I'll be the first to admit it: I don't really follow hockey, which, as a Canadian, I know is essentially a crime. But after watching Heated rivalryI couldn't help but wonder: Do all hockey players look like this? I may not know all the rules, I certainly can’t explain the statistics, and yes, I still ask too many questions – but one thing immediately became clear: there are some very beautiful hockey players in the NHL. Do I fully understand hockey? Absolutely not. Do I have strong opinions? Without a doubt.
So, with virtually no knowledge of hockey, I have compiled a list of the coolest hockey players in the league. Keep in mind, this list is in no particular order, because how could I possibly choose? And while looks can't hurt, it's not just about looks—it's about atmosphere, presence, confidence and talent. There are no statistics, no strategy, no ratings. Just energy, charisma and whether they feel like they're doing well in the romance locker room.
1.
Sidney Crosby is the definition of modesty. On the ice, he is one of the most experienced players in the game. NHL history – A native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, two-time Olympian and one of the league's best players for nearly two decades.
Fun fact: Crosby was so obsessed with hockey as a child that practiced shooting spends hours hitting pucks into the net in his family's basement – which, frankly, explains a lot. He was never flamboyant or loud, he was just relentlessly focused and incredibly good, and that understated intensity somehow makes him even more appealing.
2.
Alexander Ovechkin – this is the pure energy of the main character. Widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NHL history, Ovechkin spent his entire career with the Washington Capitals and finally won the Stanley Cup in 2018, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
He's cool superstitious (yes, he is faithful to his pre-game routine). With an infectious joy for the game, signature one-goal shots and an unmistakable smile, the Moscow-born star has the kind of charisma that makes hockey fans fall in love again and again.
3.
Connor McDavid moves at a different pace. His explosive speed, keen vision and effortless creativity make him a watch every shift. A multiple Art Ross Trophy winner and league MVP, he is the captain and engine of the modern-era Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid keeps a low profile, prioritizing training, leadership and time with his wife. Lauren. I may be biased because he's from my hometown of Richmond Hill, but his quiet confidence, obsessive work ethic and effortless dominance give him a cool, untouchable appeal that doesn't need hype.
4.
In PC Sub What stood out in the NHL wasn't just how he played—he stood out because of who he was. As one of the league's most visible black stars, Subban has helped propel hockey toward a more open, expressive and inclusive future, whether through his voice, his philanthropy or the way he appears on the ice.
He also has a serious style and became famous for bold fashion choice it broke the mold in a league known for its caution. Add in confidence, charisma and unmistakable good looks, and it's no wonder Subban remains one of the most memorable (and lovable) figures of his era.
5.
Nathan MacKinnon plays with a kind of controlled chaos that makes it impossible to ignore. Known for his explosiveness and relentless intensity, he is the engine of the Colorado Avalanche and a key part of their Stanley Cup-winning core. MacKinnon has developed a reputation for elevating his game when it matters most, especially in the playoffs.
MacKinnon famously trained with fellow Nova Scotia native and NHL legend Sidney Crosby in off-season — two of hockey's greatest stars are pushing each other to become even better.
6.
Auston Matthews' path to the NHL was far from typical. Growing up in Arizona, far from hockey's traditional hotbeds, he grew up in a multicultural family with a Mexican-American mother, giving him experiences rarely found at the sport's top level.
Matthews grew up playing both hockey and baseball, and although he was really good at baseball, he eventually decided to take up hockey, a decision that clearly paid off.
7.
Victor Hedman this is the definition of easy dominance. Standing at 6-foot-6, the Swedish defenseman brings a calm, almost reserved presence on the ice while calmly controlling the entire game from the blue line.
Hedman was named in NHL team for a quarter of a centuryThis means that he has been recognized as one of the best defenders of the last 25 years. As a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Lightning, he also helped win multiple Stanley Cups, and his combination of size, skill and quiet confidence makes him endlessly fun to watch.
8.
I know Paul Kariya retired, but to exclude him from such a list would be a crime. Best known for his iconic years with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks (and later the Nashville Predators), Kariya was one of the most exciting players of his time.
These days Kariya lives quietly and intentionally stayed close to the game while maintaining his personal life. Fun fact: Even at the height of his fame, he was known for shunning the spotlight. As one of the first prominent NHL players of Asian descent, his presence helped expand the definition of what hockey could look like, and his legacy still stands out today.
9.
Joseph Wall has this calm, unclouded goalkeeper energy – and fun fact fans love that the Missouri man played NCAA hockey at Boston Collegecombining high-level academics with elite competition before moving on to the NHL.
Leafs fans nicknamed him “Brick Wall” after his performance in the playoffs when pucks suddenly stopped going past him.
10.
Luke Prokop deserves a place on this list for reasons beyond hockey. In 2021, he made history as the first openly gay player to sign with an NHL team, a huge milestone in a sport that hasn't always been welcoming to everyone.
Although he hasn't played an NHL game yet, he is part of the Nashville Predators organization, making his way through professional hockey and opening doors simply by being visible and honest about who he is. There is something truly appealing about someone helping to move a sport forward simply by showing up – and Prokop does just that.
11.
Born in 2006, McLean Celebrini is the youngest player on this list – and already one of the most talked about. Widely regarded as a future superstar, he has impressed fans with his skill, confidence and how comfortable he appears under pressure, even at such a young age.
Celebrini became the youngest player ever to win the Hobey Baker Award, an award given to the best player in NCAA hockey, a pretty strong sign that the hype is very real.
12.
Brad Marchand is proof that villain energy it might be hot. One of the most accomplished forwards of his generation, Marchand built a long career with the Boston Bruins by being annoyingly good, relentlessly competitive, and completely unapologetic about it.
Marchand was drafted 71st overall and has spent his career proving people wrong by turning his underestimation into his entire personality. He's known for getting under people's skin, but he's also a Stanley Cup champion and all-time leading scorer who backs it all up with real talent.
13.
Nick Suzuki has the serious energy of a quiet leader. As captain of the Montreal Canadiens, he carries himself with a quiet confidence that goes well beyond his years. Born in London, Ontario, and Japanese heritageSuzuki is a Japanese Canadian Gosei (fifth generation), which is still rare in the NHL.
Heated rivalry fans compare him to Shane Hollander. In the books, the author wrote Shane as half Japanese. And as captain of the Montreal team, so the comparison seems too perfect.
14.
Jack Hughes this face New Jersey A new era of Devils, playing with creativity, confidence and a little chaos. You may also recognize his name from the time he was spotted. dine out With Tate McRaea moment that pushed him further into the limelight.
Hughes was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft and comes from a full-fledged hockey family—his brothers Quinn and Luke Hughes are also NHL players.
15.
Thrown into the spotlight as the future of the NHL, Connor Bedard already known for his ridiculous shots, creativity and confidence that you don't see in many 20-year-olds.
Bedard went popular for sloppy lacrosse-style goals (Michigan)—a level of confidence so unreal that even Wayne Gretzky admitted, “I couldn’t do what he did…”
16.
Mitch Marner Known for his elite vision, quick hands and ability to make impossible passes look easy. Marner has been a key part of the Toronto Maple Leafs core for years.
Marner is a Greater Toronto guy, so his time playing (and thriving) for the Leafs felt like a true full-circle moment. And even now, when his career leads him to Vegasthere's something undeniably charming about a hometown kid who grew up dreaming of the stage and actually achieved it.
17.
Jim Pack is a true pioneer in the history of hockey. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he became the first Korean-born player to play in the NHL and went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early 1990s.
After finishing his career, Pack did not leave the sport – he moved to coaching and developmentbecoming a major force in the development of hockey in South Korea. He later served as coach of the South Korean national team, helping take the program to the international stage, including leading up to the 2018 Winter Olympics. His legacy is not only victories, but also opening doors for a whole new generation.
Did I hit your favorite hockey player or did I miss? Sound off in the comments… Maybe after this I'll finally get on the hockey bandwagon.
