Leaving a team in the NHL is one thing. But going in a way that earns you boos from not just one, but multiple cities? That requires a special blend of timing, talent, and often a bit of attitude.
Some of these guys burned bridges, became villains by doing the best for their careers, and some, well, they couldn’t help being polarizing. These are the 15 NHL guys who couldn’t enter a visiting rink without a chorus of boos trailing them.
15. Jeff Carter
He helped bring cups to LA but didn’t exactly leave Philly with warm hugs. Fans never really forgot the way things unraveled.
14. Phil Kessel
Loved in Toronto for his scoring, hated after his exit, and was successful elsewhere. His laid-back attitude never helped endear him post-departure.
13. Jacob Trouba
He wanted out of Winnipeg and made sure everyone knew it. That’ll get you jeers in a few barns.
12. Ryan Kesler
The Canucks fanbase was ride-or-die until his trade demand. Anaheim didn’t precisely soften the blow for Vancouver faithful.
11. Alexei Yashin
Islanders fans went from cautiously optimistic to fully fed up. His exit made him one of the more boo-worthy stars of his time.
10. Ryan Suter
Left Nashville, then Minnesota, in ways that rubbed fans the wrong way. Consistent boos followed from two former homes.
9. Sergei Fedorov
Bolting from Detroit to Anaheim after years of success was enough to turn cheers into jeers. That contract battle didn’t help his case either.
8. Max Domi
Traded from Montreal, then bounced around with some flair and chirps. It’s not personal, except it is with some of these fanbases.
7. Rick Nash
Columbus fans felt blindsided when their first real star asked out. He didn’t exactly become a favorite in Boston or New York either.
6. Dougie Hamilton
Left Boston. Then Calgary. Then Carolina. Let’s say the guy knows how to stir a fan base.
5. Bobby Holik
Leaving the Devils for the rival Rangers was bold. The reaction from Jersey fans was louder than any goal horn could be.
4. P.K. Subban
Montreal adored him—until he was gone. Nashville and New Jersey fans were never fully sold, and Habs fans never forgave management or him.
3. Jeremy Roenick
Chicago loved him until they didn’t. Phoenix and Philly fans had their turn booing, too, just for good measure.
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2. John Tavares
Leaving the Islanders for the Maple Leafs will never stop stinging on Long Island. Every time he returns, the boos are deafening.
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1. Chris Pronger
He had beef in every city he left—Hartford, St. Louis, Edmonton, Anaheim. If there was a crowd to boo him, they usually did.
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