TORONTO (April 17, 2025) – As excitement builds for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs, the National Hockey League Players’ Association today unveiled the results to its 2025-26 NHLPA Player Poll on its social channels and NHLPA.com. In the 11th edition of the Poll, players from each of the 32 clubs were surveyed anonymously during the first half of the season on a range of topics.
2025-2026 Themes and Results
On the Ice
The on-ice product speaks for itself. From NHL games in all 32 markets to the Global Series in Stockholm and the international best-on-best Games in Milan, there was no shortage of skills on display this season.
This year we discuss:
- Which forward could also excel as a defenceman?
- Which defenceman could also excel as a forward?
- Stopping shots is not the only thing goalies can be known for. And while we can judge for ourselves who has the best masks, we wanted the players to weigh in on which goalie has the best puck handling skills?
Of course, on-ice production is impossible without hard work. This year, NHL players share who they think has the most intense training regimen in the League.
Some would argue rivalries are built in the playoffs. With round one of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs kicking off tomorrow, see what NHLers have identified as the fiercest rivalries over time.
There’s no place like home; which leads to the question of what players should wear during home games, white or dark sweaters. The player poll also explores which NHL arenas have the best ice as well as the best visiting dressing room.
Communication is key. Players communicate constantly both on and off the ice. And we all know that social media is a critical means of communication. We asked which players best use their social media presence to give insight into who they are as people and highlight what’s important to them. Don’t miss out on following these vote winners, among others, as the more you know about a guy, the easier it becomes to create an epic nickname.
Changes to the CBA, announced in the summer of 2025, opened a whole new way for players to communicate. Their fashion choices, whether suited up, in streetwear or showcasing the latest trends can tell us even more about their identities. Find out who tops the NHL fashion charts here.
The ability to communicate goes hand in hand with the ability to lead. And leadership is a crucial trait for a future NHL coach. So, we asked which player would make a great coach once they retire?
The summer is another opportunity for players to show their off-ice interests, although those interests often still centre around athletic ability. Here we look at the top golfers among NHL players.
With reports of possible expansion, we also asked the players where they would want to see a future NHL franchise? Sun, snow, former NHL cities and new destinations all seemed to fit the bill.
Looking for ways to celebrate the 11th edition of the Player Poll? 500L has created four unique t-shirt designs to showcase these findings. T-shirts featuring Pastrnak, Binnington, Nylander and Keller are now available.
For the full list of results, please visit NHLPA.com.
Join the conversation with #NHLPAPlayerPoll and be sure to follow along @NHLPA on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok.