NHL: The 6 Players That Get the Most Press

The NHL may be the least popular of the four major sports in America but that doesn't stop some of the biggest players in the league from rising to the level of superstardom.

Either from their off-ice antics or their on-ice performances, these six players are the faces of the National Hockey League. 

Let's begin. 

Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas has soared to fame with his recent accolades and Stanley Cup victory. After winning an ESPY, Thomas is known by all sporting fans as one of the best, if not the best, goaltenders in the game today. 

Thomas will be expected to repeat his stellar performance again this season, with the press not far behind his every move. For Boston's sake, Thomas better hope he can repeat his outstanding 2010-11 campaign.

Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos is the best player under 22 years of age in the NHL. Stamkos has the ability to be one of the most prolific goal scorers in today's NHL. With great skill comes great press. 

Fresh from being named the NHL 12 cover athlete, Stamkos looks to add to his already impressive stats this season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. If Stamkos can get back to the 50-goal mark, the press will be even more fixated on this 21-year-old phenom. 

Sean Avery

A known pop culture fiend, Sean Avery is the most active of any hockey player in mainstream American media. Making several appearances on Bravo TV and other entertainment channels brings Avery and his well-respected fashion expertise to the front of the NHL paparazzi day in and day out.  

Besides his affinity for the red carpet, Avery is well known for once dating Elisha Cuthbert and making several unsavory comments on her behalf. 

Although Avery has openly said that he is going to tone down his off-ice antics, can anyone really not expect his name to appear in controversy for years to come?

Roberto Luongo

Any press is good press, right? 

Most likely the one man with the biggest target on his back in Vancouver come October, Luongo certainly has garnered himself a bad reputation. If Luongo wants to escape the negatively judgmental eye of the press, he needs to prove himself as an elite playoff goaltender. 

Until he can finally win a Stanley Cup with the Canucks, Luongo will be in the cross-hairs of the media who will be looking for any shot to belittle his ability. 

Sidney Crosby

As most every hockey fan knows, Sidney Crosby skated at full speed in the Penguins training camp for the first time since his concussion way back in January. Crosby appeared to have no symptoms but still hasn't been cleared for full contact practices.

This video shows thousands of devoted fans giving Crosby a standing ovation for finally returning to the ice. Now I don't need to tell you to what level of superstar you have to be to have 3,000-plus people cheering your return during training camp. They waited hours, not for a chance to see their leader play an NHL game, but rather to see him skate for a few hours at a September practice. 

Crosby is one of the biggest faces of the NHL and arguably gets the most face time on the front of NHL.com. Needless to say, the press follows him like a hawk and without his presence on the ice, the NHL will undoubtedly suffer to some degree. 

Alex Ovechkin

Part of Alex Ovechkin's fame comes from the excitement and drive he displays on the ice.

A human highlight reel, Ovechkin has already amassed over 300 goals in his short career. The press, from the NHL and beyond, loves his enthusiastic dances, dives and kisses after he scores an electrifying goal. Some may call it showboating, but however you look at it, Ovechkin's skill propels him to the level of superstardom and to being synonymous with the NHL. 

For a fun little game, find one of your friends that knows almost nothing about the NHL and ask them to name the first player that comes to mind. Chances are it will be Ovechkin.

With his most recent endorsement deals with Nike and Bauer, Ovechkin's fame and press time will certainly continue to rise.