According to a USA Today article, the NHL is primarily comprised of white players, accounting for 97% of its demographic makeup. The remaining 3% represents players from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Within this diverse cohort, there are presently 34 active black players. Notable among them are K’Andre Miller, Kyle Okposo, Evander Kane, and numerous others. These players have left a notable impact on the sport, earning recognition and popularity among fans for their significant contributions.
Evander KaneTeam: Edmonton Oilers
Evander Kane, a talented Canadian left winger, is presently a member of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Throughout his career, he has also played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks. Kane entered the league as the fourth overall pick by the Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Kyle OkposoTeam: Buffalo Sabres
Kyle Okposo, a skilled right winger from the United States, currently holds the role of captain for the Buffalo Sabres. He was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders and spent eight seasons with them before joining the Sabres.
K’Andre MillerTeam: New York Rangers
K’Andre Miller, a promising defenseman, is emerging as a standout talent for the New York Rangers. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Miller’s reliability and adaptability on the defensive front have been commendable for the team.
Anthony DuclairTeam: Florida Panthers
Anthony Duclair, a skilled Canadian forward, currently contributes to the Florida Panthers. Starting his career with the New York Rangers, Duclair has since played for the Coyotes, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, and Senators. Despite facing an Achilles injury, he remains a pivotal figure for the Florida Panthers and shows steady progress in his recovery.
Seth JonesTeam: Chicago Blackhawks
Seth Jones, an accomplished American defenseman, is a key member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Originally drafted fourth overall by the Nashville Predators, Jones has represented the United States in various international competitions, clinching gold medals at both the World U18 Championships and World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Dakota JoshuaTeam: Vancouver Canucks
Dakota Joshua, an energetic American forward, is carving out a promising path as a rookie for the Vancouver Canucks, leaving a notable impression in his debut season. Selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at the 128th overall pick, Joshua brings a blend of vigor and physical presence to the ice.
Caleb JonesTeam: Chicago Blackhawks
Caleb Jones, a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, follows the footsteps of his brother Seth Jones, who also excels in defense. Their lineage includes their father, Popeye Jones, a former NBA player, adding to their athletic pedigree.
Ryan ReavesTeam: Minnesota Wild
Ryan Reaves, a skilled Canadian right winger, currently adds his expertise to the Minnesota Wild roster. Reaves has previously showcased his talents for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers. His family legacy includes his father, Willard Reaves, a former player in both the CFL and NFL, underscoring their athletic lineage.
Jalen ChatfieldTeam: Carolina Hurricanes
Jalen Chatfield, an American defenseman, is currently a member of the Carolina Hurricanes after his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks. With a successful junior hockey background, including a Memorial Cup win with the Windsor Spitfires, Chatfield brings valuable experience to the Hurricanes’ lineup.
Jordan HarrisTeam: Montreal Canadiens
Jordan Harris, an American defenseman, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Harris now contributes his skills to the Canadiens’ defensive unit, showcasing his talent and potential as a player.
List of Current Black NHL Players
Here is a compilation of other active black NHL players apart from the notable names previously mentioned:
- Darren Archibald;
- Justin Bailey;
- Nicholas Baptiste;
- Pierre-Edouard Bellemare;
- Madison Bowey;
- Quinton Byfield;
- Christopher Gibson;
- Jet Greaves;
- Jordan Greenway;
- Josh Ho-Sang;
- Bokondji Imama;
- Mathieu Joseph;
- Pierre-Olivier Joseph;
- Keegan Kolesar;
- Oliver Kylington;
- Darnell Nurse;
- Isaak Phillips;
- Lucas Raymond;
- C. J. Suess;
- Wayne Simmonds;
- Gemel Smith;
- Givani Smith;
- Malcolm Subban;
- Daniel Walcott.
Conclusion
The NHL, though predominantly white, has seen increasing diversity with the presence of black players who have brought fresh talent and dynamism to the game. These players, beyond making substantial on-ice contributions, have also served as inspiring role models, highlighting the hurdles they’ve surmounted and the resilience they’ve shown. Looking ahead, while the count of black players is currently small, efforts towards enhancing diversity and fostering inclusion within the sport are underway, promising a future where the rink reflects the rich diversity of fans cheering off it.