20 NHL Players Opposing Fans Loved to Boo

Hockey fans love a villain. Whether it’s a guy who runs his mouth or happens to torch your team every time he hits the ice, the NHL has always had players who seem born to be booed.

These guys thrived in enemy arenas, feeding off the jeers like fuel. Some were agitators, some were stars, and a few were both—but all of them had that special talent for making opposing fans groan.

20. Brad Marchand

Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The nose-wrinkling king of pest behavior, Marchand has made a career out of getting under everyone’s skin. His combination of elite skill and relentless chirping makes him one of the most boo-worthy players of his era.

19. Claude Lemieux

Jan. 20, 2009; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Claude Lemieux (32) warms up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Lemieux didn’t just play the villain—he embraced it. He had a knack for big playoff moments and bigger controversies, and fans never forgot.

18. Sean Avery

Nov 09, 2011; Ottawa, ON, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery (16) during the second period of play against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. The Rangers defeated the Senators 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Avery made enemies on purpose and with precision. From talking trash to questionable on-ice antics, he practically begged fans to boo him—and they obliged.

17. Tom Wilson

May 10, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
James Guillory-Imagn Images

Big hits, big suspensions, and big reactions—Wilson is a modern-day menace. Every time he lines someone up, opposing fans hold their breath and then boo like there’s no tomorrow.

16. Tie Domi

Nov 11, 2005; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Tie Domi (28) on the ice against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

Domi threw punches like confetti and taunted crowds while doing it. Love him or hate him (mostly hate), he kept the arena loud.

15. P.K. Subban

Mar 16, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban (76) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Subban was flashy, confident, and never shy about celebrating a big goal. Fans of opposing teams often confused “fun” with “arrogance,” and the boos followed him around.

14. Corey Perry

Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) reacts after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Perry somehow manages to irritate everyone every shift. He’s one of those players who always seems to be in the middle of something unpleasant, usually on purpose.

13. Patrick Kane

Dec 5, 2024; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Kane’s brilliance with the puck is only rivaled by how much it annoyed fans when it was happening to their team. Toss in the swagger and the clutch goals, and the boos came naturally.

12. Chris Pronger

Nov 19, 2011; Winnipeg, MB, CANADA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (20) during the 3rd period against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images
Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images

Pronger was a punishing force with a scowl to match. He delivered hits, elbows, and heartbreak to fans across the league.

11. Ron Hextall

Oct 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall walks onto the ice for ceremony before game against Arizona Coyotes at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Yes, even a goalie made the list—and for good reason. Hextall’s fiery temper and tendency to swing his stick at anyone nearby made him a must-boo figure.

10. Jeremy Roenick

Nov. 11, 2008; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Jeremy Roenick (27) during the first period against the Nashville Predators at HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA. The Predators defeated the Sharks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Roenick talked a lot and backed it up even more. His confident style rubbed plenty of people the wrong way, but it also made him a perfect villain.

9. Ulf Samuelsson

Feb 18, 2008; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, center, with center Peter Mueller (88), left, associate coach Ulf Samuelsson and left wing Mike York (16), right, in the third period of 4-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. It was the 100th career coaching victory for Gretzky. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dirty hits and borderline play were Samuelsson’s brand. When he was on the ice, opponents (and fans) had their heads on a swivel and their voices ready.

8. Alex Burrows

May 13, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Alex Burrows (14) controls the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins center Jake Guentzel (59) defends during the first period in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Burrows had a knack for scoring key goals and delivering sneaky, cheap shots. That combo earned him boos from coast to coast.

7. Matthew Tkachuk

Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) controls the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The modern-day agitator plays like he was built in a lab for opposing fans to despise. He thrives on drama and often creates it himself.

6. Dino Ciccarelli

February 1, 2011; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shakes hands at center ice with former Capitals player and NHL Hall of Famer Dino Ciccarelli (R) prior to the Capitals game against the Montreal Canadiens at Verizon Center. The Canadiens won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Ciccarelli was scrappy, mouthy, and always in the middle of the action. His fearless net-front presence made him a target for defensemen—and boos.

5. Marty McSorley

Jun 5, 1993; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Kings forward Marty McSorley (33) in action against the Montreal Canadians in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals at the Great Western Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

More than just Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard, McSorley stirred the pot plenty on his own. He was a throwback to enforcers with a mean streak and a flair for controversy.

4. Ken Linseman

Ken Linseman
Wikipedia

Nicknamed “The Rat” for a reason, Linseman made life miserable for opponents. His annoying brand of hockey drew nonstop boos, especially when he smiled through them.

3. Mark Messier

Rangers Mark Messier (11) celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Rangers defeated Vancouver 3-2 in game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at Madison Square Garden June 14, 1994. Rangers Win Stanley Cup
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News

Even greatness gets booed when it comes in to break hearts. Messier crushed dreams in multiple cities, and the fans let him hear about it.

Read More: 7 NHL Players Fans Loved to Boo

2. Scott Stevens

Feb 25, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Scott Stevens (4) holds up the Stanley Cup as the 2003 team is honored before the start of the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Stevens delivered bone-rattling hits with zero apology. Opposing fans knew the danger he posed, and their boos were part warning, part resentment.

Read More: Ranking the 15 NFL Teams Most Likely to Get Booed

1. Sidney Crosby

Apr 13, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on before a face-off against the Boston Bruins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The face of the league has also been the face of frustration for many fans. Too good, too polished, and too often the reason your team lost—Crosby has been booed in every rink he’s visited, and ht keeps smiling.

Read More: Boo-Worthy but Brilliant: Ranking the 7 NHL Players Fans Loved to Hate

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