NHL 24/7: 50 Players We'd Like To See On HBO
The NHL and HBO reached an agreement last Thursday (9/23) to produce a four-episode "24/7" reality television series that, according to NHL.com, will "go deep into the inner workings" of the Capitals-Penguins rivalry leading up to the 2011 NHL Winter Classic.
The series will debut with a show Dec. 15 at 10 p.m., eight days before the Penguins and Capitals' first meeting at the Version Center.
This year's Winter Classic will take place on Jan. 1 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Around the league there are many players who will not be on the Penguins or Capitals roster who would make great reality television. The following are the top 50 players that would make great reality television.
Chris Campoli
1 of 50
While Chris Campoli's relationship with Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand may be overshadowed by teammate Jeff Fisher's marriage to starlet Carrie Underwood, Campoli has an interesting story of his own.
The 227th overall selection in 2004 has made it to the NHL the hard way. Campoli makes his living ensuring that offensive players pay for taking the puck into the offensive zone without drawing many penalties.
Nathan Horton
2 of 50
The third overall selection in the stacked 2003 NHL Draft, Nathan Horton has been underwhelming in his last six seasons with the Panthers.
Horton may be better known for marrying Playboy Playmate Tammy Plante, grand-niece of goaltending legend Jacques Plante.
With a better team around him this year, Horton may be primed for a breakout season with the Bruins.
Jussi Jokinen
3 of 50
Dallas' 192nd overall selection in 2001 looked like his career had come to a halt after he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the deal that sent Brad Richards to the Stars.
However, after being dealt to the Hurricanes in 2009, Jokinen has stepped his game up.
If Jokinen can have a performance similar to his 30-goal, 65-point season last year, he could help the 'Canes get back to the playoffs after losing in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.
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Ladislav Smid
4 of 50
Ladislav Smid has made a name for himself as a solid defensive-defenseman.
However, his relationship with Ducks cheerleader and LA model Amanda Vanderpool, who has been considered one of the hottest cheerleader WAGs in all of sports, has given him recognition across the wide world of sports.
Joel Ward
5 of 50
Joel Ward is a great example of a player whose impressive work effort helped him earn a spot on an NHL roster.
Ward spent four seasons with the Owen Sound Platers (OHL) before joining the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the West Coast Hockey League.
In attempt to land a job in the NHL, Ward attended the Detroit Red Wings training camp on a try-out.
After being cut he was recruited by the University of Prince Edward and spent four years playing Canadian collegiate hockey.
After a stint in the Minnesota Wild organization, Ward became one of very few players to land a regular roster spot in the NHL when he played 79 games with the Nashville Predators in 2008.
Luke and Brayden Schenn
6 of 50
They may not be the Staal brothers, but both Luke (fifth overall, 2008) and Brayden (fifth overall, 2009) Schenn have a bright future ahead of them.
Luke has had two solid years with the Maple Leafs and Brayden got his first taste of NHL action with the Kings last year.
Brent Burns
7 of 50
Brent Burns made a name for himself during the 2007 season, when he had 15 goals and 43 points in 82 games.
Burns, whose outstanding personality and willingness to stand up for his teammates, has charmed hockey fans throughout Minnesota.
However, due to injury, Burns has not been able to live up to his efforts during the 2007 season. This year may be make-or-break for the injury-riddled defenseman.
Erik Johnson
8 of 50
The first overall selection in 2006, Erik Johnson had a major setback in 2008 when he missed the entire season due to an offseason golf cart-induced injury.
Johnson showed the NHL community why he was so highly drafted last year, when he netted 10 goals in 79 games.
With tremendous upside, Johnson has been considered one of the best young defensemen in the league today.
Matt Moulson
9 of 50
John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Matt Moulson are considered the future of the New York Islanders.
However, unlike Tavares (first overall, 2009) and Okposo (seventh overall, 2006), Moulson was not drafted high—263rd overall, 2003 by Pittsburgh—Moulson did not come into the league with a lot of hype and still managed to produce at hockey's highest level.
After a 30-goal, 48-point season, the Cornell graduate will be under pressure to perform next season.
Tyler Seguin
10 of 50
Tyler Seguin will be under the microscope this year because
a) if he plays well the Bruins have a chance to take a serious run in the East and
b) his pick was acquired from Toronto in exchange for superstar Phil Kessel.
If Seguin turns out to be a force in the NHL, the Leafs may regret dealing the second overall pick to the Bruins, regardless of how Kessel pans out.
John Tavares
11 of 50
As hyped as superstars Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier coming out of juniors, much is expect of John Tavares, who had 24 goals and 54 points in his rookie season last year.
If the Islanders, a historically-significant franchise, are going to turn things around it starts with Tavares. Already having won the hearts of fans on the island, the No. 1 overall selection in 2009 is capable of having a Stamkos-like sophomore season.
Olli Jokinen
12 of 50
For years Olli Jokinen was the face of the Florida Panthers' franchise. However, since leaving South Florida after the 2007 season Jokinen has never been the same.
Jokinen returns to Calgary, where he had moderate success in the past, for a chance to turn his career around.
Alex Tanguay
13 of 50
Like Olli Jokinen, Alex Tanguay returns to Calgary for a second stint after spinning his wheels over the last few years.
At one time Alex Tanguay was a go-to scorer with the Avalanche, but since leaving Colorado after the 2005 season he has not been the same player he once was.
Perhaps a return to Calgary is exactly what the doctor ordered for the veteran winger.
Mike Comrie
14 of 50
Seen here sitting courtside during the NBA Finals, Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff tied the knot over the summer after a three-year relationship.
Comrie is almost completely overshadowed by his spouse. In fact, Yahoo.com hockey analyst Greg Wyshynski announced that Hilary Duff will be attending Penguins games (as opposed to announcing a contract between player and team) when Comrie signed with the Pittsburgh during the offseason.
Shea Weber
15 of 50
A feature on one of the league's premier defenseman—Shea Weber had 23 goals from the blueline two years ago—would not only promote a player that is overshadowed, but also shine a light on a franchise that has done a great job building a team year-in and year-out, but needs increased attendance in order to build as serious contender.
Weber is generally great in front of the cameras and could showcase a franchise that is trying to keep its head above water while perennially making it to the playoffs...only to lose in the first round.
Anze Kopitar
16 of 50
The Kings are making a serious argument that they are contenders in the Pacific and Anze Kopitar is a major reason why.
The first Slovenian player ever to skate on NHL ice, Kopitar, 23, has the speed and hands necessary to be one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Daniel Carcillo
17 of 50
Daniel Carcillo's toothless smile and willingness to mix it up on a regular basis has charmed the die-hard Philadelphia Flyer fans.
Carcillo revels in the spotlight. Last year he became the first player to drop the gloves in the Winter Classic and played physically every time he was inserted in the Flyers lineup during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Steven Stamkos
18 of 50
Tampa Bay's young sniper is making a reasonable case that he should be mentioned in the same sentence as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.
An HBO feature on the young star may allow him to make his case that he is among the NHL's elite.
Adam Burish
19 of 50
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks last year, Adam Burish signed a two-year deal with Dallas in the offseason.
Always looking to start something, Burish racked up an impressive 214 penalty minutes in the 2007 season.
This year Burish should be ready to establish himself again after only playing in 13 games last year.
Sheldon Souray
20 of 50
Recently waived by the Oilers, veteran defenseman Sheldon Souray has established himself as a solid defenseman during his 12-year NHL career.
Souray's highly-publicized relationship with Baywatch star Angelica Bridges makes him a great candidate for an HBO reality show.
Scottie Upshall
21 of 50
Never the player he was expected to be when the Nashville Predators drafted him sixth overall in 2002, Scottie Upshall had a career year last season when he helped the hapless Phoenix Coyotes get to the playoffs.
Most of Upshall's publicity has come from being part of the blockbuster trade that sent Peter Forsberg to Nashville and dating NBA TV and Big 10 Network beauty Melanie Collins.
Fernando Pisani
22 of 50
The first player to score a shorthanded overtime goal in NHL history, Fernando Pisani is considered a "late bloomer," because he saw his first NHL action at age 27.
Prior to the start of the 2007–08 season, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, sidelining him for the first 26 games of the campaign.
Pisani was able to recover and play the rest of the season.
Over the summer Pisani signed a one-year deal with Chicago.
Martin St. Louis
23 of 50
An undrafted player who was considered too small for the NHL, Martin St. Louis is a major reason why teammates Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos are among the NHL's finest.
St. Louis' ability to set up his teammates on a consistent basis, plus the way the undersized forward always plays well regardless of how the team plays, makes him a major asset to the Lightning.
Aaron Voros
24 of 50
A gritty, selfless player, Aaron Voros made it to the NHL the hard way.
During his second year with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks it was found that Voros, who was drafted in 229th overall in 2001, had a baseball-size lump in his left knee.
Voros underwent several operations, one in which he had part of his femur removed, but was able to make it back into the NHL and won the Bill Masterton Trophy with the Wild during the 2008 season.
Drew Doughty
25 of 50
At age 20, Drew Doughty is rapidly establishing himself as a premier blueliner in the NHL.
With an ankle-breaking spin move and a devastating shot from the back end, Doughty could make Kings games a can't miss attraction in Los Angeles for years to come.
Zach Parise
26 of 50
After a strong showing in the 2010 Olympics, Zach Parise has become a marquee player in the NHL.
The Devils have a chance to make a Stanley Cup run this year and Parise, who is often overlooked in the NHL community, is a major reason why.
Martin Brodeur
27 of 50
During his 17 year career, Martin Brodeur has established himself as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
At 38, Brodeur's career is winding down and a documentary would be a great tribute to one of the finest netminders in the NHL.
Jarome Igninla
28 of 50
One of the NHL's most well-rounded players, Jarome Iginla was named the first African-American captain in league history at the start of the 2003 season.
In 14 seasons, Iginla has established himself as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
Henrik Zetterberg
29 of 50
Over the summer Henrik Zetterberg tied the knot with Swedish model and television host Emma Andersson.
The lifetime Red Wing enters his eighth NHL season with his personal life straightened away and ready to help the Wings get back to the Stanley Cup.
Alexander Frolov
30 of 50
Alexander Frolov, who joins the New York Rangers after spending the last seven years with the Los Angeles Kings, loves the spotlight and big cities.
The Moscow, Russia native would revel with HBO's cameras in front of him and establish himself as the star of a very entertaining show.
Colby Armstrong
31 of 50
Colby Armstrong's child-like personality will make him a great presence in the Maple Leafs' locker room next season.
Armstrong may not be the most productive on the ice, but he makes up for it by keeping everyone loose in the locker room.
Kris Versteeg
32 of 50
A sane, less Hennessy-lubricated version of the NBA's Ron Artest, Kris Versteeg is known for his willingness to sing in public.
He recited part of Fergie's "Glamorous" on Mouthpiece sports and sang Kanye West's verse of the song "American Boy" on Blackhawks TV.
Recently he sung a self-written rap at the Blackhawks victory parade.
During the offseason Versteeg was sent to the Maple Leafs in a five-player trade.
Mike Fisher
33 of 50
The lifetime Ottawa Senator is a good player in his own right, but has achieved celebrity status due to his relationship with starlet Carrie Underwood.
The two have recently married and will remain in the spotlight as long as Underwood continues to produce albums.
Sidney Crosby
34 of 50
Sid the Kid is always the center of controversy. Fans either love him for his amazing play and ability to lead a young team to a championship or hate him because of his complaints about physical play.
Crosby will be great on HBO. Television, however, will probably just make him more liked by his fans and increasingly disliked by those who feel he's a little punk.
Alexander Ovechkin
35 of 50
One of the greatest players ever to skate in the NHL, Alexander Ovechkin will be very entertaining on HBO.
His goofy attitude and showmanship will make him very entertaining on the television screen.
Ryan Miller
36 of 50
Older brother of Detroit Red Wings forward Drew Miller, Ryan Miller made a name for himself with his impressive efforts at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Buffalo rarely gets a lot of media attention, but would be more accepting of the lights and cameras if Miller and girlfriend Noureen Dewulf were to have a reality television station. The two would certainly be less self-promoting than former Buffalo Bills wideout Terrell Owens.
Henrik Lundquvist
37 of 50
In 2004 Lundqvist was named the best dressed man in Sweden. Two years later he made People magazine's list as one of the 100 Most Beautiful People and was named one of Page Six Magazine's Top 25 Best Dressed people in 2008.
Lundqvist also used to play guitar in a Swedish rock band called Box Play.
A talented, well-dressed man who fits in well in the Big Apple, would be a great candidate for an HBO feature.
Henrik and Daniel Sedin
38 of 50
Henrik, last year's Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophy winner, and brother Daniel Sedin have made a serious impact on the Canucks organization since being drafted second and third overall in 1999.
The banter between one of hockey's most famous brothers would make great television.
Christian Hanson
39 of 50
Christian Hanson is no stranger to the film reel. Christian's father, Dave Hanson, played hockey professionally and is best known for his role in Slap Shot.
Hanson could become a celebrity himself if given a special on HBO.
Dion Phaneuf
40 of 50
Often criticized for his physical play, Dion Phaneuf has a big personality to go along with his massive body checks.
Phaneuf, who is dating actress Elisha Cuthbert, is known for both his community work and celebrity status.
Recently named the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Phaneuf is going to have a big presence in the NHL for years to come.
Derek Boogaard
41 of 50
With his giant size, Derek Boogaard stands 6'7" and weighs 275, and devastating punches, the "Boogieman" is one of the best enforcers in the National Hockey League.
Along with his brother Aaron, Derek Boogaard has opened the Boogaard Fighting Camp for children 12 to 18 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The club has created a lot of controversy and would be great television for HBO.
The job of an enforcer is often misunderstood and an inside look into the life of an NHL fighter would shed light on a what they do.
George Parros
42 of 50
With a mustache that would make Mario and Luigi jealous, George Parros, a Princeton graduate, is one of the most feared fighters in the NHL.
Since the 2006 season Parros has been the enforcer on one of the grittiest teams in the NHL. Never afraid to drop the gloves, Parros has a few good years left in him before he will put his economics degree to work.
Dustin Byfuglien
43 of 50
Dustin Byfuglien is the biggest name, but really HBO should do a special on all of the former Blackhawks who currently play in Atlanta.
Time will tell if the Thrashers will benefit from preying on the Blackhawks during the offseason, but it certainly is something to keep an eye on next season.
Ilya Kovalchuk
44 of 50
HBO could capitalize on all the media attention surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk in the offseason.
After getting his initial 17-year, $102 million deal rejected by the NHL, Kovy signed a similar 15-year, $100 million pact to keep him in New Jersey.
The NHL punished the Devils for trying to circumvent the cap by taking away two draft picks over the next four years.
Kovy's story would receive a lot of viewership due to his recent contract controversy.
Chris Pronger
45 of 50
As one of the league's most polarizing players, Chris Pronger could create a large audience for himself on HBO.
Even at 35, Pronger is still one of the greatest defensemen in the NHL. He has been a part of the Stanley Cup Finals three of the past five years and will look to lead his Flyers back to the finals after a devastating loss last year.
Vincent Lecavalier
46 of 50
On draft day he was considered "the Michael Jordan of hockey." He led the upstart Lightning to a Stanley Cup and generated serious interest in Tampa. His play is going to be critical to the turnaround to the franchise.
Hockey fans around the league would tune in to see if Lecavalier is going to seize an opportunity to lead his team back to the Stanley Cup playoffs or continue to spin his wheels and give his critics reason to believe that he was over-hyped coming out of juniors.
The Staal Brothers
47 of 50
If Jared Staal is able to join brother Eric on the Carolina Hurricanes' roster, it would mean that all four Staal boys from Thunder Bay, Ontario have established themselves as NHL stars.
The four brothers, Jared (Charlotte, AHL), Eric (Hurricanes), Marc (Rangers), and Jordan (Penguins), have great chemistry and would charm a television audience with their dialog and competitive nature.
Evgeni Malkin
48 of 50
Evgeni Malkin's love life is the kind of stuff HBO lives for.
Rumored to be in the process of divorcing her current husband in favor of the Penguins star, Malkin dumped his former girlfriend in order to court current lover Oksana Kondaksova.
This kind of drama would make a great reality show, even if the off-ice distractions hurt Malkin's production on it...
Mike Modano
49 of 50
A member of the Screen Actors Guild for his role in The Mighty Ducks (1992), in which Mike Modano appeared with then Minnesota North Star teammate Basil McRae and only spoke two lines, Modano would be a natural fit in an HBO reality series.
He's fit for television. He's got the looks, a beautiful wife—his spouse Willa Ford is a beautiful songwriter and actress—and a great personality.
After 20 years with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars, Modano will spend what is likely to be his last season with the Red Wings. Perhaps reality television is his calling after he calls it a career.
Sean Avery
50 of 50
One of the NHL's most polarizing figures, Sean Avery loves to get the attention not only of his opponents, but the general public.
Aside from playing hockey in some of America's biggest cities—the current New York Ranger has played for Detroit, Los Angeles, and Dallas in his career—Avery has an interest in fashion and has prompted New Line Cinema to commission a screenplay based on his work.
Voted on People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" list in 2007, Avery made himself the center of controversy in 2008 when he stated that Dion Phaneuf and Jarret Stoll were interested in his "sloppy seconds."
Phaneuf's girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert, and Stoll's ex-partner Rachel Hunter had both dated Avery during their lifetime.
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