By Jacob Messing

The NHL is packed with former college players at every position. The university ranks have developed some of the biggest names in the world’s greatest league.

Of course, NCAA players were the key contributors in Team USA’s Miracle On Ice team from the 1980 Olympics in Salt Lake City, and in February Team USA will once again be loaded with NCAA talent.

The advancement of college hockey has seen more teams and even more players build resumes through a university, and the Big Ten arguably takes first chair in that development.

While it wasn’t until 2013 that the “Big Ten Hockey Conference” was created, FloHockey considered all alumni from his respective university prior to the 2013-14 season.

1. Duncan Keith | Chicago Blackhawks

Michigan State University | D | 2001-03

NHL Stats: 935 GP, 90 G, 433 A, 523 Pts., plus-167

The 34-year-old owns three Stanley Cups, two Norris Trophies, and a Conn Smythe, and is among the best defensemen of his era. Keith recently stated his desire to play until he’s 45, a rare feat that only players of his wherewithal and approach can manage.

He’s the type of game-changing blue liner that a team needs to win the Stanley Cup — which is exactly why he has three. He’s a consistent 40-point player, he drives possession, and he’s rarely on the wrong end of a goal.

2. Phil Kessel | Pittsburgh Penguins

University of Minnesota | RW | 2005-06

NHL Stats: 857 GP, 307 G, 373 A, 680 Pts., minus-63

You’d be hard-pressed to find another player with Kessel’s talent that gets such a bad rap. The 30-year-old rarely gets the credit he deserves, and was the punching bag for the Toronto media for six seasons, during which time he simply produced with four 30-goal seasons and two 80-point campaigns.

His “nice guy, tries hard” mentality has seen him embrace two trades and wind up on the first back-to-back Stanley Cup champion team since the 1999-98 Detroit Red Wings. Now, he sits fifth in the scoring race at the quarter mark.

On Wisconsin! @BadgerMHockey @NCAAIceHockey #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/4EoCv6RlWa

— Joe Pavelski (@jpav8) January 29, 2017

3. Joe Pavelski | San Jose Sharks

University of Wisconsin | RW | 2004-06

NHL Stats: 828 GP, 299 G, 343 A, 642 Pts., plus-110

Pavelski is everything you hope for with a seventh-round draft pick. He’s one of the most reliable two-way forwards in the game, a dependable captain, and an electric scorer. The 33-year-old is off to a slow start this season due to an undisclosed injury, but is destined to turn it around

From 2013 to 2016, Pavelski bumped his offensive numbers with 41-, 37-, and 38-goal seasons, during which he posted three straight 70-point campaigns.

4. Ryan Suter | Minnesota Wild

University of Wisconsin | D | 2003-04

NHL Stats: 936 GP, 72 G, 384 A, 456 Pts., plus-108

During his seven years in Nashville, Suter was in Shea Weber’s shadow. If he was even referred to as “Weber’s partner” even once, it was too often. Then, when he signed a 13-year, $98 million deal with Minnesota he was ripped apart for being overpaid.

But the truth is that the 32-year-old has six top-10 Norris Trophy finishes and logs some of the heaviest minutes in the NHL. He was a hot commodity in 2012 due to his reliable offense, stalwart defense, and overall ability, which understandably drove his price sky high.

5. Ryan Kesler | Anaheim Ducks

Ohio State University | C | 2002-03

NHL Stats: 897 GP, 245 G, 306 A, 551 Pts., plus-33

Kesler is one of those players fans hate to play against, but would love to see in their favorite team’s sweater. The 33-year-old has been riddled with injuries during his career, but always bounces back.

Kesler is as reliable as a center comes. He has a Selke Trophy, six other top-10 finishes, he logs huge minutes in shutting down the opponent’s top players, and he’s one of the best faceoff men in the league.

Close considerations: Blake Wheeler (Minnesota), Mike Cammalleri (Michigan), and Ryan Miller (Michigan State).

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @JMessing23.