NHLPA Player Poll 2021-22 | NHLPA.com (2024)

A two-time Stanley Cup Champion with a Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy to his name, it's understandable why Andrei Vasilevskiy was the players' top pick for who they would want in net with one game on the line.

Other 28.86%

Total Votes: 537

Connor McDavid is an exceptional talent with three Art Ross trophies, two Hart trophies and three Ted Lindsay Awards, among some of his most impressive feats. Fellow players voted the forward as the player they would most want on their side if they need to win a single game, followed by Sidney Crosby in second place and Victor Hedman, representing defencemen, in third place.

Other 26.63%

Total Votes: 507

With over 57% of the vote, Patrick Kane was named the league's best stick-handler in consecutive seasons by the players. “Showtime” grew his hold on first place by 7% over Connor McDavid from the 2020-21 NHLPA Player Poll, with Nathan MacKinnon once again placing third in the category.

Other 9.09%

Total Votes: 539

Leon Draisaitl improved his standing as the game’s best passer according to the players, leapfrogging from a third-place finish in last season’s NHLPA Player Poll into first this season over Patrick Kane and Nicklas Backstrom, who finished less than three votes apart for a second straight season.

Other 34.29%

Total Votes: 525

We've seen it over 6,000 times on NHL ice and it never gets old. As we witness Alex Ovechkin’s continued ascension on the all-time goals scored list, over 53% of the players who answered this question wish they could shoot like the Capitals’ forward.

Other 14.91%

Total Votes: 523

Sidney Crosby led the way as the most complete player in the league after he tied for first in the same category last season alongside Patrice Bergeron, who finished third this year. Moving up the list into second place was Aleksander Barkov, from third last year.

Other 18.58%

Total Votes: 522

Bell Centre continued its reputation for having the best ice surface in the NHL, with a margin of nearly 26% separating it from Rogers Place in the second spot. This marks the fourth time Bell Centre has earned the nod.

Other 19.83%

Total Votes: 459

Hate to play against him – but would love to have him on their team. Brad Marchand’s mix of skill and grit lands him as the players’ top choice with more than 26% of the vote in this category, ahead of Connor McDavid in second place, followed by Tom Wilson in third.

Other 32.21%

Total Votes: 447

With a nickname like “Captain Clutch”, Marie-Philip Poulin’s reputation precedes her, and the players clearly admire her undeniable talent. No. 29’s resume is stacked with accolades, highlighted by three gold medals won in four Olympic tournaments – with three golden goals to match them.

Other 21.89%

Total Votes: 338

Life on the road can present its challenges when it comes to routine and being away from family, but according to the players, an off day in Las Vegas isn’t so bad.

Other 23.06%

Total Votes: 516

They’ve made it in the NHL, but which player would be most likely to achieve success in another professional sport? According to the players, Joe Pavelski has the best shot at making the cut in the world of golf, followed by Anders Lee in football.

Other 76%

Total Votes: 300

Could be the cut, could be the colour. It may be that perfect combination of both, but when it comes to hockey hair, the players think Cody Eakins’ flow is the best in the league. Good hair must run with the Karlsson name, as evidenced by William and Erik finishing second and third this year.

Other 70.41%

Total Votes: 392

P.K. Subban has amassed millions of followers across his accounts for good reason – and you can likely find more than a few of his NHLPA peers among them. For the second time, the players have tabbed the defenceman as the best player to follow on social media.

Other 61.32%

Total Votes: 287

Many young hockey fans and players idolize their favourite athletes on the ice, and according to more than 42% of the players who answered this question, Sidney Crosby sets the best example for generations to follow.

Other 41.98%

Total Votes: 374

Some of the sporting world’s most accomplished professional athletes make the cut of non-NHL athletes the players would most like to trade places with for a day. Legendary NFL star Tom Brady leads the pack, followed by Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Other 50.11%

Total Votes: 437