Introduction
2025-26 NHLPA Player Poll
Fourteen questions. Revealing answers.
348 players from all 32 clubs were surveyed during the first half of the season, making their top choices in both on- and off-ice categories for the 2025-26 NHLPA Player Poll.
Which forward could also excel as a defenceman?
Three-time Selke Trophy winner Aleksander Barkov continues to be top of mind for his two-way game, voted as the forward who is most likely to excel as a defenceman.
Which defenceman could also excel as a forward?
Becoming the fourth fastest defenceman to reach 500 NHL points, Cale Makar’s offensive game is as impressive as his work on the blueline, with 36% of players believing he could excel as a forward.
Which goalie has the best puck handling skills?
Stopping shots isn’t the only thing Jordan Binnington can do. The St. Louis Blues netminder has earned recognition from his fellow players for his puck handling skills.
Who has the best nickname in the league?
David Pastrnak’s saucy “Pasta” handle is eaten up by players who voted the Boston Bruins forward as having the best nickname in the league.
Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
Nashville Predators
Utah Mammoth
Toronto Maple Leafs
Los Angeles Kings
Who is the most fashionable player?
Willy Styles – it's in the name. William Nylander used this season’s relaxed dress code to turn arrivals in the tunnel into his runway, taking the top ranks in the fashion category.
Who is the best golfer in the NHL?
A Keller on the greens, according to his fellow players. Clayton Keller came first in voting as the best golfer in the league.
Which player does the best job with their social media presence?
Commenting, liking and subscribing to everything William Nylander shouldn’t be missed. Voted the player with the best social media presence, the Maple Leafs star recently launched his own YouTube channel, giving fans even more insider access to the game.
Which player would make a great coach once they retire?
Trading a stick for a clipboard, players think Coach Crosby would be a natural fit behind the bench come retirement.
Which player has the most intense training regimen?
No off button for Nathan MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche forward remains dedicated at all times and has the most intense training regimen, according to his fellow players.
What is the best team rivalry in the NHL?
The rivalry remains heated between the Original Six Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, whose history makes for an eagerly anticipated matchup every puck drop.
Which arena has the best visiting dressing room?
Feeling at home on the road is a little easier at Little Cesars Arena, thanks to the hospitality of the Detroit Red Wings who rank first for best visitor’s dressing room.
Detroit Red Wings
Seattle Kraken
Utah Mammoth
New York Islanders
Washington Capitals
If the NHL expands, where would you want it to go?
Maybe things are about to get even bigger in Texas. We asked the players where they would like to see the NHL expand to, and it looks like Texas is at the top of their list.
Should home teams wear their white sweater?
With more than 60% of voters opting for dark jerseys at home and white jerseys on the road, the players are sticking to what they’re used to.
Which NHL team has the best ice?
There is nothing like a hockey game at Bell Centre in Montreal, just ask the players who voted it the arena with the best NHL ice for an 8th time in the NHLPA Player Poll.
