NHL Valentine's Day: The Player Fans Love Most on All 30 Teams
Valentine's Day is a great time to tell the significant other in your life how much you appreciate them.
Of course, it's never a bad idea for a loyal fanbase to show their admiration for the athletes that will take their franchise to the next level.
The following are the 30 most lovable players on each team.
Anaheim Ducks: Bobby Ryan
1 of 30
In an interview with TSN, Bobby Ryan said that one of his teammates switched his girlfriend's number to his coach Randy Carlyle's on his cell phone.
He texted her all night and wondered why he wasn't getting a response.
You've got to imagine that was an awkward conversation at practice the next day.
Atlanta Thrashers: Evander Kane
2 of 30Evander Kane is one of the most complete young players in the game.
He has a heavy shot, great hands, hits hard and is willing to fight.
His fight last year against Matt Cooke certainly won him over with the fans in Atlanta.
Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas
3 of 30
One of three superstar goaltenders to come out of the ninth round in 1994—Evgeni Nabokov and Tomas Vokoun are the others—Thomas was selected 217th overall by the Quebec Nordiques.
After a four-year stint at the University of Vermont, Thomas spent years in Europe and the minor leagues before landing a permanent job in Boston during the 2005 season.
The Flint, Michigan native's improbable rise to the top has earned him the respect of fans in Boston.
Buffalo Sabres: Ryan Miller
4 of 30
Ryan Miller's athleticism, charm and good looks have won him the heart of actress Noureen DeWulf as well as the hockey aficionados in Western New York.
Calgary Flames: Jarome Iginla
5 of 30
Think Calgary Flames and captain Jarome Iginla immediately comes to mind.
The man is synonymous with the team and city.
Unfortunately, team and city may be in for a heartbreak. Iginla is reportedly on the trading block and could leave the discombobulated organization at the trade deadline.
Carolina Hurricanes: Jeff Skinner
6 of 30NHL.com compared Jeff Skinner to Justin Bieber.
Enough said.
Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane
7 of 30
By turning on the red light that signaled the first Stanley Cup victory since 1961, Patrick Kane has won over the hearts of the people of Chicago.
Colorado Avalanche: Paul Stastny
8 of 30
Son of NHL Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, who played for the Quebec Nordiques before they moved to Denver and became the Avalanche, Paul has strong roots with the franchise and city.
The Quebec native won a national championship while playing collegiate hockey at the University of Denver before joining the Avalanche in 2006.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash
9 of 30
If the Blue Jackets organization is going to awaken from its doldrums and win a playoff game, Rick Nash is the man that is going to make it happen.
He's the most recognizable player in Columbus and is, with the possible exception of goaltender Steve Mason, the only bona fide superstar on the team.
Dallas Stars: Loui Eriksson
10 of 30
For years this would most certainly have been Mike Modano.
However, his era is over and the Stars are looking to the future.
There is a lot of pressure for Loui Eriksson, a 25-year-old Swedish forward, to make hockey relevant again in Dallas.
Detroit Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom
11 of 30Very few people can say they netted their first hat trick at age 40.
Nicklas Lidstrom's longevity as a player is a major reason why the ageless Wings continue to win hockey games for the city of Detroit.
Edmonton Oilers: Linus Omark
12 of 30Linus Omark's bravado in executing a sexy spin move in his first NHL game won over the hearts of the die-hard Oilers fanbase.
Florida Panthers: David Booth
13 of 30Bravery and internal drive have allowed David Booth to return from two devastating hits.
The first came in Montreal from Jaroslav Spacek.
The second came in Philadelphia from Mike Richards.
Certainly he deserves some love down in South Florida.
Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty
14 of 30There are very few things that are sexier than Drew Doughty's spin move.
Minnesota Wild: Brent Burns
15 of 30
This picture says it all.
Montreal Canadiens: PK Subban
16 of 30
PK Subban may not be drawing comparisons to Justin Bieber, but the brash, loquacious defenseman is certainly well-accepted in Montreal.
Nashville Predators: Mike Fisher
17 of 30Predators fans were quick to embrace Mike Fisher.
It may have something to do with his wife, starlet Carrie Underwood.
New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise
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There was a ubiquitous gasp in New Jersey when Zach Parise went down for the season.
The restricted free agent is a big part of the Devils' future.
New York Islanders: John Tavares
19 of 30If there is anyone to save this historic franchise it will be John Tavares.
New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist
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Handsome and suave, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is a perfect fit in New York.
He may not get compared to Justin Bieber like Jeff Skinner, but he did get to sit next to the Canadian singer.
Ottawa Senators: Daniel Alfredsson
21 of 30
The longest-tenured captain has been a staple in Canada's capital since joining the team in 1995.
Philadelphia Flyers: Chris Pronger
22 of 30Chris Pronger represents the the Flyer organization as a whole.
People either love him or hate him.
Phoenix Coyotes: Shane Doan
23 of 30
Despite all the turmoil that has surrounded the Coyotes, former Winnipeg Jet Shane Doan has remained with the organization through thick and thin.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby
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Sid the Kid may have a reputation as a punk in the NHL community, but he is embraced with open arms in Pittsburgh.
San Jose Sharks: Joe Pavelski
25 of 30Little Joe became the Big Pavelski after his playoff performance last season.
If San Jose is going to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history, the puck must find Pavelski's stick.
He's been their most consistent player in the postseason since joining the team in 2006.
St. Louis Blues: David Backes
26 of 30An Olympian and All-Star, David Backes is the backbone of a young core in St. Louis.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Martin St. Louis
27 of 30
They may have two first overall picks in Tampa, but the most consistent player over the years has been undrafted Martin St. Louis.
As the Lightning enter a new era they will look to St. Louis, veteran Vincent Lecavalier and blossoming superstar Steven Stamkos to bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa for the first time since 2004.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Dion Phaneuf
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If anyone is going to deliver for the Toronto faithful, it's going to be former Calgary Flame Dion Phaneuf.
With his massive slapper and devastating hits, he should be a difference-maker for the hapless franchise.
Vancouver Canucks: Ryan Kesler
29 of 30
It's impossible to pick between the Sedin twins and Ryan Kesler has played phenomenally since quelling his trash talk this season.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin
30 of 30During a down year he may have resorted to spying for the Russian government, but he's still loved in the nation's capital.
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