The 2023-24 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season begins this afternoon, which means teams are now set across the league and there are 19 BCHL alumni on opening-night rosters.
The Colorado Avalanche have the most representation with three former BCHL players on the roster, including Devon Toews, Josh Manson and the newly-acquired Ryan Johansen. The Arizona Coyotes, Nashville Predators and Seattle Kraken also boast multiple league alumni to start the year.
Several former BCHLers found new homes over the summer, including 2019 BCHL Most Valuable Player Alex Newhook who was traded to the Montreal Canadiens and Stanley Cup champion Milan Lucic who returned to the Boston Bruins in free agency.
See the full list below.
CURRENT TEAM | PLAYER | BCHL TEAM | YEARS |
Arizona Coyotes | Alex Kerfoot | Coquitlam Express | 2011-2013 |
Arizona Coyotes | Troy Stecher | Penticton Vees | 2010-2013 |
Boston Bruins | Danton Heinen | Surrey Eagles | 2013-2014 |
Boston Bruins | Milan Lucic | Coquitlam Express | 2004-2005 |
Buffalo Sabres | Tyson Jost | Penticton Vees | 2014-2016 |
Colorado Avalanche | Ryan Johansen | Penticton Vees | 2008-2009 |
Colorado Avalanche | Josh Manson | Salmon Arm Silverbacks | 2009-2011 |
Colorado Avalanche | Devon Toews | Surrey Eagles | 2011-2013 |
Columbus Blue Jackets | Kent Johnson | Trail Smoke Eaters | 2018-2020 |
Dallas Stars | Jamie Benn | Victoria Grizzlies | 2006-2007 |
Edmonton Oilers | Vincent Desharnais | Chilliwack Chiefs | 2014-2015 |
Florida Panthers | Mike Reilly | Penticton Vees | 2011-2012 |
Minnesota Wild | Brandon Duhaime | Merritt Centennials | 2014-2015 |
Montreal Canadiens | Alex Newhook | Victoria Grizzlies | 2017-2019 |
Nashville Predators | Dante Fabbro | Penticton Vees | 2014-2016 |
Nashville Predators | Colton Sissons | Westside Warriors | 2009-2010 |
Seattle Kraken | Justin Schultz | Westside Warriors | 2007-2009 |
Seattle Kraken | Brandon Tanev | Surrey Eagles | 2011-2012 |
Winnipeg Jets | Laurent Brossoit | Cowichan Valley Capitals | 2009-2010 |
NOTE: Only players with a minimum of 10 games played in the BCHL are included.