‘Original Six’ teams are among the most popular with fans, according to a survey conducted ahead of the 2022-23 season
October 04, 2022 at 5:00 am UTC
Entering his 18th season, Pittsburgh Penguins’ star Sidney Crosby is an NHL elder statesman — but that doesn’t mean his popularity has faded. In fact, the 35-year-old is the most popular player among fans, according to new Morning Consult data.
Ahead of Friday’s opening season game in Prague, nearly half of self-identified NHL fans (49%) said they have a “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” opinion of the three-time Stanley Cup champion. There was a difference of 8 percentage points between Crosby and second place, a four-way tie between veteran free agent Joe Thornton, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-André Fleury.
A majority of the NHL’s 10 most popular players, according to the data, have competed in the league for at least a decade, but young rising stars like the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitchell Marner and Calgary Flames’ Matthew Tkachuk aren’t far behind as emerging fan favorites.
Sidney Crosby Remains the NHL’s Most Popular Player
NHL fans who said they have a favorable opinion of the following players:
Survey conducted Sept. 17-18, 2022, among a representative sample of 2,210 U.S. adults, including 851 self-identified NHL fans. Respondents were shown a combination of NHL players, with an unweighted margin of error range of +/-3 percentage points to +/-5 percentage points per player.
The most popular players in the NHL
- Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin, whose NHL career started in 2005, tallied a favorability rating of 40%, tied for sixth overall with teammate T.J. Oshie.
- Marner and Tkachuk had favorability ratings of 38% and 37%, respectively, while 36% of NHL fans said they have a favorable opinion of New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft.
- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, recipient of the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy (given to the most valuable player during the NHL postseason), scored a favorability rating of 36%, the highest among defensem*n.
NHL’s ‘Original Six’ Teams Are Most Popular With Fans
NHL fans who said they are interested in the following NHL teams:
Survey conducted Sept. 17-18, 2022, among a representative sample of 851 self-identified NHL fans, with an unweighted margin of error of +/-3 percentage points.
The NHL teams fans want to see
- The Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are the NHL’s most popular teams, according to the survey, with 46% of fans saying they are “very interested” or “somewhat interested” in the trio. Four of the survey’s top six teams are “Original Six” franchises. In a 2021 Morning Consult survey, NHL fans indicated they were most interested in watching the Blackhawks.
- The two most recent expansion franchises, the Vegas Golden Knights, who entered the NHL in 2017, and the Seattle Kraken, who entered in 2021, recorded ratings of 41% and 36%, respectively.
- The Avalanche, who won their third Stanley Cup in franchise history last season, finished 10th in the survey with a 46% rating.
- At 30%, the Ottawa Senators are the team in which fans were least interested.
- During the upcoming regular season, 20 of the NHL’s 32 teams — including all of the U.S.-based Original Six franchises — will each make eight appearances on the Disney family of platforms. Four teams will have a league-high seven games apiece on TNT: Edmonton Oilers, the Wild, Penguins and Rangers.
Does popularity translate to wins for NHL teams?
None of the NHL’s three most popular NHL teams are favorites to win the Stanley Cup, according to DraftKings Sportsbook betting odds as of Sept. 29. The five teams with the best current odds of winning the Cup —Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning — finished 10th, 7th, 17th, 25th and tied for 5th in popularity, respectively.
Winning the Stanley Cup, however, will likely boost a team’s popularity. Just ask the ever-popular “Original Six,” who have combined for 64 Cups —more than half of the titles since the league was founded.
The Sept. 17-18, 2022, survey was conducted among a representative sample of 2,210 U.S. adults, including 851 self-identified NHL fans. Respondents were shown a combination of NHL players, with an unweighted margin of error range of +/-3 percentage points to +/-5 percentage points per player.
Sports Analyst
Mark J. Burns is a sports analyst on the Industry Intelligence team, where he conducts research, authors analyst notes and advises leaders in the sports industry on how to apply insights to make better business decisions. Before joining Morning Consult, he served as a beat reporter at Sports Business Journal, covering the business of hockey and soccer. Mark graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in history and holds a Juris Doctor from Belmont University. For speaking opportunities and booking requests, please email [emailprotected].
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As a seasoned sports analyst with a background in the industry, I'm thrilled to delve into the comprehensive insights provided by Mark J. Burns in his article, dated October 4, 2022. The piece revolves around the popularity dynamics within the National Hockey League (NHL) and encompasses a variety of facets, from player favorability to team preferences among fans.
First and foremost, the article emphasizes the enduring popularity of veteran players, notably highlighting Sidney Crosby's continued reign as the most popular player among NHL fans. Crosby's three-time Stanley Cup champion status and his enduring career, spanning 18 seasons, contribute to his significant favorability, with a notable 49% of self-identified NHL fans expressing a positive opinion.
The data presented in the article is derived from a survey conducted on September 17-18, 2022, involving a representative sample of 2,210 U.S. adults, including 851 self-identified NHL fans. The survey's margin of error ranges from +/-3 percentage points to +/-5 percentage points per player, ensuring a reliable representation of fan sentiments.
The exploration of player popularity extends to other notable figures, including Joe Thornton, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marc-André Fleury, Mitchell Marner, and Matthew Tkachuk. The article emphasizes the emergence of young stars like Marner and Tkachuk, signaling a shift in fan preferences towards the rising talents in the league.
A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the popularity of NHL teams, with a focus on the "Original Six" franchises. The Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins emerge as the most popular teams, collectively garnering 46% of fan interest. Notably, "Original Six" teams hold a special place in fans' hearts, with four out of the top six teams in the survey belonging to this historic group.
The article also touches upon the broadcasting landscape, highlighting the number of appearances each team will make on Disney and TNT platforms during the regular season. This distribution provides insight into the exposure and reach of different teams, contributing to their overall popularity.
Intriguingly, the article explores the correlation between popularity and on-ice success. While the three most popular teams (Blackhawks, Rangers, and Penguins) may not be favorites to win the Stanley Cup, there is a recognition that winning the Cup could potentially enhance a team's popularity. The historical success of the "Original Six" teams, with a combined 64 Cups, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of successful franchises.
In summary, Mark J. Burns' article offers a nuanced exploration of the NHL's popularity dynamics, backed by robust survey data and a keen understanding of the league's dynamics. From player favorability to team preferences, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors shaping the NHL's fan landscape.
