The NHLPA released the results of their 500-player poll this week and the Arizona Coyotes had a few players listed in the top-five of some categories.
The NHLPA’s player poll asked over 500 current players about a wide range of topics around the league, with the Arizona Coyotes being included in the top-five of four different categories.
The Coyotes were represented in two different categories by centreman Nick Cousins, with both of his appearances coming in ‘trash-talk’ categories.
Trash-talk is a common thing in today’s NHL, with Cousins seemingly both good and bad at it – earning top-five positions for having the best trash-talk and the worst in the league.
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Cousins received 3.3% of the total votes to be named the fifth-best trash-talker in the NHL, while receiving 4.7% on the other end – good enough for fourth-worst.
The 25-year-old Belleville, Ontario native shares the honour of being the only player alongside Brad Marchand to be named in the top-five of both categories – with the Bruins’ veteran leading both.
Veteran centre Derek Stepan was also named in one category that shows his peers across the league view his intelligence and hockey knowledge in high regard.
The 28-year-old Stepan received 3.8% of votes in the category ‘Who would make the best NHL GM once they retire?’ – seeing the veteran sitting fifth on the list, just 1.7% behind Sidney Crosby in the lead.
Players viewing Stepan in this way is a big honour, showing that his experience in the league could pay off if he decided on a career in the league after he eventually hangs up his skates.
One last Arizona Coyotes player that was included in the results of the NHLPA’s player poll was Christian Fischer, who has the fourth-best nickname in the NHL according to 500+ players.
Fischer’s nickname of ‘Stinky’ was voted on by 3.2% of participating players, just 2.4% behind Tomas Tatar – who holds the nickname of ‘Tuna’.
It should also be noted that players were overwhelmingly in favour of a dedicated regular season game seeing nicknames worn on jerseys rather than their regular names – with 66.8% of players voting for this.
These player polls are an interesting insight into the thoughts of players across the league, with the Arizona Coyotes earning some recognition in a number of categories.
With the team pushing towards securing a playoff place this season, the team deserves more recognition and should look to have more players mentioned in the 2019/20 player poll.
What do you think Coyotes fans? What are your thoughts in the results of this player poll? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!