List: 10 Best NCAA Products in NHL

Jan 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) carries the puck away from Chicago Blackhawks left wing Patrick Sharp (10) in the first period during the 2015 Winter Classic hockey game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

9. Brooks Orpik

College: Boston College

Orpik, now a Washington Capitol, had been a staple in the Pittsburgh Penguins defence since the infamous NHL Lockout of 2004.  He’s won a Stanley Cup with the Pens as well as two Wales Trophies and an Olympic Silver on top of that.   But before he was one of the best Blueliners in Pittsburgh history, Orpik was a Golden Eagle.  In his three years in Boston, Orpik & Co. won two Hockey East Championships in 1999 and 2001, and would continue on to win the  NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship in ’01 as well.  Pittsburgh saw his potential and took him in the first round back in 2000.  Within 3 seasons of his first game, Orpik had earned a permanent spot on the Pens roster and today, he’s a vital cog in the clock that is the Washington Capitols.