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