Introduction
2017-18 NHLPA Player Poll
There are a multitude of issues that dominate the conversation around NHL hockey throughout every season. While fans and media constantly debate these issues, it’s important to hear the opinions of the players themselves, the ones who battle on the ice every night. With this in mind, the NHLPA has unveiled its 2017-18 Player Poll.
NHL players were surveyed on more than 20 hockey-related questions during their annual NHLPA team meetings, between the preseason and early January 2018. Over 500 players took part in the poll. NHL players weighed in on a variety of questions – covering skills, coaches, officials, arenas, teams and on-ice matters.
Here are the #NHLPAPlayerPoll results.
Who is the league's fastest skater?
No surprise here with the players overwhelmingly selecting the reigning Ted Lindsay Award and Hart Trophy recipient as the fastest skater in the NHL. McDavid has blazing speed that strikes fear in defencemen across the league.
Which goalie is the most difficult to score on?
With an Olympic gold medal and a World Cup of Hockey championship under his belt (not to mention a Vezina Trophy, Hart Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award), Carey Price has been one of the best goalies in the world since he entered the NHL in 2007. The players know that when Price is in net, finding the back of the mesh isn't going to be easy.
Who is the most difficult player to play against?
Sidney Crosby has been a force in the NHL since his 2005-06 rookie season, and so far has three Stanley Cups and an impressive international resume to his name. He is simply one of the best players to have ever played the game, and is one of its all-time greatest competitors, which makes playing against him, often times, a long night. The players' vote here simply confirms the answer hockey fans all expected.
Who is the toughest player?
After seven years of being a fan favourite in St. Louis, Ryan Reaves' physical style of play was certainly appreciated by his teammates in Pittsburgh before he was recently traded to Vegas. Reaves grew up in a football family, and at one point thought he would become a football player. Luckily for hockey fans, he ultimately chose hockey, but not so great news for players on the other 30 NHL Clubs.
Who is the most underrated player?
While the Swedish alternate captain doesn't go unnoticed in the NHL, Nicklas Backstrom also doesn't receive the accolades he deserves for his play night in and night out - but his stellar career is recognized by his fellow players. The Washington Capitals' all-time assists leader is simply one of the best players in the NHL, and will be a force for the Capitals as they make another run at the Stanley Cup.
Which player is the best role model?
Young fans look up to their hockey-playing idols. The players recognize the example Sidney Crosby sets by the way he has carried himself throughout his NHL career.
Which player would you select to start a franchise?
With many great options to choose from, the players have tabbed the 21-year-old Connor McDavid as the premier superstar to build a team around.
Which defenceman is the most difficult to play against?
Erik Karlsson's exceptional combination of skill, speed, and agility may be unmatched among NHL defencemen, which leads to the puck being on his stick more often than most.
Which forward is the most difficult to play against?
No. 87 works like a grinder, while having the talent of a superstar to go along with his exceptional vision. His opponents never have an easy night facing him.
Who is the best team player?
Sidney Crosby makes everyone around him better with his work ethic, competitiveness, and passion for the game. There's no one else the players would rather call a teammate.
If you need to win one game, who is the #1 player (any position) you would want on your team?
With 166 votes, this one is a landslide victory for Sidney Crosby. Whether he's setting up a play or burying the puck, Crosby is the clear pick as a clutch man to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.
