
Minnesota Fighting Saints
|
1974
|
16
|
220
|
Top
