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NHLPA Player Poll Reveals Insights Into Player Perspectives
The latest NHLPA player poll, in its ninth edition, provides a fascinating glimpse into the opinions of more than 639 players on various aspects of professional hockey. This annual survey covers 15 hockey-related questions, encompassing skills, teams, and even off-ice topics, shedding light on the perspectives of those who live and breathe the sport at the highest level.
Connor McDavid Emerges as Consistent Favorite
Unsurprisingly, Connor McDavid continues to command respect from his peers, garnering top-five placements in six different poll questions. Notably, McDavid stands out as the clear choice for forwards, with an overwhelming 48.71% of players selecting him as the go-to option for a must-win game, leaving Sidney Crosby in a distant second place at 11.58%. Other prominent names like Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, and Artemi Panarin also feature, with Auston Matthews notably missing from the top five.
Furthermore, McDavid’s stellar stick-handling skills have not gone unnoticed, as he claims the title of the NHL’s best stick-handler with 35.53% of the vote, dethroning Patrick Kane, who held the top spot in the previous three polls.
Andrei Vasilevskiy Reigns Supreme Among Goaltenders
Despite facing early-season setbacks, Andrei Vasilevskiy maintains his status as the preferred goaltender for a must-win scenario, commanding 46.92% of the vote. His fellow Russian netminders, Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin, round out the top three choices. Notably, Connor Hellebuyck, a strong Vezina Trophy contender, falls to fourth place in this particular poll.
Cale Makar Shines as Premier Defenceman
For defensive prowess, Cale Makar stands out as the overwhelming choice, securing 56.38% of the votes for the top defenceman in a critical game situation. Additionally, Makar impresses with his breakout passing skills, earning him recognition as the best breakout passer in the league, ahead of other top talents like Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, Victor Hedman, and Erik Karlsson.
Player Perspectives: Complete Player, Top Style, and Global Expansion
Throughout the poll, notable acknowledgments include Sidney Crosby’s consistent recognition as the most complete player for the fifth consecutive year, embodying the qualities of excellence across all facets of the game. Moreover, players reveal their appreciation for David Pastrnak’s style, as he garners the most votes for the player with the best on-ice fashion sense.
Looking beyond individual talent, the poll offers insights into broader industry trends, including preferences for the NHL’s next potential global destinations. Countries like Italy, Sweden, England, Switzerland, and France emerge as top contenders for hosting future NHL games, showcasing the league’s expanding reach and international appeal.
Additionally, specific arenas are highlighted for their unique characteristics, with Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena earning recognition as the toughest venue for visiting teams. Meanwhile, Montreal’s Bell Centre maintains its reputation for having the best ice, securing the top spot for the sixth consecutive year.
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