The NHL is on pace to have more American players than Canadian players in 11 years

The percentage of NHL players who are from Canada has fallen to 46.1%, according to data collected by QuantHockey.com. Meanwhile, the percentage of US-born players in the NHL is up to 25.7%, its highest level ever.

The gap between the two nations (20.4%) is the narrowest ever. Just 16 years ago, the gap was 40.3%. Just three years ago, the NHL was still mostly Canadians, with over 50% of the players born above the border.

If the trend seen over the last few years continues, the NHL could be more American for the first time by 2028. In 11 years, US-born players are projected to be above 30% and their Canadian-born counterparts are projected to fall below 30% of all NHL players.

Mike Nudelman/Business Insider