There have been some great, GREAT nicknames in NHL history. But which 15 stand out above the rest?
Listen, it's completely subjective. What's on our list may not even sniff yours. But let's get the debate going... because we're sure we share at least a couple favourites. So, without further ado, here are our top all-time NHL nicknames (in no particular order!!!!).
15) TUNA
This one's simple, and just had to make the list. Tomas Tatar's nickname 'Tuna' was voted as the league's best by players in the NHLPA's poll two years in a row. TATTTTAAAARRRR
14) THE BULLIN WALL
Nikolai Khabibulin's play between the pipes was one thing... but his nickname? Definitely the best part from his career. The Bullin Wall will always be remembered as one of the best goaltender nicknames in NHL history, but a few are still sit ahead of him...
13) THE FLOWER
So classic. Marc-Andre Fleury definitely has the best goalie nickname of all active tendies. Fleur, Fleury, you get it. But again, not quite number one... that'll come later.
12) THE BREAD MAN
We all know Panarin Breads, so this one just makes too much sense. Luckily he didn't get this one for putting too many in the bread basket (AKA the goalie's stomach). Definitely deserves its spot on the list.
11) THE GREAT ONE
The Great One is cool... but it's not one of the very best. Sorry, Wayne. still awesome, though
10) JOVOCOP
Ed Jovanovski wasn't the flashiest defenceman but there's no denying he had one of the coolest nicknames in league history. Jovanovski is also one of the better last names the NHL has seen.
9) OPTIMUS REIM
Yes. YES!!!! Optimus Reim, another incredible nickname drawn from pop culture. James Reimer, congrats on having the best goalie nickname ever pal.
8) THE GOLDEN JET
the blonde flow helped earn Bobby Hull one of the greatest nicknames in Winnipeg Jets franchise history. The guy could wire a puck.
7) MOOSE
MOOOOOOSSSSSEEEEEE. Mark Messier was tough as a moose during his playing days and this one has a really nice ring to it. He became known as 'The Messiah' after he was acquired by the Rangers and he delivered with a Stanley Cup. But we're more into Moose.
6) JUMBO JOE
JUMBOOOOOOOO. Easily one of the best nicknames of his generation. So classic, and so fitting for the 6'4, 220 pound centre.
5) TERRIBLE TED
You knew it was coming, Terrible Ted Lindsay was an absolute NAIL. You can't help but respect a player with a name like that
4) THE ROCKET
Maurice 'The Rocket" Richard. What a name. Richard was undoubtedly the greatest goal-scorer of his generation but his speed made him such a smooth player.
3) THE FINNISH FLASH
The best nickname for a European player in NHL history. Teemu Selanne was like lightning on the ice, and struck at many, many moments throughout his career.
2) SUPER MARIO
Super Mario. Everyone's favourite N64 character, and everyone's favourite big forward in NHL history. It almost takes the cake as the best ever...
1) MR. HOCKEY
That's right people. Give it to Gordie. when your nickname is 'Mr. Hockey' then you clearly had a rare impact on the game. We couldn't think of a more perfect player to have it either.
So that's our list. What does yours look like?
