10 NHL Players We Want to Be on Amazon's Behind-the-Scenes Show
The annual NHL general managers meetings usually produce a few interesting nuggets every year. This time, the theme seems to be coach's challenges, but GMs are proposing more rule recommendations than usual, including puck-over-the-glass challenges and LTIR tweaks.
One of the most interesting developments to come out of the meetings this week has nothing to do with the rules, though. The Athletic's Chris Johnston reported the league has inked a deal with Amazon for a "behind-the-scenes" series that will follow 10-12 NHL stars.
With the release set for the fall, it immediately got the hockey world thinking: Who would be the most interesting players to choose? After thinking through several factors—personality, lore, team status and popularity—we've got our top 10.
David Pastrňák, Boston Bruins
1 of 10
The Bruins are one of strongest personality teams in the league, and several potential names for this series immediately stick out.
You've got elite winger and captain Brad Marchand. You've got the tale of two goalies with Swedish Ice Bear Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman of Alaska. You've got Lord of the Rings expert and Twitter regular Jakub Lauko.
However, I've always been fascinated by the life and career of David Pastrňák, and his story lends itself to a longer format. He arrived in Boston with a funky tape job and humble origins. Now he's got an eclectic suit collection, 96 points in 69 games, and the largest contract in Bruins history.
The Czech, 27, joined Boston in 2014-15 and has been an anchor for the team's identity as more turnover from the 2011 Cup roster kept happening, but it's never felt like he's gotten enough credit for keeping the Bruins competitive year after year.
It feels like it's time to give him his flowers.
Seth Jarvis, Carolina Hurricanes
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Seth Jarvis has become something of a media darling this season as he's establishing himself just the same on the ice, and it's the kind of what the Carolina Hurricanes have needed.
He's been on a world tour, whether it's the Empty Netters, the Jackie Redmond Show, Daily Faceoff, or just going viral in the locker room.
The 22-year-old is naturally hilarious, and as with Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers, there's a real opportunity to capitalize on it without forcing it.
Jarvis isn't a rookie, but he gives youthful vibes on this team, and wouldn't it be nice if the Hurricanes win their second Stanley Cup as Amazon followed him around?
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
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Who wouldn't be interested in the most hyped No. 1 overall pick in years, especially considering he's lived up to the hype his rookie season?
Connor Bedard has had to navigate a ridiculous amount of media attention, a debut slate featuring idols like Sidney Crosby and venues like Centre Bell, a jaw injury and a rebuild.
The 18-year-old has handled it all with grace, and he's even shown a bit of personality without trying too hard.
A series following Bedard would be fascinating for not just a glimpse into the brightest rising star in hockey's day-to-day, but also a look at where hockey as a whole is headed—and who the next personalities of the league will be.
The league has done a great job of capturing Bedard's rookie season, and he's done great under the pressure. Now that he's back from injury and on another tear, why not continue the good vibes and give him even more freedom to express himself as we get to know him?
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Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
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We know Nathan MacKinnon as the most intense player in the league. He's somehow found a new gear this season as he chases his first potential Hart Trophy, recording a point in every single home game.
His zone-entry swagger is unmistakable at this point, with the best speed and power skating combination of perhaps the modern era.
What makes him even more interesting, though, are the tales of that same intensity off the ice. There's the infamous chickpea pasta, the strict diet and workout regimen, and the insight into expectations from teammates.
"He is always the hardest working guy," former teammate Nikita Zadorov said. "...Young guys see that he's the best player in the NHL, and he still works to improve. It motivates them to work even harder."
On the other hand, he's known to stream his gaming sessions, and he's got a pretty impressive taste when it comes to rap music.
I'd be super-interested in a series that follows MacKinnon's day-to-day hard work but also shows us more of his off-ice personality.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
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Contrary to popular belief, the best hockey player in the world isn't that boring. Especially this year, Connor McDavid has been opening up more than ever.
He even opened up about why he hasn't previously opened up in an interview with Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com (h/t Oilers Nation):
"I think the other thing for me was I cared a lot about what the older guys thought about me. I know in hockey, the tradition is to be respectful of the older guys and kind of earn your stripes. I feel like I took that to heart, so that was part of it too. And I feel like I'm in a place now where I have a little bit more respect in the game and can maybe speak your mind a little more freely."
Not to mention, the Oilers have had an interesting season where at least some of the pressure has been off of him for once. Let him cook.
Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers
6 of 10
Matthew Tkachuk is one of the most fun personalities in hockey, and we got our best glimpse of that last year as he and the Panthers went on their Cup run.
The guy loves South Florida, his teammates and his coach.
I've always wondered what impact Tkachuk fever has had on the Panthers and Florida's revenue as one of the smallest markets in the NHL. He must have helped significantly.
This feels like a perfect storm to continue growing the game in South Florida, something Tkachuk has been earnestly passionate about since he arrived.
Plus, I need some speaker-phone conversations among the Tkachuks on air à la Kardashian.
Marc-André Fleury, Minnesota Wild
7 of 10
If we can make one request of Amazon, it should be: Please follow at least one goalie, and please make that goalie Marc-André Fleury.
The 39-year-old has been one of the most lovable pranksters since the moment he stepped foot in the league.
The interest in his off-ice antics and personality is rivaled only by the interest in his career. There have been so many highs and lows, and he stands at a crossroads where we're all wondering what's next.
Perhaps this would be the best way to go out, if that's what he chooses.
Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers
8 of 10
I've always wanted to see more of Panarin's personality, because what he's shown us over the years has been pretty interesting all around.
He's funny, as shown with this sneaky gulp of broadcaster Darren Pang's drink last week. He's bravely made statements about various serious topics, including his mental health. He overcame poverty as a child in Russia, a story it feels like not many are aware of.
The Rangers are also in an interesting position, one of the best teams of the regular season looking to avoid a repeat of last year's first-round exit against their rivals. I'd tune into a behind-the-scenes look at their playoff run.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
9 of 10
Evgeni Malkin has been one of the most honest—gut-wrenching at times—and hilarious players in the NHL for almost two decades now.
His raw perspective would be fascinating as the Penguins implode before our eyes, but that same implosion does make this a massive long shot.
Malkin would provide an interesting point of view on the past, present and future of this team that is clearly at a tough crossroads.
And if I'm being honest, I'd rather hear from Sidney Crosby a few years from now, when he might actually say something.
Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
10 of 10
It would be a bit of a disappointment if Amazon decided to follow multiple players on the same team, so which of the Leafs do you go with?
Auston Matthews is the obvious answer, but I feel like I see enough of him (in a good way). William Nylander would be cool, especially when it comes to shopping trips, but we got some great insight into his life during the NHL's trip to Sweden earlier this season. And no offense, but I'll pass on John Tavares given his classic hockey guy interview history.
Enter Mitch Marner, one of the best two-way wingers in the game, with a bubbly, positive attitude that seems to get misunderstood too often. He was at the center of the Mike Babcock drama, which he didn't ask for. Then his contract negotiations came and he was criticized for what felt like months just because his agent was doing his job. Finally, you've got the pressure that's been on him since he was a kid.
I'd love to see the Leafs through Marner's eyes, and for him to have the floor for once in his own life.
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