The Most Underappreciated Player In Hockey

Brad Marchand holds the record for most suspensions in NHL history. From 2011 to the present, Marchand has been suspended 8 times by the League, forfeited over 1.4 million dollars over the 28 games he’s been suspended from, been fined 6 times, and has spent over 1000 minutes in the penalty box. Hes been labelled the “ultimate agitator and According to a 2020 poll by The Athletic, almost a third of NHL players voted Marchand as the dirtiest player in the NHL.

When a player's bad behavior becomes so frequent that he needs a “Days Since Last Incident” sign hung around his neck, there’s clearly a problem. Brad Marchand, known for his foul play and risky tactics, has earned the nickname "The Rat” from fellow players and fans alike. From engaging in bizarre acts like kissing and licking opponents to savage beat-downs and dangerous incidents resulting in fines and suspensions, Marchand's track record definitely shows a player with a love for drama. The Boston Bruins’ Captain has switched between penalty-provoking pest, to mature fan favorite, and back again over the course of his career. But is it all just brawn and no brains, or does Marchand have a strategic side that could make him one of hockey’s most underrated players?