Some hockey players have that innate, effortless swagger. It’s not something you can teach, and it’s not just about being good on the ice—it’s about how they carry themselves, how they talk, and how they somehow always look chill even in a game with knives on their feet.
This list is a celebration of those guys—the ones who didn’t have to try to be cool because they just were. From throwback legends to current stars, these are the NHL players who were simply born cool.
20. Anze Kopitar
Smooth on the ice and smooth off it, Kopitar always played the game with calm, calculated confidence. There’s just something about his low-key demeanor and commanding presence that screams cool.
19. Brent Burns
He’s got the beard, the tattoos, and a personality that feels part Viking, part zookeeper. Burns is the definition of controlled chaos, and somehow it works.
18. Rick Nash
Nash had this quiet superstar energy—never flashy, always effective. He played like he didn’t need the spotlight, which somehow made him even cooler.
17. Connor Bedard
Yes, he’s young, but Bedard already has that cool-under-pressure aura. He doesn’t just play with poise—he lives with it.
16. P.K. Subban
P.K. brought flair, fashion, and full-on charisma to the NHL. Whether on the ice or in front of a camera, he always made it look fun.
15. Sergei Fedorov
The guy wore white skates in the ’90s and made them iconic. Fedorov had speed, skill, and swagger before swagger was even a thing in the NHL.
14. Henrik Lundqvist
The man could stop a puck and steal a runway. Lundqvist was elegance, charm, and pure style—all while being a brick wall in net.
13. Paul Bissonnette
He wasn’t a star player, but he turned himself into a hockey media icon. Biz is funny, unapologetic, and always feels one step ahead of the vibe.
12. Auston Matthews
From his goal celebrations to his off-ice fits, Matthews just oozes modern-day cool. He’s one of the few guys who can pull off a mustache and make it a trend.
11. Mario Lemieux
Lemieux never had to raise his voice or act flashy to command a room. His calm, graceful dominance made him the epitome of chill.
10. Alex Ovechkin
The man hits like a truck and scores like a magician, all with a smile that says, “I’m having more fun than you.” Ovi’s energy is chaotic but somehow still cool.
9. Jaromir Jagr
From the flow to the fearless confidence, Jagr lived life on his terms. He’s a walking legend who never lost his edge—even at 45.
8. Cale Makar
Makar’s game is so smooth, it looks like he’s floating out there. He doesn’t need words—his play does the talking, and the talking is cool.
7. Carey Price
Quiet, stoic, and unbothered no matter what’s happening around him. Carey Price gave off Bond-villain energy but in the best way.
6. Jeremy Roenick
Roenick had opinions, flash, and a healthy disregard for playing it safe. He was loud, bold, and never afraid to stir the pot.
5. Mat Barzal
Barzal skates like he’s dancing and carries himself like he knows it. There’s an art to how he moves, and coolness is part of the brushstroke.
4. Teemu Selanne
The “Finnish Flash” had the game and the grin to go with it. He made everything look easy and always looked like he was loving every minute.
3. Patrick Kane
Kane had the stick-handling, the swagger, and the sense of timing to make every highlight feel cinematic. He never forced it—he just was it.
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2. Wayne Gretzky
The Great One wasn’t loud or flashy, but everything he did felt iconic. His cool was quiet, classy, and undeniable.
Read more: 20 NHL Stars Who Played Like the Team Was Just a Supporting Cast
1. Joe Sakic
Sakic was the ultimate no-drama superstar. He didn’t talk much, but when he did—or when he let that wrist shot fly—you paid attention.
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