The NHL's most hated player according to Kevin Bieksa, just signed a one-year deal in Ottawa
Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, Nick Cousins, a forward known for his physical play and controversial reputation, has inked a one-year deal with the Ottawa Senators for the 2024-25 season.
Cousins, often regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the NHL due to his history of high hits, will be earning $800,000 with the Senators next season, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
Nick Cousins appeared in 69 games for the Florida Panthers last season, contributing seven goals and 15 points. During the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, he played an additional 12 games as the Panthers secured their first-ever NHL championship.
The NHL's most hated player
Cousins' aggressive style of play drew significant criticism during the 2023-24 regular season. Kevin Bieksa of Hockey Night in Canada labeled him a "rat" and argued that his approach doesn't belong in today's game. This came after a series of high hits from Cousins and his tendency to avoid fights following questionable plays.
I'm told he's a good guy. I'm told his teammates like him. And he's a pretty good hockey player. But somebody in that organization, or someone he respects, has to sit down and say, 'Enough of this' ... like, that's a rat to me. I'm sorry, it is."
The Ottawa Senators have added some grit to their lineup with the signing of Nick Cousins. Despite the harsh criticism from Kevin Bieksa, who called him a "rat" and criticized his style of play, Cousins disagreed with the negative portrayal and stood by his approach to the game. With Cousins bringing his physical edge to the Senators, the team looks to benefit from his tenacity and experience, especially after his recent Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers.
Credit: Blade of SteelNHL's most hated player Nick Cousins, signs with most hated team
| POLL | ||
29 AOUT | 148 ANSWERS The NHL's most hated player according to Kevin Bieksa, just signed a one-year deal in Ottawa Do you see Nick Cousins as the NHL's most hated player? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 22.3 % |
| No, but real close | 95 | 64.2 % |
| Not even in the top10 | 18 | 12.2 % |
| I love the guy | 2 | 1.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
