Being adored by hockey fans is a fragile thing. One moment you’re the face of the franchise or the league’s golden boy, and the next you’re getting booed by the same people who used to wear your jersey to bed.
These 17 NHL stars once had the crowd in the palm of their glove — until they didn’t. Whether it was a controversial move, a bad contract, or simply the passage of time, the fall from grace came quickly.
17. Sergei Fedorov
He was once the electric centerpiece of a Red Wings dynasty. Then he bolted for Anaheim in free agency, and Detroit fans never quite forgave him.
16. Ilya Kovalchuk
Kovalchuk was a goal-scoring machine who brought excitement to Atlanta and New Jersey. But a sudden departure to the KHL in the middle of a massive contract left a bitter taste.
15. Tony DeAngelo
A talented puck mover who couldn’t stay out of controversy. Fans were tired of the drama long before teams started scratching him from the lineup.
14. Dany Heatley
He was a superstar goal scorer and Olympic gold medalist. But after demanding trades and never quite regaining his form, the love turned to eye rolls.
13. Rick DiPietro
The Islanders made him the franchise cornerstone with a 15-year deal. Injuries and poor play turned that dream into one very long nightmare.
12. Alex Galchenyuk
He came into the league with high expectations and fan support. But after bouncing from team to team, fans started wondering what could’ve been.
11. Mike Hoffman
A pure sniper on the power play, he brought offensive firepower. But locker room drama followed him, and fans began to sour quickly.
10. Milan Lucic
Bruins fans once adored his toughness and swagger. But his decline in production and stints with rivals like the Canadiens and Flames eroded that goodwill.
9. Sean Avery
He was once beloved for being the ultimate pest in a Rangers uniform. But his antics wore thin, and eventually the league — and fans — had enough.
8. Nail Yakupov
He had all the hype of a No. 1 overall pick and the charisma to go with it. But after never living up to the billing, fans quickly moved on.
7. Jonathan Drouin
He was supposed to be the future star in Tampa and then Montreal. But inconsistent play and off-ice struggles made his journey a frustrating one for fans.
6. Eric Lindros
He was a generational talent who dominated in his prime. But his rocky relationship with the Flyers and long-standing tensions with management left fans with mixed feelings.
5. Patrick Roy
A legend in Montreal and a cornerstone of their success. But his ugly exit after a blowout loss made Canadiens fans feel like he quit on them.
4. Jack Eichel
Buffalo fans were all-in on him as the savior. But after years of tension and a messy exit, those same fans couldn’t wait to boo him.
Read More: 8 Controversial NHL Players Who Hurt Their Reputations
3. John Tavares
He was the captain and beloved face of the Islanders. Then he left for Toronto and got treated like a traitor the next time he stepped on Long Island.
Read More: 10 NHL Stars Who Peaked Way Too Early
2. P.K. Subban
One of the league’s most charismatic and entertaining players. However, some fans turned against him after trades and perceived a lack of focus on hockey.
Read More: NHL: 7 Most Controversial Players of All Time
1. Evander Kane
He’s had stretches where he looked like a power forward star. But the off-ice issues and locker room rumors wore out his welcome more than once.
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