On Campus: Top NHL forwards since 2010-11 with NCAA roots

The past 10 seasons have been very good for college players making a transition to the NHL.

The number who made the jump from college hockey, specifically NCAA Division I programs, reached an all-time high of 32.8 percent by the 2019-20 NHL season, which was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

To celebrate the continuing influence former college players are having in the NHL, On Campus continues a series of stories looking at those former NCAA players from each position who have had the most significant impact in the League during the past 10 seasons. In previous installments, goalies and defensemen were examined.

NCAA-trained forwards who have played in the NHL since the 2010-11 season are under the microscope this week in the final installment.

1. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks (2007-20)

Toews' record of superior all-around play combined with peerless leadership vaults him to the top of the list.

After becoming Blackhawks captain at 20, Toews helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He has scored 815 points (345 goals, 470 assists) in 943 NHL games and 110 points (40 goals, 70 assists) in 128 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The center won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010, the Selke Trophy as best defensive forward in 2013, and was voted among the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017.

Selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Toews played two seasons at the University of North Dakota before turning pro.

2. Blake Wheeler, Boston Bruins (2008-11), Atlanta Thrashers (2010-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-20)

With terrific size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and speed, Wheeler has been one of the NHL's most productive scorers of the past decade.

The center, who is Jets captain, has scored 761 points (264 goals, 497 assists) in 931 NHL games and 33 points (six goals, 27 assists) in 48 playoff games.

Wheeler, taken with the No. 5 pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, played three seasons at the University of Minnesota.

3. Phil Kessel, Boston Bruins (2006-09), Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-15), Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-19), Arizona Coyotes (2019-20)

No matter where he plays, Kessel has put the puck in the net. The wing has scored 861 points (371 goals, 490 assists) in 1,066 NHL games and has a reputation of sparkling in the playoffs; he scored 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 49 playoff games to help the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017, and has 77 points (33 goals, 44 assists) in 87 playoff games.

Kessel, chosen with the No. 5 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, played one season at the University of Minnesota.

4. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames (2013-20)

Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Trophy, voted as the best player in men's ice hockey, with Boston College in 2014. The wing has scored 445 points (151 goals, 294 assists) in 464 NHL games, including an NHL career-high 99 points (36 goals, 63 assists) in 2018-19. He has scored 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 20 playoff games.

The 2017 Lady Byng Trophy winner for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, Gaudreau was selected in the fourth round (No. 104) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

5. Martin St. Louis, Calgary Flames (1998-00), Tampa Bay Lightning 2000-14), New York Rangers (2013-15)

A undrafted four-year player at the University of Vermont, St. Louis won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2004, the Art Ross Trophy as leading scorer twice (2004, 2013), and the Lady Byng Trophy three times (2010, 2011, 2013).

The prime of St. Louis' career was prior to 2010, otherwise he'd be higher on this list; the wing scored 1,033 points (391 goals, 642 assists) in 1,134 NHL games and 90 points (42 goals, 48 assists) in 107 playoff games, and won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.

6. Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens (2008-18), Vegas Golden Knights (2018-20)

The first American to be captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Pacioretty has scored at least 30 goals six times during his 12-season NHL career and won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey in 2012.

Selected with the No. 22 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, the wing has scored 554 points (280 goals, 274 assists) in 763 games and 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 45 playoff games. He played one season at the University of Michigan.

7. Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks (2006-19), Dallas Stars (2019-20)

The Sharks' captain for four seasons, Pavelski has scored more than 30 goals five times, including an NHL career-high 41 in 2013-14. The center has scored 792 points (369 goals, 423 assists) in 1,030 games and 100 points (48 goals, 52 assists) in 134 playoff games.

Pavelski, chosen in the seventh round (No. 205) of the 2003 NHL Draft, played two years at the University of Wisconsin.

8. T.J. Oshie, St. Louis Blues (2008-15), Washington Capitals (2015-20)

Oshie has scored at least 25 goals in four of the past five seasons, with an NHL career-high 33 in 2016-17. The wing has scored 567 points (238 goals, 329 assists) in 803 games and 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) in 83 playoff games. He helped the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

Selected with the No. 24 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Oshie played three seasons at North Dakota.

9. Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils (2005-12), Minnesota Wild (2012-20)

Parise has been an excellent two-way forward and leader throughout his 15-season NHL career. The wing has scored 792 points (386 goals, 406 assists) in 1,015 games and 74 points (35 goals, 39 assists) in 97 playoff games.

Taken with the No. 17 pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, Parise played two seasons at North Dakota.

10. Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres (2015-20)

Eichel has scored at least 24 goals in each of his five NHL seasons, including an NHL career-high 36 in 2019-20. The center has scored 337 points (137 goals, 200 assists) in 354 games.

He was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft after playing one season at Boston University.