A recent survey by the team here at CanadaSportsBetting has given fans a platform to air their views on the league’s most controversial topics. With over 2,090 participants from the USA and Canada, we’ve got the lowdown on who fans think should hang up the gloves and which players are skating on thin ice, reputation-wise.
We touched on the classic debates: Should fighting be banned? Who is the dirtiest player? And, importantly, does fighting hurt or improve the entertainment value of the NHL?
Should Fighting be Banned in the NHL?
When it comes to fighting in the rink, fans have spoken louder than a referee’s whistle. A significant 66% of respondents think that fighting should never be banned, highlighting its role in the sport’s culture. Meanwhile, 26% of those surveyed support a ban, with 8% remaining undecided, likely preferring to enjoy their popcorn without the gritty interruptions.
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| Should Fighting Be Banned in the NHL? | Fan Response |
| Yes | 26% |
| No | 66% |
| I do not know | 8% |
Which NHL Fan Bases Are Most Pro Fighting?
The breakdown of NHL team affiliations shows that fighting still holds a cherished place in the hearts of hardcore fans. Pittsburgh Penguins fans are nearly unanimous, with a staggering 82% loving the brawls. Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken enthusiasts share similar sentiments, with 77% opposing a ban.
Contrasting this, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs fans seem to be questioning tradition, showing a more balanced view, with 35% in favor of banning fights.
Which Fan Bases Think Fan Bases Shouldn’t Be Banned?
Dirtiest Players According to NHL Fans
When it comes to gritty play, Brady Tkachuk wears the crown as the dirtiest player, taking home 14% of the votes. Tom Wilson follows closely, with his rough reputation earning him 10%. It’s clear that Tkachuk and Wilson have found their own niche in being recognized—perhaps as the NHL’s not-so-friendly neighborhood agitators.
| Player | Dirty Vote |
| Brady Tkachuk | 14% |
| Tom Wilson | 10% |
| Sam Bennett | 5% |
| Nikita Zadorov | 4% |
| Tyler Tucker | 3% |
Players Each Fan Base Thinks is the Dirtiest – Brady Tkachuk
Brady Tkachuk reigns supremely unpopular in this category, with 20 out of 32 fan bases naming him as the dirtiest player. Leading the anti-Tkachuk charge are Winnipeg Jets fans, with 34% casting their votes against him, suggesting they’ve seen a bit too much of his aggressive style.
Does Fighting Improve, or Hurt, The NHL’s Entertainment Value?
Despite debates over its place, the brawls and tussles still rev up spirits across the rinks. A solid 59% of fans believe these bouts boost entertainment, infusing adrenaline into the games. Others prefer a cleaner face-off, with 22% saying it detracts from the spectacle. Meanwhile, 20% remain undecided—perhaps waiting for a fight within earshot before choosing sides.
| Does Fighting Improve or Hurt the entertainment value? | Fan Vote |
| Yes (Improves) | 59% |
| No (Hurts) | 22% |
| I do not know | 20% |
Which Fan Bases Think Fighting Improves The NHL The Most?
The San Jose Sharks lead the pack in supporting on-ice clashes, with 72% believing fighting cranks up entertainment. The Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars aren’t far behind, showing that for many fans, a game without a bit of action is like a puck without a slapshot. Meanwhile, teams like the Montreal Canadiens reveal a more skeptical audience, revealing a fine cultural split at play when it comes to the traditional rough-and-tumble of the sport.
| Team | Improves | Hurts | I do not know |
| San Jose Sharks | 72% | 15% | 13% |
| Anaheim Ducks | 69% | 16% | 15% |
| Dallas Stars | 68% | 20% | 12% |
| Buffalo Sabres | 67% | 19% | 15% |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 67% | 18% | 16% |
| Florida Panthers | 67% | 14% | 20% |
| Colorado Avalanche | 66% | 13% | 21% |
| New York Islanders | 66% | 17% | 17% |
| Los Angeles Kings | 64% | 23% | 13% |
| Washington Capitals | 63% | 22% | 15% |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 63% | 24% | 13% |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 62% | 19% | 19% |
| Detroit Red Wings | 62% | 21% | 17% |
| Calgary Flames | 61% | 18% | 21% |
| Winnipeg Jets | 60% | 21% | 19% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 60% | 23% | 17% |
| Utah Mammoth | 59% | 18% | 24% |
| Nashville Predators | 58% | 22% | 20% |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 58% | 23% | 19% |
| Boston Bruins | 57% | 23% | 20% |
| Edmonton Oilers | 57% | 24% | 19% |
| New York Rangers | 57% | 29% | 14% |
| St. Louis Blues | 56% | 21% | 23% |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 56% | 19% | 26% |
| Vancouver Canucks | 53% | 19% | 27% |
| Ottawa Senators | 53% | 22% | 25% |
| Seattle Kraken | 53% | 29% | 18% |
| Minnesota Wild | 51% | 23% | 26% |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 51% | 21% | 28% |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 50% | 24% | 26% |
| Montreal Canadiens | 49% | 30% | 21% |
| New Jersey Devils | 46% | 33% | 21% |
Methodology
The research was commissioned by CanadaSportsBetting and carried out online by Research Without Barriers (RWB). All surveys were conducted between May 15th 2025 and May 23rd 2025. The sample comprised 2,090 USA & Canadian NHL fans.
This content seeks to entertain sports betting and NHL fans alike–fans who might be interested in checking out some NHL odds or even some of the best betting apps in Canada or even these sports betting promotions.
You can find the full breakdown of results here.
All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2023) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018).