Brad Marchand has earned the reputation of being the NHL’s biggest rat.
He’s a huge fan favorite in Boston, but overall, he’s probably been the most hated player year after year since his arrival in the NHL.
Brad Marchand is almost as known for his on-ice antics, always being in his opponent’s face, as he is for being a great hockey player.
Marchand has done questionable stuff—like licking his opponents and punching goalies in the head—but now, for the first time in many years, there seems to be a new sheriff in town when it comes to being the most hated player in the NHL.
In a recent player poll from The Athletic, one of the questions asked was ”Who’s the player in the league whose face you most want to punch?” and as it turns out, Marchand just isn’t that guy anymore.
Marchand did receive 14.97% of the 147 votes from his fellow NHL players, but it was just enough for second place in the poll.
The most hated man in the NHL now appears to be Nick Cousins, who’s been involved in several controversial incidents this season. In The Athletic’s poll, some quotes from NHL players about Cousins were published, and they were hilarious.
“Played against him a long time,” one player said of Cousins. “Always hated the guy.”
“He’s gonna get a lot of answers on this one,” another said.
“I’m buddies with him and I’d still say him,” said a third.
Marchand did, however, still get some votes.
“I love the guy, but it’s probably Marchand for sure,” one player said.
“I mean, Marchand’s always a good (player) you want to punch,” another said.
Nick Cousins has been under fire more than once this season after cheap shots against opponents.
Most recently, he elbowed Coyotes defenseman Juuso Valimaki in the head while he was on his knees close to the boards. Just moments after, Jason Zucker delivered a brutal hit on Cousins as retaliation, which had him suspended for three games. Cousins, however, wasn’t suspended.
