Ever wondered who the most infuriating player in the NHL is? The kind of player who makes you grit your teeth and mutter under your breath every time they’re on the ice? Well, you’re not alone. We asked 120 NHL players to spill the beans on who they’d most like to punch—and why. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the fights. But here’s where it gets controversial: some of these players aren’t just annoying; they’re downright strategic about it. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not always the goons who top the list.
In the NHL, throwing a punch might land you in the penalty box for a mere five minutes, but the reputation you build can last a lifetime. Unlike the NBA or NFL, where physical altercations come with harsher consequences, hockey has a unique culture where fighting is almost expected. But it’s not just about the gloves-off brawls; it’s the subtle provocations, the post-whistle shenanigans, and the players who seem to thrive on getting under your skin.
So, who made the cut? Let’s dive into the list, starting with the undisputed champion of punchability.
Nick Cousins (24.3%)
Ottawa Senators center Nick Cousins takes the top spot, and it’s not hard to see why. With 21 career fights under his belt, according to HockeyFights.com, Cousins has built a reputation as the league’s ultimate agitator. One player bluntly stated, ‘He’s an effective rat on the ice. He’s good at what he does.’ Another added, ‘I can’t stand him, but I’ve heard he’s a good guy off the ice. Still, I’d love to punch him in the face.’
But here’s the twist: Cousins isn’t just a pest; he’s a master of psychological warfare. One player explained, ‘He’s made a career out of getting under people’s skin. He might have a terrible game, but he’ll still chirp you the whole time. That’s next-level confidence.’ Controversial take: Is Cousins a villain or a genius? Let us know in the comments.
Brad Marchand (19.6%)
If Cousins is a rat, then Brad Marchand is the king of rodents. ‘Everybody says he’s a great guy, but it sucks playing against him,’ one player admitted. Another confessed, ‘I might have punched him once.’ Marchand’s ability to frustrate opponents while remaining a fan favorite is a testament to his skill—both on and off the puck.
Matthew Tkachuk (10.3%)
The Tkachuk brothers are no strangers to this list, but Matthew stands out for his net-front presence. ‘He’s an a--hole in front of the net,’ one player noted. Love him or hate him, Tkachuk’s style is undeniably effective.
Joel Eriksson Ek (4.7%)
Interestingly, most of Ek’s votes came from his own teammates on the Minnesota Wild. ‘If he wasn’t on my team, probably Ekker,’ one player joked. Seems like even his allies can’t resist poking fun at him.
Garnett Hathaway (2.8%)
Hathaway’s inclusion is straightforward: ‘He’s annoying,’ one player said. Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes.
Brandt Clarke (1.9%)
Clarke’s punchability seems to stem from his on-ice demeanor. ‘Everyone hates him and wants to punch him in the face,’ one player remarked. But here’s the question: Is it his playstyle or his personality that rubs people the wrong way?
Dylan Cozens, Chris Kreider, Dylan Larkin, Mason Marchment, Kiefer Sherwood, Tim Stützle, and Cale Makar (1.9% each)
These players round out the list, each earning their spot for unique reasons. From Cozens’ rat-like tendencies to Makar’s sheer talent (‘He’s so good, it pisses me off,’ one player admitted), the reasons are as varied as the players themselves.
So, what’s the takeaway? Being punchable isn’t always a bad thing. Some of these players have built careers on their ability to distract, frustrate, and dominate. But we want to hear from you: Who do you think deserves the title of most punchable player? And more importantly, would you want to be on this list? Let the debate begin!
