Trying to be cool in the NHL is a dangerous game. Between locker room chirping, awkward red carpet interviews, and social media misfires, some players just don’t land the way they think they do.
These guys had the swagger—or at least thought they did—but instead of looking like legends, they ended up giving secondhand embarrassment. From over-the-top celebrations to fashion choices no one asked for, here are 18 NHL players who tried way too hard to be cool and came off straight-up cringe.
18. P.K. Subban
Subban always wanted to be the flashiest guy in the room, whether it was through his suits or his soundbites. Sometimes it worked, but other times it felt like he was doing a bit—and the bit ran a little too long.
17. Max Domi
He tries to carry himself with that gritty-meets-swaggy vibe, but it doesn’t always connect. It’s like he wants to be the cool bad boy, but it leans more toward try-hard than tough.
16. Sean Avery
Sean Avery thought he was edgy, but most of the time it just came off as chaotic. From fashion critiques to unnecessary feuds, the dude was always performing for the spotlight.
15. Ryan Kesler
Kesler had that “too cool for school” energy in interviews that quickly turned into eye-roll territory. His chirps weren’t as sharp as he thought—and fans noticed.
14. Auston Matthews
He’s got the style, the mustache, the shades—but sometimes it’s just a little too curated. Instead of looking effortlessly cool, it feels like a brand campaign gone off the rails.
13. Patrick Kane
Kane’s attempts at swagger were often overshadowed by off-ice behavior and forced confidence. The “cool guy” act didn’t exactly age well.
12. Jack Eichel
Eichel walks around like he’s the main character—but the vibe doesn’t always match the output. It’s a little too much chest-puffing for someone who hasn’t quite earned the aura.
11. Brent Burns
Burns is definitely unique, but sometimes his wild-man act felt more like a persona than a personality. Not every look needs to be turned up to eleven.
10. Evander Kane
He clearly sees himself as smooth and stylish, but his controversies and cocky presence tend to backfire. Confidence is cool—until it slides into cringe.
9. Nick Cousins
Cousins tries to get under everyone’s skin like he’s some kind of villain mastermind. But more often, it just feels like that kid trying too hard to be relevant.
8. Jonathan Drouin
There were moments where Drouin tried to project that laid-back star energy. But it came across more aloof than effortlessly cool.
7. Jordan Binnington
Binnington’s “tough guy” antics and chirps often feel like a guy cosplaying a WWE villain. He wants to be cool and intimidating—he’s mostly just awkward.
6. Mitch Marner
Marner’s attempts to be the fun, relatable guy sometimes veer into try-hard territory. It’s like he’s stuck between being a fan favorite and a TikTok personality.
5. Tony DeAngelo
DeAngelo clearly wants to be a big personality, but it’s almost always a mess. His idea of swagger is mostly just loud and off-putting.
4. Brad Marchand
Marchand loves to be the villain, but when he tries to lean into the “cool bad guy” role, it’s often more cringe than clever. Licking people will do that.
3. Trevor Zegras
Zegras wants to be the face of modern hockey, full of flash and flair—but sometimes it feels like he’s reading off a script. When you try that hard to be cool, it usually doesn’t work.
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2. Tom Wilson
Wilson’s whole tough-guy-with-swagger thing would be more convincing if it weren’t so theatrical. He looks like he’s always auditioning for an energy drink commercial.
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1. Alex Galchenyuk
Galchenyuk had all the tools to be a star, but leaned way too hard into the “cool guy” persona. Flashy cars, flashy fits, and no lasting legacy to back it up—just vibes and missed potential.
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