Full Breakdown
NHLPA Player Poll Highlights: Insights from the 2025-26 Season
4/18/2026, 5:05:05 AM
Overview of the Player Poll Results
On April 17, 2025, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) released the results of its 2025-26 Player Poll, marking the 11th edition of this annual survey. Conducted during the first half of the season, the poll gathered anonymous responses from 348 players across all 32 NHL teams, covering a variety of topics related to on-ice performance, off-ice interests, and player preferences.
Key Findings from the Poll
Coaching Potential and Leadership
Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, emerged as the player most likely to become a head coach after retirement, receiving 10.3% of the votes. He was followed by Minnesota's Nick Foligno at 5%, and Detroit's David Perron, Toronto's John Tavares, and Calgary's Ryan Strome, each with 2.6% or lower. This recognition highlights Crosby's leadership qualities as perceived by his peers.
Training Regimens and Player Skills
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon was identified as having the most intense training regimen, garnering 20.7% of the votes. Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Pittsburgh's Kris Letang followed with 5.5% and 4%, respectively. Additionally, players voted on positional versatility, with Florida's Aleksander Barkov leading forwards who could excel as defensemen (18%), while Colorado's Cale Makar topped the defensemen category for potential as forwards (36.3%).
Off-Ice Interests and Player Personalities
William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs was recognized as the most fashionable player, receiving 32.9% of the votes, and also had the best social media presence at 17.4%. His nickname "Willy Styles" was noted among the league's best, though he trailed Boston's David Pastrnak, whose nickname "Pasta" led with 13.5%. Other notable nicknames included Patrick Kane's "Showtime" and Ryan O'Reilly's "Factor."
Venue Preferences and Expansion Markets
The poll also addressed player preferences regarding NHL venues. Montreal's Bell Centre was voted to have the best ice at 46.8%, while Detroit's Little Caesars Arena was recognized for having the best visiting dressing room. Regarding potential NHL expansion, Houston was favored as the preferred market by 34.3% of players, followed by Quebec City at 16.9%. Notably, 68.1% of players opposed a switch to white jerseys for home games.
Official Statements & Responses
The NHLPA emphasized the importance of these insights in fostering communication among players and enhancing the overall experience of the league. The results reflect not only the players' views on their peers but also their preferences for the future of the NHL.
Verbatim Quotes
- “TORONTO — Sidney Crosby is seen by his peers as the NHL player most likely to become a head coach, according to the National Hockey League Players’ Association’s annual player poll released Friday.” — NHLPA Player Poll
- “This year, NHL players share who they think has the most intense training regimen in the League.” — NHLPA Player Poll
The 2025-26 NHLPA Player Poll results provide a comprehensive look into the perspectives of NHL players, highlighting their views on leadership, training, and personal branding as the league approaches the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For further details, fans are encouraged to visit NHLPA.com and engage with the conversation on social media.
