1 Player From Every NHL Team Opposing Clubs Hate Playing Against
Emotions run high through every game in the NHL. It is part of the game and something that can be used in a team's favor or against an opponent, for better or worse.
However, a big part of how emotions function game-to-game is how a single player can evoke dread in foes just by taking the ice.
Every team has a player (or two or three) that opposing teams don't like facing. Whether it's because of how dominating their presence is, how nasty they play or how relentless they are, they're the type of player guys hate to play against.
We've identified one player from each team across the league who fits that description and we're going to lay out our case as to why they get the call.
These are our takes and there's a good chance some of you will disagree with some of them. Let us know in the comments section who you hate to see your favorite team go up against.
Anaheim Ducks
1 of 32
Radko Gudas
Ever since Radko Gudas entered the NHL, he's set the tone as one of the most physical players in the league. His bodychecks rattle the bones of opposing players, and he occasionally blurs the line between what's clean and dirty. Sometimes it's not blurred at all.
His reputation as a ruthless competitor was set in stone instantly with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and from there he's gone to Philadelphia, Washington, Florida and now Anaheim where he's the Ducks captain and providing a young team with a guy who leads by an example that's as cutthroat as it gets.
Throughout his career he's made opposing teams dread getting near him for fear they'll end up in his crosshairs for a big and potentially dangerous hit.
Boston Bruins
2 of 32
Brad Marchand
There was no other player on the Bruins roster you'd even consider for this recognition other than team captain Brad Marchand.
The list of transgressions he has been a part of throughout his career is a long one. A litany of questionable hits, clipping violations, visor-licking, cheap shots and an endless array of chirps that drove opponents into rage.
Marchand was so good at being bad he became a talking point for many across the league, and perhaps the biggest compliment he's had from anyone who's talked about him is: "You'd love him if he played for your favorite team."
Buffalo Sabres
3 of 32
Tage Thompson
The Buffalo Sabres aren't a team that sports any classic tough guys or even really has anyone who will run an opposing guy through the boards. What they do have is a 6'6" superstar who drives teams crazy because of his elite skills with the puck: Tage Thompson.
Most players with his size would get pigeonholed into being a brute on the ice and scaring opponents into giving away the puck. Instead, his incredible skill means he can take it away and start off in the other direction before a player even realizes it. But that's only the start of the defensive nightmare.
With the puck, Thompson can toe-drag around anyone and wire a wrist shot with such quickness it gives goalies and defensemen fits. And if he's left alone in a shooting position, particularly on the power play, he possesses one of the hardest slap shots in NHL including the hardest shot delivered since the league began tracking it in 2022 at 104.69 mph.
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Calgary Flames
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Nazem Kadri
The Calgary Flames may not be as classically punchy as they once were, but with Nazem Kadri in the lineup, they've got one of the best skilled agitators around.
Throughout his career, he's used his speed and skill as well as an aggressive play style to drive opponents up the wall. Although his history from his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs included a handful of bad hits that got him suspended, it was with the Colorado Avalanche where he found the right balance between playing on the edge and putting his skill up front and helped them win the Stanley Cup.
But it's Kadri's non-stop motor that makes him so deeply frustrating for opponents to deal with. He never relents and by doing that along with playing on that edge between high skill and nastiness, it's enough to make opposing teams want to play someone else entirely.
Carolina Hurricanes
5 of 32
Jordan Staal
The Carolina Hurricanes as a team could be listed here given their relentless style of play and never-ending pursuit and possession of the puck.
They have physical players, ridiculously skilled players and tireless workers, but it's Jordan Staal and his supreme defensive play that makes him stand out.
He has long been one of the best defensive forwards in the league and with the Hurricanes being a perpetual Cup contender and the fact that he's in his 19th NHL season now, his reputation speaks for itself. Twice he's been a finalist for the Selke Trophy, and he was second to Florida's Aleksander Barkov last season.
He's a tremendous faceoff winner, plays perfect positionally and excels on the penalty kill. Anyone who plays that well defensively is going to make every game miserable for whoever he's matched up against, and Staal's continual outstanding play ensures that it persists.
Chicago Blackhawks
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Patrick Maroon
We know things are down for the Chicago Blackhawks and they're in the process of figuring out what their team identity will be moving forward with Connor Bedard, but right now, if opponents want to pick on the young star, they're going to wind up facing Patrick Maroon.
Maroon has made a great career out of being an elite teammate. From his time in St. Louis helping the Blues by playing tough and chipping in offensively and then going to Tampa Bay and being part of three straight Cup-winning teams, his all-around ability to play hard-earned him his ice time.
Now with Chicago, the chances of winning the Cup are microscopic, but his role is to provide veteran knowhow for its younger players while also making sure no one takes advantage of them on his watch. He's a pit bull on the ice.
Colorado Avalanche
7 of 32
Artturi Lehkonen
The Colorado Avalanche play aggressive and fast always, and even though they collectively have a physical team, they don't have the kinds of players who make opponents look over their shoulder.
What they do have, though, is Artturi Lehkonen whose endless motor helps keep the team's high-pressure attack rolling beyond their top line.
His dogged style forces opponents to make the right decisions in case the puck ends up in Colorado's clutches. If the Avs already have it, keeping an eye on where he is headed is the right idea because he's often helping to keep the attack going.
Guys like Lehkonen who can't and won't stop frustrate opponents no end.
Columbus Blue Jackets
8 of 32
Mathieu Olivier
If you've had the chance to watch any Columbus Blue Jackets games the past couple of years, there's a good chance you've noticed forward Mathieu Olivier at some point.
And if you've seen them play this season, you've had an even fuller demonstration of what makes him so deeply upsetting for opposing teams.
Olivier has always been a ruthlessly physical forward delivering heavy hits and never turning away from a challenge. He's as close to a throwback to the 1980s and 1990s as you'll get in the modern age. But a funny thing happened this season: He's developed a nose for the net.
Already this season, Olivier has set a new career high for goals with seven. That ties him with a few other teammates for second on the Jackets behind Kirill Marchenko.
Normally, teams would have him scouted as someone to keep your head up against to prevent getting trucked. Now they're looking out for him in open ice and around the net where he's depositing pucks.
Columbus hasn't had a guy play like this since Derek Dorsett, though he wasn't really a guy who'd stand up against other prolific brawlers in the league.
Dallas Stars
9 of 32
Mason Marchment
The Dallas Stars are one of the more relentless teams in the NHL and their mix of high-skill and high-energy physical players makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the NHL. But one of the most feared players to deal with is Mason Marchment whose array of abilities can drive foes up a wall.
Not only does Marchment score goals and make plays with the puck, but he also delivers heavy hits and fights occasionally. He also has a history of embellishing penalties to try to gain an edge, something that got him fined by the NHL in December 2022. He was also fined last season for interference.
Detroit Red Wings
10 of 32
Lucas Raymond
Highly skilled players can be a real pain in the neck for opposing teams just by virtue of them being so difficult to contain and keep off the scoreboard.
Lucas Raymond is one of those, but he's also a wicked competitor who won't take a lot of nonsense from the opposition.
His high level of offensive ability is only matched by his feistiness and eagerness to give it back to anyone who tries to dish it out to him first. That even sometimes includes teammates in practice.
He's not a fighter and you're not going to see him throw sketchy hits, but you're not going to take advantage of him, either. His penchant for verbally dishing it out has always been there and it's even more apparent when he's in a groove.
It's almost Jeff Skinner-like, which is ironic since those two managed to get under each other's skin once before, too.
Edmonton Oilers
11 of 32
Mattias Ekholm
It would be easy to say opposing teams hate dealing with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers, but guys that good are just inevitable.
What really makes other teams not want to deal with the Oilers is the resistance defenseman Mattias Ekholm provides. He's a good skater who hits hard and blocks shots and occasionally scores as well.
It's no wonder the Oilers' fortunes in the postseason improved dramatically after they acquired Ekholm from Nashville. After all, they needed a solid defensive defenseman for years and once they had one, things got a lot better faster.
Teams loved to deal with the Oilers when they offered little resistance defensively, but it became much less so once Ekholm started to prowl the defensive zone.
Florida Panthers
12 of 32
Sam Bennett
For as good as Aleksander Barkov is all-around and how frustrating Matthew Tkachuk is to deal with in all zones, it's Sam Bennett's tireless pursuit of the puck and overtly physical play that wins the day here.
Barkov and Tkachuk are guys you can bank on to do what they do best and trying to contain them is hard, but Bennett is more of a wild card and that's what makes him scary.
Each hit he delivers is done so without humor and high force. For a guy who's not overly big, his bodychecks rattle the boards and glass and let everyone know where he's at.
Yes, Bennett can produce offensively and play a solid defensive game, but it's the physical play that puts him into a nastier frame of mind.
Los Angeles Kings
13 of 32
Anze Kopitar
What makes Anze Kopitar so brutal for opposing teams is how history, respect and expectations all collide.
His legacy in the league as one of the best scorers and defenders up front is well-earned, but it took a while to be widely accepted. Being from Slovenia and playing on the West Coast meant not as many fans around the league saw him on the way up as a prospect and early on in the NHL. But winning a couple of Stanley Cups will do a lot to raise one's profile.
All those years of scoring goals, making plays and winning games paid off and he became widely respected around the league and won the Selke Trophy twice (2016, 2018) as well.
At 37 years old, there's an expectation he's going to slow down. The problem? He hasn't and the Kings are again one of the best teams in the West. He's their leading scorer as well as their captain.
Minnesota Wild
14 of 32
Joel Eriksson Ek
There's something to be said about being a great playmaker, goal scorer and elite defender. Having such all-around gifts makes it a huge problem for opposing teams to figure out how to match up against them. Joel Eriksson Ek is another one of those guys who creates such a problem.
Over the previous four seasons, he has finished in the top 10 in Selke voting and over those 288 games played he's scored 98 goals and 106 assists (204 points). He's been a huge part of bringing Matthew Boldy along and so successfully setting him up as a linemate.
With how well Eriksson Ek keeps his own play at a high level through all three zones, that makes him someone for opposing teams to worry about everywhere at all times.
Montréal Canadiens
15 of 32
Arber Xhekaj
There are so few true enforcers in the NHL, and the role itself is far different than it was in previous generations.
But Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has turned it into a modernized type of deterrent for opponents who dare trying to take advantage of his teammates.
He served notice immediately upon arrival in the NHL that he was not to be trifled with delivering hammering blows with his fists in any fight, highlighting the strength in which he plays. He's a physical player and young enough to let his emotions run hotter than most.
All of that along with a fierce loyalty to his teammates creates a recipe for a player to be feared.
Nashville Predators
16 of 32
Jeremy Lauzon
Considering how tough the start of the season has been for the Nashville Predators, the slew of initial contenders for recognition hasn't stood out to be feared in any sense.
But if there's one player who's been able to keep opponents honest physically so far, it's defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.
He is second in the NHL in hits delivered and given that he plays more than 18 minutes a night, it means he's bringing a taste of "Smashville" everywhere, every game.
Lauzon has been a heavy hitter throughout his career and he's consistently been one of the most prolific checkers in the league. Hits wear out opponents and with how many he delivers every game, that can take a psychological toll as well.
New Jersey Devils
17 of 32
Nico Hischier
It would be easy enough to be terrified of Jack Hughes when facing the Devils because of his brilliant speed and skill and scoring ability, but it's Nico Hischier who makes us quake in our boots.
He can score and has incredible skill in his own right, and he's capable of turning defense into offense in a flash.
The Devils' captain is a Selke-caliber player and watching him tie opposing star players in knots as they try to elude him is fascinating to watch.
New York Islanders
18 of 32
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
The Islanders haven't been a scary team this season and the various injuries they've dealt with haven't helped them intimidate teams around the league. But if there's a player who wears out other teams well, it's Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
He is the kind of player who is dogged on the puck all over the ice and isn't afraid to mix it up and be physical despite his not-so large stature. Mix in how he's in on tons of faceoffs, pursues the play at all times and plays on both the power play and penalty kill, and you've got a guy who frustrates opponents to no end.
It's those qualities that helped Pageau breakout with Ottawa years ago and why the Islanders were so eager to bring him into the fold on Long Island. He may not be a classically big defensive forward, but he sure is physical. In 10 of his 13 years in the league, he's had 100 or more hits and is well on his way to making it 11 this season.
New York Rangers
19 of 32
Jacob Trouba
Of the no-brainer picks out there for this collection, Jacob Trouba is high among them although for murkier reasons.
His physical play has always been a reason for opponents to be wary ever since he came into the league out of the University of Michigan, but it's the recklessness in some hits that elevates his presence here.
Trouba's various checks that have earned him scrutiny and disdain from fans around the league can occasionally rally his teammates.
It's a fine line between providing a physical presence and a distraction, but when Trouba is playing the best way, he provides an element to the Rangers lineup that ensures opposing teams will be more than mindful about where he is on the ice.
Ottawa Senators
20 of 32
Brady Tkachuk
There's no player in Ottawa who better exemplifies the team and who's meant to be most feared than Brady Tkachuk.
His ferociously competitive nature drives him to play physically in all areas of the ice and to defend his teammates with the kind of snarl that was more present during his dad Keith's era than in this one.
That he's also one of the Senators' most powerful goal scorers makes him a monster for opponents to try to lock down.
As much as teams can prepare for Tkachuk, there's an air of unpredictability in dealing with him. Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face and, sometimes, he'll do just that.
Pittsburgh Penguins
21 of 32
Sidney Crosby
Given the current state of the Pittsburgh Penguins and how there's more drama surrounding the team and the coaching staff as well as the record, they're not exactly striking fear into anyone around the league.
This is one situation when the obvious choice for who other teams fear most is the only choice: Sidney Crosby.
He may not be the overly prolific scorer he was a decade ago, but he remains one of the smartest players in the league with all the skill in the world to make opposing teams look bad for even making the slightest mistake when he's on the ice.
He's still scoring at just about a point per game this season. And even though the Penguins have their problems, Crosby is the picture of consistency. When consistency comes from a Hall of Fame talent, that's something opponents have to be concerned about every time.
Philadelphia Flyers
22 of 32
Travis Konecny
Not only is Travis Konecny the Flyers' leading scorer this season, but he's also the player who drives opposing teams up a wall at any time.
He is a pest in that he's constantly in on everything while he's on the ice. He enjoys making opposing players uncomfortable and lose their cool, and pushing their buttons helps put him in control of the game when matched up against them.
Konecny's growth into a big-time goal scorer (he's scored 30-plus in each of the past two seasons) has helped Philadelphia stay away from hitting rock bottom while it's rebuilt its roster. But it's his pesky tendencies that have helped him carve out his own niche on the Flyers roster.
San Jose Sharks
23 of 32
Mario Ferraro
When it comes to the Sharks, the players the league will fear in the future are in place with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
But when it comes to guys who will wear down opponents and turn games into an exhausting exercise, defenseman Mario Ferraro fits the bill.
He is a classic defensive defenseman who handles business in his own end well and uses his strength and presence to make going to the net a miserable experience for opponents. He's a solid physical player who makes his hits count while simultaneously not taking himself out of position.
Seattle Kraken
24 of 32
Tye Kartye
The Seattle Kraken aren't known for being a nasty, physical team, but it's not for a lack of trying when it comes to forward Tye Kartye.
Now in his second season, he served notice last year that anytime he's on the ice opponents are going to know he's there. He delivered 229 hits last season and while he managed to stay out of the penalty box (37 PIM in 77 games), dealing with a guy who plays that hard yet relatively clean makes for an exhausting night.
St. Louis Blues
25 of 32
Jake Neighbours
It's a substantial compliment that anytime you watch Blues forward Jake Neighbours you end up saying to yourself: "Man, it would be great to have a guy like that on my favorite team."
That's also another way of saying, "It must stink trying to deal with a guy who plays like him."
Neighbours just goes hard every shift. He's in on every forecheck, he crashes the net regularly and treats the front of the crease like it's his second home. He's not afraid to dig into the corners and battle for pucks, and he'll stand up for himself when the situation calls for it.
Other Blues players might be bigger scorers (Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas) or might be just bigger period (Colton Parayko), but it's Neighbours who is an all-around bear to wrangle.
Tampa Bay Lightning
26 of 32
Anthony Cirelli
The Lightning have more than a few contenders for players to be feared when going against them. Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Brayen Point all qualify, but as we've shown through this list, we're big fans of guys who can do it all extremely well and Anthony Cirelli is that guy.
He can get it done offensively just fine, but with the Lightning's other big offensive threats he doesn't have to push his luck there. Instead, it's the defensive game where he excels.
He's a Selke-caliber defensive forward, and the way he's able to give opposing forwards fits helps make Tampa Bay the team it is.
Twice Cirelli has been in the top five in Selke voting, and he's received votes for each of the past six years. He wins faceoffs, kills penalties and deals with the best weapons other teams throw out every game. That makes him a major problem for opponents.
Toronto Maple Leafs
27 of 32
Max Domi
You could split the vote among the Maple Leafs' offensive weapons to be feared, but for guys who provide the wild-card element where you're never quite sure what they'll do in game, Max Domi is the guy to be nervous about.
His aggressive demeanor on the ice as well as his competitiveness couples well with his skill at the faceoff dot and with the puck. Although his scoring has dropped off in recent years, his physical game has picked up.
By physical game, we don't necessarily mean hits in volume, but hits with ill intent along with post-whistle shenanigans. Opposing teams can plan for that kind of stuff, but how it plays out is unpredictable and that's where Domi can help change the tide of the game.
If he draws the opponents into taking a bad penalty, that can turn into any of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner or William Nylander scoring a goal to make them pay. Domi as the chaotic element can provide that.
Utah Hockey Club
28 of 32
Mikhail Sergachev
Ever have a nightmare where something or someone is chasing you and you can't get away from it no matter what you do? That's kind of what it's like to deal with Utah's Mikhail Sergachev.
Whether it's at even strength, the power play or shorthanded, he is out there. If the game is close in score or tied, he's patrolling the blue line. He's offensively capable and strong in his own end of the ice.
Any team game-planning how to handle him has to know he's going to be out there all the time and trying to get away from him will be difficult as anything.
A nightmare coming true is something to be afraid of and now that Sergachev is in Salt Lake City as Utah's No. 1 defenseman, teams know they're in for a long night against him.
Vancouver Canucks
29 of 32
Quinn Hughes
It's one thing to deal with defensemen who are big, physical and good in their own end of the ice, but it's another to go against guys who control the puck and make plays.
It's something else completely to game-plan against Quinn Hughes, who's capable of doing so many things no defensemen has traditionally done before.
That "unicorn" quality he has on the blue line is what makes him so scary to go up against. He's not a big guy in stature, but he's monstrous in how he affects the game with his creativity with the puck and playmaking.
You can watch all the film of Hughes out there and still not know how to deal with him because of how he dominates in possession and also isn't a detriment to his team in the defensive end. He's capable of changing a game in a moment's notice.
Vegas Golden Knights
30 of 32
Mark Stone
For years in the NHL, Mark Stone was one of the most underappreciated players in the league thanks to being in Ottawa.
After landing in Vegas, all of the qualities he's always had were seen in a brighter light and highlighted what makes him such a difficult player to go up against.
He's a prototypical power forward who skates with purpose and delivers hits with heft that leaves opponents worse for wear. He's got a great shot, but he's also a load around the net in the offensive zone.
Making it all the more difficult is how outstanding he is in the defensive zone. It's rare to have a winger who excels in their own end of the ice, yet Stone has always been a great defender slowing down opposing forwards.
Yes, injuries are still an issue, but those only allow for a reprieve for Vegas' rivals from having to deal with the Golden Knights captain.
Washington Capitals
31 of 32
Tom Wilson
There's an argument to be made that Tom Wilson is the scariest player in the NHL.
The ferocity he plays the game with for a player his size is beyond intimidating. At 6'4" 220 pounds, he's a Mack Truck on skates with the only difference being that the vehicles don't throw punches or deliver enough questionable hits to set the internet on fire.
Wilson's reputation for toeing and crossing the line between legal and illegal when it comes to hits is well-known, but don't get Capitals fans started about it unless you're ready for an earful in return.
That physical play also allows him to be a vital producer offensively as well for Washington. His presence around the net and in the offensive zone creates space for himself and his teammates. He's a three-time 20-goal scorer in his career and routinely has put up 40-or-more points in a season. Label him a "goon" all you want, but there's no question opposing teams treat matchups with the Capitals differently when he's in the lineup.
Winnipeg Jets
32 of 32
Connor Hellebuyck
Few goalies in NHL history could be credited with instilling fear in opponents. Fear, in this case, is more of an overwhelming amount of respect knowing that to beat them will take everything a team has got and then praying to have good luck on their side as well.
This is what Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck does for his team.
Yes, the Jets have a load of offensive players to be concerned about, but game plans can be drawn up to do as much as possible to minimize their effectiveness. Teams can't really plan for how to deal with a goaltender who's locked in and at the top of their game as the best in the league.
Could teams draw plays up to beat Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur or Dominik Hašek that were more elaborate than "shoot more?" Of course not.
Trying to do that against Hellebuyck only seems to play to his strengths given all the rubber he's faced over the years backstopping Jets teams that weren't as good as this year's edition.
It creates a daunting task every night out for opponents, which immediately gives Hellebuyck an edge before the game even starts.
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