Players vote for best nickname, style, golfer in 2025-26 NHLPA poll

The results are in for the 2025-26 NHLPA poll.

In the 11^th edition of the annual survey, NHL players voted for a wide range of topics including what players would excel at other positions, who has the best style, nickname, golf game and what team has the best dressing room.

NHL players think Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov would excel as a defenseman and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar would excel as a forward.

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington was voted as the goalie with the best “puck handling skills.”

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander won “most fashionable” and “best social media.” Looks like his arrival outfits and YouTube channel have captured the attention of his fellow peers.

Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak received “best nickname” honors for “Pasta.”

The League agrees Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon has the “most intense training regime” and his buddy, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, would make a great head coach when he retires.

Hitting the links with Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller results in a sure loss as the forward was voted the League’s "best golfer."

The Original Six matchup between the Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens was voted the NHL’s best team rivalry.

The Canadiens also won the “best ice” and the Detroit Red Wings was voted the “best visiting dressing room.”

Over 34 percent of players want to see the League expand to Houston and over 60 percent of players think players should keep wearing their dark sweaters for home games.