The Top 20 Dirtiest Skilled Players in the NHL Right Now (2025–26)
So one of the more fun things for me to do with my friends is to compile this list with other writers and just fans and it's always not complete and it's always got mistakes on it, but I would like to put it out to you guys this year and see what you think.
It's harder to find this list as to why to put certain players higher or lower because we are talking about two completely different sets of skills.
1, These players have to have the skill to be in the NHL. even if they weren't dirty players/
2. But to be on this list, they have to be dirty players
These are not enforcers, goons, or fourth-line fighters. This list focuses on players with real skill— top 9 forwards, top-four defensemen, or legitimate star players—who also have reputations for playing on the edge, getting under opponents’ skin, or crossing the line with questionable hits or tactics.
So now that you know the rules, the fun begins because now you can totally tell me where I'm wrong... trust me I love when people tell me why I'm wrong. Just be respectful like we're sitting there having a beer don't be an idiot and say something stupid that would make everybody else in the room wanna punch you?
The Top 20 Dirtiest Skilled Players in the NHL Right Now (2025–26)
20. Alex DeBrincat – Detroit Red Wings
A pure scorer who has developed an unexpected edge. Known for sneaky slashes, face-washes, and after-the-whistle chirping.
19. Ryan Reaves – San Jose Sharks
Though long considered an enforcer, he still has enough skill to contribute. Plays with intimidation and occasional borderline hits.
18. Mario Ferraro – San Jose Sharks
A mobile, skilled defenseman with a gritty style. Big hits, heavy battles, and physical play that sometimes flirts with dirty,,, this kid might be a star in the making.
17. Mark Scheifele – Winnipeg Jets
A top-line center with elite offense who has delivered several controversial open-ice hits over the years. Some side team, Canada's fear of him taking penalties kept him out of the four nations... he's going to the Olympics though in my opinion...
16. Evander Kane – Vancouver Canucks
Still skilled and dangerous offensively. Plays with an emotional, physical edge that often spills into dirty territory.
15. Trent Frederic – Edmonton Oilers
A rising power forward with real scoring touch. Loves scrums, chirping, and delivering borderline checks. His popped up in a lot of trade rumors lately and I really hope Edmonton hold onto him.
14. Nicolas Deslauriers – Philadelphia Flyers
A physical winger who plays regular minutes. Heavy forechecks and crushing hits sometimes cross the line. He is the spiritual mentor to the Philadelphia Flyers right now, and despite the fact that fans want to see other players in besides him, for now, I think it's important that Rick Tochett keeps him in the games when he can. He's actually a good teacher and he does make other teams worry when he's out there. This list is not without ex flyer players as you'll see as it goes forward.
13. Claude Giroux – Ottawa Senators (Ex-Flyer Alert)
A veteran playmaker whose stickwork has become increasingly sneaky—cross-checks, slashes, and subtle interference.
12. Trevor Zegras – Philadelphia Flyers
Skill and flash blended with an unexpected chippy edge. Known for glove punches, scrums, and frustration penalties. He has improved that a lot this year, but his offensive skill is definitely returned.;;;
11. Adrian Kempe – Los Angeles Kings
A top scorer with underrated physicality. Plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to chop an ankle or deliver a hard shove. this is a swede with some of Peter Forsberg's got underneath...
10. Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
A legend who still throws massive hits. Some have crossed into dangerous territory, especially when frustrated.
9. Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins
Elite skill. Elite temper. Known for retaliatory cross-checks, high-sticks, and nasty slashes. Malkin is definitely at his worst when he starts to get frustrated. Often enough frustration is with himself, but he'll take it out on the ice on other players.
8. Ryan Hartman – Minnesota Wild (Ex-Flyer Alert)
Plays with intensity and emotion. Kneeing, charging, and after-whistle antics have made him a frequent target of criticism.
7. Nazem Kadri – Vancouver Canucks
A skilled center with a long playoff history of suspensions and borderline hits. Still plays the same way in 2025–26.
6. Radko Gudas – Anaheim Ducks (Ex-Flyer Alert)
A hard-hitting defenseman who contributes offensively. His hits often toe—and sometimes cross—the line.
5. Corey Perry – Los Angeles Kings
A veteran pest. Subtle trips, stick jabs, embellishment, and after-whistle chaos remain his trademarks. This is one of the strangest signings in a long time because I can't think of a player Kings fans hated more and more often than Corey Perry....
4. Tom Wilson – Washington Capitals
A high-end power forward with repeated dirty incidents. Big hits, borderline contact, and plenty of controversy.
3. Sam Bennett – Florida Panthers
A top-six center known for blindsides, scrums, and physical playoff play that often draws outrage.
2. Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
No one combines elite skill, agitation, and dirty play like Tkachuk. He is the modern prototype:
1.. Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers
Still the NHL’s master agitator. Slew-foots, trips, chirps, and constant disruption—even while producing killer offense.
✔️ superstar skill, one of the top goal scorers in the NHL Currently
✔️ relentless pest behavior
✔️ cross-checks, scrums, face-washes
✔️ thrives on chaos
He’s the runaway #1.
Honorable Mentions (Just Missed the Top 20)
Tell me your honorable mention or if you believe your player deserves to 20 slot!
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