NHL Player Insights: Dissatisfaction and Desires

Even million-dollar NHL players have their complaints. From facilities to coaching to city life, the athletes’ views provide a unique window into the league. A recent survey by The Athletic polled 111 players on various topics, offering a glimpse into their thoughts and experiences. Let’s dive into their feedback.

The Least Desired Trading Destinations

When it comes to playing for another team, one Canadian city comes up repeatedly as players’ top option to avoid: Winnipeg. Despite leading the league and having what many consider the best in-game atmosphere, the city struggles to attract players long-term. “There’s not much to do out there,” one player said. “It’s f—ing cold. I haven’t heard a guy go to Winnipeg and be like, ‘This is going to be my forever home.’”

The Buffalo Sabres, another team frequently mentioned, have struggled immensely, failing to make the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons. “High taxes, the organization hasn’t been that strong recently,” one player noted. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “All they do is lose.”

Philadelphia, home to the Flyers, consistently ranks low on the list. Despite its rich hockey history, “I just hate Philly. I just hate Philly,” one player emphatically stated. “I’d even prefer Winnipeg,” adding, “It’s not that nice, but I just hate Philly.”

However, not all players are so picky. One player summed it up succinctly: “I’d feel lucky to play anywhere,” highlighting the mixed feelings within the league.

Preferred Coaches

Several highly successful coaches dominate the list of desired team leaders. Coaches known for their winning records and communicative styles top the charts. “I like his persona,” one player said of Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Players also praised Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes, highlighting his reward system for committed players.

Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers, known for his aggressive tactics and a winning Stanley Cup ring, also received high praise. “Those interviews during the playoffs?” another noted. “I mean, yeah. Hard not to like him.”

John Tortorella of the Philadelphia Flyers, despite his polarizing management style, attracted some interest for his unique methods. “I just like to experience Torts,” one player said. “There’d probably be some funny stuff going on on the bench. I’d just love to hear it sometime.”

Least Desired Coaches

No surprise, John Tortorella leads the list of least desirable coaches. Despite his effectiveness, his coaching style frequently rubs players the wrong way. “He’s a big man and loud,” one player commented. “Not a fan of playing for someone like that.”

Bruce Cassidy of the Vegas Golden Knights saw a rise in negative opinions, perhaps due to mixed results. “I haven’t heard too many good things about the Vegas coach, Cassidy,” another player said.

Mike Babcock of the Columbus Blue Jackets, known for his strong leadership but recent struggles, faced skepticism. “I just think he’s too old,” one player stated. “I don’t think he understands the game anymore.”

Even successful coaches like Rod Brind’Amour faced criticism for being intimidating, “He’s just because he’s way more in shape than I am, so he’d be intimidating,” a player joked.

Facility Preferences

The age and quality of facilities significantly influence player satisfaction. Newer arenas like the Detroit Red Wings’ Little Caesars Arena, Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena, Edmonton Oilers’ Rogers Place, Golden Knights’ T-Mobile Arena, and New York Islanders’ UBS Arena sparkle with modern amenities. “Really, any of the new rinks,” one player said.

However, Utah’s Delta Center, despite its vintage, impressed with upscale features. “Utah was frickin’ nice,” one player noted. “Ice cold tubs, hot tubs that were like $10,000 each. We shared with the basketball guys. Our (visitors’) room is huge. Medical room is bigger than our medical room here.”

Older facilities, particularly those like Minnesota’s Xcel Energy Center and Washington’s arena, faced criticism. “The visiting room sucks,” a player commented on the latter. “And the home room is basically the visiting room with some paint on the walls. So, yeah, pretty s—-y.”

Notably, the Carolina Hurricanes’ facilities find themselves among the least preferred. “The locker room is basically the visiting room with some paint on the walls,” one player emphasized. “It sucks. Everything about that trip sucks.”

In-Season Tournaments

The idea of in-season tournaments, similar to the NBA’s, divided the players. Some saw it as a great way to inject excitement and extra revenue into the league, helping to fill the long NHL season. “I think it’d be good to grow the game,” one player said. “Extra revenue. Gets fans more involved in the game. More rivalries.”

Others, however, viewed it as gimmicky and potentially distracting. “We play for the Stanley Cup,” another player insisted. “We don’t play for an in-season tournament banner.”

The Length of the Season

The majority of players believed the season was too long, particularly the extended preseason. “Preseason is too long,” one player said. “I think we should start third week of September. June 1 should be Game 7 of the Cup Final.”

Some suggested shortening the regular season from 82 games. “I think 72 to 75 would probably be better, especially for teams going deep every year,” another player recommended.

However, the economic impact of fewer games also weighed heavily on players’ minds. “The season is long,” one player noted. “But it’s the hardest trophy in sports to win, right? It’s supposed to be hard.”

Gary Bettman’s Future

Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, faced varied opinions regarding his continued leadership of the league. Some praised his efforts in stabilizing and growing the game. “I think he’s done a great job with the league,” one player stated. “It keeps growing.”

Others suggested it might be time for a new face. “The culture of the league needs to change,” a player highlighted. “The league needs to make hockey more accessible to lots of people.”

“It’s such a hard job,” one player acknowledged, “You’re not ever going to be liked. He had a good run. Let somebody else step in now.”

(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic, with photos of Jon Cooper and Gary Bettman by Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images, Lynne Sladky / Associated Press and Harry How / Getty Images)

Final Thoughts

This survey paints a nuanced picture of life inside the NHL. From the desire to avoid specific teams to the preference for certain coaching styles, players offer varied opinions that shed light on the challenges and attractions of playing in the league. As the NHL continues to evolve, these insights will play a crucial role in shaping its future.

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