NHL Players’ Association Annual Survey Highlights
In the latest annual survey conducted by the National Hockey League Players’ Association on Friday, Sidney Crosby, the long-time captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, emerged as the frontrunner among current players with the potential to transition into a head coaching role. Garnering 10.3% of the total votes from his fellow athletes, Crosby was followed by Minnesota’s Nick Foligno at 5%, and a trio of players including Detroit’s David Perron, Toronto’s John Tavares, and Calgary’s Ryan Strome, each receiving 2.6% or less.
The 11th iteration of this poll included responses from 348 players across all 32 NHL teams, conducted during the early part of the season.
Player Recognition and Achievements
In other categories, Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon was recognized for having the most demanding training routine, securing 20.7% of the votes. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang were distant challengers in this regard, achieving 5.5% and 4%, respectively.
Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander shone in off-ice categories, being named the most stylish player with a commanding 32.9% of voter favor and recognized for maintaining the best social media presence at 17.4%. Additionally, while Nylander’s playful nickname “Willy Styles” featured among the league’s favorites, it could not surpass Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak’s moniker “Pasta”, which took first place with 13.5%. Other notable nicknames mentioned included Patrick Kane of Detroit, often referred to as “Showtime”, and Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly, known as “Factor”.
Positional Versatility and Skills
In the realm of positional versatility, Florida’s Aleksander Barkov took the lead among forwards that could make the jump to defense with 18%, while Colorado’s Cale Makar led the opposite category, being viewed as a forward who could seamlessly transition to defense with 36.3%.
When it comes to goaltenders, St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington was recognized for his exceptional puck-handling skills, earning 22.4% of the votes, outpacing New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin, who garnered 14%. Outside of on-ice skills, Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller was voted the best golfer in the league, receiving 15.9%, and Montreal’s Bell Centre was chosen as having the best ice in the league at 46.8%. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena was noted for offering the best environment in visiting dressing rooms.
Future Prospects and Team Expansion
Looking towards potential team expansions, Houston was highlighted as the most favored new market by 34.3% of players, with Quebec City trailing at 16.9%. Interestingly, a significant majority, 68.1%, opposed the idea of teams switching to white jerseys for home games.
