2020-21 NHLPA Player Poll

While one third of the players picked Alex Ovechkin, who sits sixth on the all-time NHL goals list, it was Auston Matthews (this season’s “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner) who paced this category by receiving nearly half of the overall vote.

This makes it three seasons in a row that Victor Hedman has been acknowledged as the top defenceman in the NHLPA Player Poll, but the first in such overwhelming fashion. Barely missing out from the top five were Seth Jones and Miro Heiskanen.

Perennial Vezina Trophy candidate, Andrei Vasilevskiy, took the top spot in convincing fashion with over 54% of the vote. This now ends Carey Price’s run of three consecutive seasons being named as the top goaltender in the NHLPA Player Poll.

This result should only fuel an ongoing debate in hockey circles. Receiving exactly 112 votes each, Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron have proven they can do it all as the most complete players in the game.

Coming off another exceptional season full of highlight-reel play, it’s of little surprise to see the players tabbing Connor McDavid as the player they would want on their side to win one game. Nearly one quarter of the players were happy to pick Sidney Crosby, who took the category last season.

A nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner, Alex Ovechkin’s shot is equally admired by his peers as it is feared. No. 8 is in good company in the category, sitting alongside Auston Matthews who hit the back of the net eight more times than any other player during the 2020-21 NHL season.

With just over 49% of the players’ vote, Patrick Kane was the clear-cut choice for possessing the silkiest mitts. When the puck is on his stick, his precision is undeniable.

Dishing out results in a tight race, only two votes separated Nicklas Backstrom and Patrick Kane for the title of best passer. 2019-20 Ted Lindsay Award recipient Leon Draisaitl came in as a close third.

Toe to heel, heel to toe – or something in between? These players throw out the playbook when it comes to taping their sticks and their own innovative methods have had their peers in the league doing a double take.

After occupying first in the category in the 2018-19 edition of the NHLPA Player Poll, it’s time for the impeccably dressed Henrik Lundqvist to surrender his crown to Auston Matthews.

With 120 different players voted for, it’s clear that hockey players are largely a superstitious bunch. Sidney Crosby leads the pack for being as consistent with his pregame rituals as he is with his play. Whatever he’s doing, it’s working.

In an NHL season unlike any other, temporary realignment and a schedule consisting of all games played within the division were key components to the regular season. Though it presented some intrigue, most players will be happy to revert to the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central and Pacific Divisions.

This season’s NHL schedule presented a first with series-style matchups. Over 66% of players have come to enjoy the benefits of the mini-series, which have made for less travel and more rest.

What’s old was new again this season – with a twist. Unique to the 2020-21 campaign, the adidas Reverse Retro jerseys remixed NHL team colours with nostalgia, and the players’ favourite look went to the Quebec Nordiques-inspired look worn by the Colorado Avalanche.