For numerous seasons, Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins has held the notorious title of the most disliked figure in the National Hockey League (NHL).
His on-ice antics and questionable behavior solidified this reputation, but recent developments suggest that Marchand's reign has come to an end.
A player poll featured in The Athletic posed the question,
"Who's the player in the league whose face you most want to punch?"
Marchand, with 14.97% of the 147 total votes, secured second place, falling far short of reclaiming his dubious crown.
Surprisingly, it is Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins who now claims the unenviable title of the most hated man in the NHL, securing a commanding 28.57% of the total votes.
Cousins' ascent to the top spot may not astonish those familiar with his recent controversial plays, as highlighted by former NHL player Kevin Bieksa during a broadcast intermission.
The poll results indicate a significant shift in the league's sentiments, signaling the end of Marchand's era as the NHL's most polarizing figure.
If you're curious about how some of the other players ranked, here is how the Top 5 breaks down:
1. Nick Cousins (28.57%) 2. Brad Marchand (14.97%) 3. Matthew Tkachuk (7.48%) 4. Michael Bunting (4.08%) 5. Conor Garland (4.08%)
