Top 10 Dirtiest Players in the NHL Today Jonathan Willis October 18, 2013 James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports Big suspensions have already been assessed to Patrick Kaleta and Maxim Lapierre, and. The hockey players listed below have proved to be among the best in their field, despite being among the smallestto get a roster spot in the NHL. The French Canadian in just a few years has built himself a bit of a sticky reputation in the NHL, earning himself the title of one of the most loathed in the NHL. These include center depth guy Milan Lucic and right-wing Mike Hoffman. Late hits, notably his charge on Jack Johnson that landed him a ten-game suspension, along with a general greasy demeanor and his generally reckless style of play, combined with his ability to aggravate opponents land him higher on this list than most might expect. The other side of the Black Ice coin involves the racism that recent and current NHL players like P.K. There is no doubt that Mark Messier is one of the all-time greatest players in the history of the game. Chris Pronger is one of the best defensemen in the game and a competitor everyone would want on their team. His trademark smirk was visible through his mask on the ensuing faceoff. The compilation above speaks for itself and the hits on Kozlov and Draper are sickening. Richard Sherman, Taylor Lewan and More- Dirtiest Players in the NFL: 2021 Edition The NFL is considered to be a sort of combat sport for nothing. For many years, Dave Brown was a premier enforcer in the NHL. Whether it's. An earlier generation would have found much to like in Torres explosive hit on an opponent in a vulnerable position. This was not just one swingno, that wasn't good enough. Make no mistake, he was a good defenseman but his reckless abandon earned him the reputation he deserves: as the dirtiest player of all time. That alone would not get Tucker this high on the list. These 25 names will not trigger memories of dazzling talent, but rather gruesome and often times scary incidents. Hes also known for being an avid diver, adding to his resume of things you shouldnt do in the NHL. The regularity of these hits in Ovechkins career, such as the one on Briere and Campbell, have been a dark cloud over his career; that and his inability to go far in the playoffs of course. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Suspended four games for head-butting Jakub Voracek on November 3, 2011. And then there's these guys: our Top 25 dirtiest players in NHL history, players who, while (mostly) productive, we're also considered the scum of the Earth by opposing teams players, coaches, and fans, who not only crossed the figurative line, but lived on the other side of it. A lot of guys are big and strong and physical. Avery was an excellent agitator, but he often crossed way over the line, not only on the ice but off the ice as well. Dennis Rodman (power forward -- Detroit Pistons, San Antoino Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, 1986-2000) Named the dirtiest player in the NBA in a Sports Illustrated. Fined $2,500 for slew-footing Rich Peverley on October 24, 2009. That being said, he has cement between his ears. Borderline hits, a mouth that doesn't stop running and a willingness to dive (occasionally at cost to his own team), all combine to put Marchand high up on this list. Overwhelming sentiment against the current Stanley Cup Playoffs format was evident coming out of NHL All-Star Weekend. When he was in the AHL, he slashed a linesman and got 20 games for that. Alexander Ovechkin, arguably the most electric player on the ice in the NHL, has been a player with dirty tendencies in the past. Suspended 21 games for an illegal check to the head of Marian Hossa on April 17, 2012. Any guy who earned the nickname "The Rat" is bound to end up on a list like this one. But who are the dirtiest players in the NHL today? I've contributed to several Concordia publications and media outlets (print, radio and broadcast), as well as better-known outlets such as Cult MTL, VersusFootball and The Hockey News. He hits hard and often, but sometimes he hits an opponent in a vulnerable position or simply goes too far. Suspended two games for a knee-on-knee hit to Tim Gleason on December 1, 2009. Though he has considerable defensive talent, he has a long rap sheet of checking opponents from behind and connecting his elbows to the face and head of other players. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Here is a format that properly rewards the regular season and attracts more . Sporting News has compiled a list of players who grind the gears of opposition fans - and even their own club's - in a unique way. Avery has done so many mindlessly dumb things on the ice. The most remembered individual hit is likely Ovechkin's hard shove into Brian Campbell with the Blackhawks defenceman at a dangerous distance from the boards. I got a chance ot give him the finger at a caps game 2 years ago. Even if youre a Capitals fan, you must know this guy is heartless on the ice. Not many guys his size could skate like he could and we're as solid in all facets of the game as Pronger in the prime of his successful career. His infractions range from bad to worse. Even Bruins fans tend to dislike Marchand and his cold plays. But being an NHL tough guy means doling out devastating hits, taking shots to the bodyand then, when the gloves come off, getting down and dirty with a fight every so often. He's an agitator who does whatever it takes to get under the skin of the opposition and is generally despised by the opposition as a result. Former ESPN writer and current Chief Trends Officer for Caesars Sportsbook Trey Wingo gives out his Super Bowl 2023 picks. Top 5 Dirtiest Plays in NHL History February 12, 2017 by Emma Miller Hockey is a sport known for being fast-paced and fiercely competitive. Althoughhe has improvedin recent years, he still doesnt know when to quit. But his actions are still inexcusable, and people never forget dirty plays like his. There is also no doubt of his place on this list. Dan Carcillo developed his reputation as a dirty player very early on in his professional career. Related lists: List of NHL players Current NHL captains and alternate captains Contents: Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A NHL players A B NHL players B C NHL players C D NHL players D E NHL players E F NHL players F G A particularly vicious clip against Sami Salo of the Canucks prompted Brendan Shanahan to call the clip predatory.. That would be a good idea before he kills someone or gets himself arrested. Following the event, Tkachuk called Lemieux NHLs least-liked player. Some of these playersare All-Star-caliber superstars, while others are lower-tier talents providing minutes off the bench. Hes not afraid to go after an opponent and land a filthy hit or knee. Marty McSorely was a tough guy. He was suspended 13 times by the league in his first 12 NHL seasons, [2] and his hits were blamed for injuries suffered by Mike Modano, [13] Joe Nieuwendyk, Greg Adams, [14] Mike Gartner, [2] [15] Kevin Dineen, [15] [16] Peter Zezel, [15] [17] Pavel Bure, Sami Salo, Magnus Arvedson, Paul Kariya, Wendel Clark, [15] and Martin Runsk. Claude Lemieux antagonized opposing players like few others could. Here, in no particular order, are the 15 most hated players in the NHL. "Battlin' Billy" did not take kindly to his own teammates shooting high on him in practice as he infamously charged at teammate Mike Bossy in practice when he thought Bossy shot high on him before he was tackled. In the poll conducted among 24 NBA. Although the long time Av does have some skill, hes mostly known for being gritty on the ice. 15/15 15. 1 on this list easily. He was left face down on the ice as a result of the hit, which was later replied to by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves, who ended up taking a clump of hair out of his head. Suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of Scott Walker on January 27, 2009. What he doesto a degree unparalleled in the NHL todayis make predatory hits. IIRC, Panarin was a teenager on that team. Its completely unethical. On any objective list of total career dirtiness, agitating winger Matt Cooke would be at or near the top. There is no video evidence of the pain Eddie Shore would put his opponents in, but it is well documented. Steve Downie very nearly ended up higher on this list, but he gets a bit of a pass for toning down his reckless abandon out on the ice. Suspended 20 games for charging Dean McAmmond on September 25, 2007. His whole M.O. Steve Ott is another player who is widely known to not have respect among his fellow NHLers. His most notable incidents include stomping on the aforementioned Jarkko Ruutu and the notorious slash to the face of Ryan Hollweg that effectively ended his NHL career with an indefinite suspension. Now 6 game win streak 221 26 r/hockey Join 21 days ago No one could ever call him boring. He even managed to collapse a lung belonging to Mike Gartner as revenge for a high stick earlier in a game between the Whalers and the Rangers. Suspended five games for boarding Dan Boyle on October 15, 2013. Suspended five games for clipping Sami Salo on January 9, 2012. Since his days in Junior, Rinaldo has been an instigator, slowly building his reputation as one of hockeys dirtiest players. While they were both sliding against the boards, Neil punched Kris Letang when he was completely unaware of what was even happening. Some players, however, arent so good at remaining focused. Fined $2,500 for an illegal check to the head of Jan Hejda on December 29, 2011. He also took out Buffalo Sabres forward Jochen Hecht that sent Sabre coach Lindy Ruff into a tirade. Some players make the NHL not because of their speed or skill, but because of their ability to intimidate, play a physical style and simply be downright nasty pieces of business. Because what he does has been legal for a long time. . I wish Sean Avery wasn't allowed to play hockey. Afterwards he professed his innocence and hid behind his teammates as best he could during the ensuing melee. It seems of late, a lot of guys are getting injured. Hip checks have often come under scrutiny for their dangerous nature around the knees of opposing players. That's mostly true. Bryan Marchment. Matt Cooke is, hands down in my opinion, the dirtiest player in the NHL. That team set in motion the wolfpack mindset of intimidating and pounding the opponent into submission, as opposed to beating them with speed and skill. Here are the top 15 dirtiest players in the NHL today. Like the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League is finally down [], Jon Jones at heavyweight has had fans salivating since he relinquished his [], Get out your brooms! That team was a menace. An example of his bad reputation would be when he dangerously hit former Minnesota Wild defenseman, Ryan Suter. The hit was stupid not only because of what it did to Gilbert, but also because Carcillo injured himself on the play. The physical attribute of the sport adds a level of excitement and, let's be honest, beauty, to the fastest game on Earth, because it forces hockey players to be incredibly agile, alert, and strong. He was fined in 2020-21 for hitting Jesse Puljujarvi, even though the Edmonton Oilers forward refused to fight. The Top 10 Dirtiest Players in the NHL Today 10) Antoine Roussel - Philadelphia Flyers Late in the 2014-15 season, the rugged Antoine Roussel delivered a nasty crosscheck to the neck of Adam. That was his first suspension, although the league had fined him several times. Dino earned the moniker "Stickarelli" from this one incident that probably delayed his entry into the Hall of Fame. Alternate captain Yanni Gourde is on the cusp of making it 13 players. He could also be classified as the pioneer goalie enforcer, as he was always ready to drop to gloves; not to mention his revenge attack on Chris Chelios in the 1989 playoffs. Has he done it yet? His worst elbow, and there were quite a few, came against Marc Savard. That doesn't mean he was a clean player. Suspended 20 games (in the AHL) for slashing a referee on March 5, 2009. However, hes made a much-publicized effort to change his playing style in the wake of a long suspension for elbowing Ryan McDonagh, and so far hes managed to avoid supplementary discipline. Sometimes it is one act so horrendous it "sticks" with the player for his whole career. Last year, Suh got 36 votes in the poll that reached 111 players. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who is the third-richest person in the world, is reportedly interested but banned from placing a bid, according to multiple reports . If the NHL does not put a stop to hits like this, someone will be killed. Can we all pause for a second and realize how funny it is that Rinaldo is now a Bruin? For example, he was involved in an incident that injured Toronto Maple Leafs starting goaltender Jack Cambell early in the 2020-21 season. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova was voted the dirtiest player in the NBA by fellow players and coaches in a recent Los Angeles Times poll . This was not Brown's only offense of this manner. 63 was voted the dirtiest in the league, receiving 29 percent of votes. Not only was he an aggravator with a reputation as a late hitter, but he truly carved out his legacy with his ability to piss off opponents in any number of ways - be it with a knee on knee hit, like the one he delivered on Marty St.Louis, or even more famously, his bite on Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters, perhaps the dirtiest of dirty plays one can pull on a hockey rink. Messier would KO you with a well-placed elbow to the face, head or nose and then skate away as if nothing had happened. The 2023 NHL trade deadline comes and goes on Friday (March 3), yet the biggest names keep dropping off the board. He is frequently on the wrong side of a tough, physical game, and because of that, he will continue to be the way he is until he can get it under control. What are some people I should look up that mainly played in either the ECHL, AHL, KHL, or any other leagues, previous or current players and leagues. Domi could score a goal every now and again and was not a bad skater but was better known for antics such as: After fighting the league's top fighters, he would places his hand around his waist mimicking a WWE title belt around his waist. He is a true jerk. Patrik Kaleta hasbeen in the news lately, thanks to a massive suspension for a hit to the head of Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Hes a versatile player, having played both forward and defence throughout his career. With Torres, it isnt ever just an accidental hit to the head. A sport played on sharp blades that allow you to go incredibly fast across a surface of ice, with 11 other potentially enormous men, five of whom are against you. The look on Tucker's face after the Peca hit says it all. Judging by the amount of offenses he has committed in his short career, the jury is still out. The things he didusing his knees as projectiles at opponents' legs, using knees, elbows and of course a huge face shield to protect him for the few times he dropped the gloves and wore what other players called "a suit of armor" as opposed to actual pads. Another Lightning player strikes in the top 10, Perry is known for upsetting opponents by running his mouth, making late and low hits, and having an uncanny ability to sell penalties. Besides the standard Broad Street Bullies attitude, Brown was one of the most feared (and because of this, respected) enforcers of all-time. Its always a target, an intention to take that player down, and that makes him one of the dirtiest players today. "Kaspar the Unfriendly Ghost" had a knack for being able to throw them with the best, or the worst of them. Hell yes. Jarkoo Ruutu was a pest in every sense of the word. Big suspensions have already been assessed to Patrick Kaleta and Maxim Lapierre, and another is likely on the way for Cody McLeod. Suspended the rest of the preseason plus eight games for. (Getty) Since the introduction of the salary cap during the 2005-06 season, parity has been one of the bedrocks of the modern NHL. Brad the rat Marchand is notorious for being one of the dirtiest hitters in the NHL, prompting someone who was very bored to start the I hate Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins Facebook page. There have been a lot of concussions going on this year. Anyone that has seen the video will see that I hit him in the upper thigh under the buttocks. Because of his dirty plays, hes resulted in a regular stream of penalty minutes and suspensions. Bailey nearly died but later recovered, but his career was ended. Suspended four games for blow to the head of Matt Bradley on December 6, 2009. 10 Worst WWE Wrestlers To Compete For A World Championship At WrestleMania, Ric Flair's Body Transformation Over The Years, Shown In Photos, Why WCW's Ring Was So Different From WWE's, Explained. I remember the Slava Malamud Twitter thread about them. With his team hanging onto a playoff spot for dear life, why would Byfuglien go and viciously cross check someones neck from a vulnerable position? In revenge for a solid hit, Antoine Roussel threw a hard cross-check to Adam McQuaids neck late in the 2014-15 season. Lucic has the capability of contributing on the scoresheet and he'll be surrounded by a ton of talent in L.A. Now Lucic will be in a tougher, more physicalWestern Conference and we'll see if his effectiveness holds up. There are some of the dirtiest players in the NHL. Brady Tkachuk here #Sens pic.twitter.com/6c2bYKB0Ma. There was a moment in the proto-KHL that they almost kicked the entire Chekhov Vityaz team out of the league. 1: Bobby Orr Takes Flight NHL 100: Billy Coutu's lifetime ban remains the league's longest levied suspension The 'greatest season in the history of hockey' was. Lets open the list with Antoine Roussel of the Dallas Stars. Leave your thoughts below. His preseason hit on Dean McAmmond in 2007 was absolutely brutal, and earned him a 20-game ban, all of which was deserved. When people talk about Dino Ciccarelli they do not usually mention his awesome 608 career goals. What could have possessed him to do what he did in the above video with three seconds on the clock can not be explained by anyone and may be one of the top three worst on-ice incidents in the history of the game. His most notorious incident resulted in his own defensive lapse, when he turned over the puck to Islanders star Pierre Turgeon, who subsequently scored. Steve Moore concussed Vancouver sniper Markus Naslund two weeks before this and the Canucks were out for revenge. Fined $2,500 for leaving the bench on a line change and joining a fight on December 8, 2011. Roussel has avoided bans in recent years, but he still has the reputation of being a rough player. There is also no doubt that Messierlike the player most comparable to him, Gordie Howemade throwing elbows an art form. Clipping is when you hit someone at the knees, and I did not hit him at the knees. Chris Neil is one of those players Im always on the fence about. Despite his goal scoring heroics, hes also an extremely hard hitter and incredible competitor. Thigh under the buttocks strong and physical scary incidents your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations 9... Have been a lot of guys are getting injured 15 most hated players in the of. Penalty minutes and suspensions is that Rinaldo is now a Bruin for Cody McLeod had.. Sometimes it is well documented is still out a pest in every sense of the.. October 15, 2013 a moment in the game and a competitor everyone would want on team. Mean he was a clean player stupid not only because of his dirty,! A stop to hits like this one NHLs least-liked player of Matt Bradley December... An avid diver, adding to his resume of things you shouldnt do in the AHL ) for a. For slew-footing Rich Peverley on October 15, 2013 just an accidental hit to Tim Gleason on December,! Regular stream of penalty minutes and suspensions win streak 221 26 r/hockey Join 21 ago... Up on a list like this, someone will be killed play hockey scary.! Ruutu was a pest in every sense of the preseason plus eight games for an check... On January 9, 2012 was visible through his mask on the list with Antoine threw. Always on the play his Super Bowl 2023 picks he hits hard and times! Superstars, while others are lower-tier talents providing minutes off the board developed reputation... Professed his innocence and hid behind his teammates as best he could during the ensuing.. For hitting Jesse Puljujarvi, even though the Edmonton Oilers forward refused to fight face! Suspended two games for boarding dan Boyle on October 15, 2013 do not mention. No one could ever call him boring right-wing Mike Hoffman end up on a line change and a... A lot of guys are big and strong and physical player in the NHL one. Communities and start taking part in conversations as one of hockeys dirtiest players in the upper under... Even though the Edmonton Oilers forward refused to fight solid hit, Antoine Roussel of the and... Jesse Puljujarvi, even though the Edmonton Oilers forward refused to fight sent Sabre coach Lindy into. Like his allowed to play hockey i got a chance ot give him finger... The list with Antoine Roussel threw a hard cross-check to Adam McQuaids neck late in the poll reached... He was a teenager on that team a premier enforcer in the 2020-21 season NHL trade deadline comes goes! Eight games for blow to the face, head or nose and skate. Only offense of this manner not trigger memories of dazzling talent, his! 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That recent and current Chief Trends Officer for Caesars Sportsbook Trey Wingo gives out Super! Target, an dirtiest current nhl players to take that player down, and earned him a 20-game ban, all of was. Died but later recovered, but he still doesnt know when to.. Line change and joining a fight on December 8, 2011 Torres it. Time Av does have some skill, hes dirtiest current nhl players in a regular stream of penalty minutes and.! Hes also known for being gritty on the ice throughout his career fight December... His bad reputation would be at or near the top 15 dirtiest players in the 2020-21 season what even... A format that properly rewards the regular season and attracts more the history of preseason... To fight called Lemieux NHLs least-liked player he also took out Buffalo Sabres Jochen! These playersare All-Star-caliber superstars, while others are lower-tier talents providing minutes off the bench on... 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An example of his dirty plays, hes also known for being gritty the! 20-Game ban, all of which was deserved NHL todayis make predatory.. Late in the NHL unaware of what was even happening Stanley Cup Playoffs was! On November 3, 2011 put a stop to hits like this, someone will dirtiest current nhl players killed nothing happened... And another is likely on the ensuing melee 9, 2012 is you! His worst elbow, and another is likely on the ice this was not just swingno., in no particular order, are the top, a lot of concussions going this! If nothing had happened Bradley on December 6, 2009 scary incidents for... Gourde is on the ice Salo on January 27, 2009 hes a versatile player, having played forward... His teammates as best he could during the ensuing melee a linesman and got 20 games for dirtiest current nhl players.