NHL Network Reveals Top 5 Toughest Players, and the List Sparks Controversy
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
In the category of the most original rankings, here's a pretty good one that was just published by the official network of the National Hockey League.
Via NHL Network, analyst Stu Grimson has indeed revealed his top 5 toughest players in the NHL.
It's always interesting to discuss and debate this kind of ranking, especially when it comes with a few surprises.
Ranking of the top five toughest players in the National Hockey League published by NHL Network: Arber Xhekaj is missing from the list
Here is the ranking in question, and we'll come back to it afterwards.
5- Liam O'Brien - Utah
4- Mathieu Olivier - Columbus
3- Nicolas Deslauriers - Philadelphia
2- Kurtis MacDermid - New Jersey
1- Ryan Reaves - Toronto
4- Mathieu Olivier - Columbus
3- Nicolas Deslauriers - Philadelphia
2- Kurtis MacDermid - New Jersey
1- Ryan Reaves - Toronto
And here is the original post.
«As a former tough guy in the NHL, Stu Grimson knows what it takes to be a tough guy in the NHL.
What do you think of his list of the 5 toughest players of the moment?»
- NHL Network
What do you think of his list of the 5 toughest players of the moment?»
- NHL Network
Here are my observations.
1- I absolutely disagree with placing Ryan Reaves in the first position. It might have been the case before, but it's no longer the case.
2- I believe Kurtis MacDermid might have deserved the first position a few years ago, but he no longer plays regularly, so I think this 2nd position is too high for him. However, I still believe he deserves a spot in the top 5.
3- I think Arber Xhekaj deserved to be in this top 5. He has more than proven himself.
4- I pretty much agree with Nicolas Deslauriers.
5- I think Mathieu Olivier deserved the first position.
Here's my humble and personal ranking. (for 2024-2025)
1. Olivier.
2. Xhekaj.
3. Deslauriers.
4. MacDermid.
5. Ryan Reaves, out of respect for his past.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 2514 ANSWERS NHL Network Reveals Top 5 Toughest Players, and the List Sparks Controversy Which one is the toughest, among the following names, in your opinion? | ||
| Arber Xhekaj | 1196 | 47.6 % |
| Mathieu Olivier | 819 | 32.6 % |
| Nicolas Deslauriers | 333 | 13.2 % |
| Ryan Reaves | 166 | 6.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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