Anonymous NHL players deliver their hot takes on controversial tier list - "They should really consider their jobs"

Last month, The Athletic dropped its annual NHL player tiers list, a ranking of the league's top 125 players categorized into four separate tiers: MVPs, franchise players, All-Stars and top-line players. This list, carefully curated after hours of consideration and consultation with NHL executives and GMs, has sparked quite a debate within the hockey community.

Recently, The Athletic sought the opinions of several anonymous NHL players to gather their thoughts on this much-discussed list. While some players didn't mince words in their critiques, others provided thoughtful insights into the rankings and the players included in them.

One anonymous player offered a rather harsh assessment:

"I think whoever did this list should really consider their jobs."

However, not all players were that harsh in their judgments.

Some of the players provided more nuanced and eloquent feedback on the placements of certain players, including rising stars like Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, and even the rookie sensation Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Here's a closer look at some of the comments made by these anonymous NHL players

Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils

Hughes, at the age of 22, is already considered an MVP-level talent according to the rankings. However, some players had differing opinions. One player shared:

"I don't know yet. He's obviously a skilled player… I would take (Mikko) Rantanen over Hughes. I would put (Jack) Eichel before Hughes too."

Another player suggested:

"I'd probably throw Crosby up there instead of Jack Hughes. He may not put up the 120-point seasons anymore, but he's an outstanding player in all three zones. He does everything right."

Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks

The list ranked Bedard in the All-Star tier before the teenager even played an NHL game, raising some eyebrows among the players. One player expressed skepticism:

"I don't think you guys can put him up there because he hasn't played an NHL game yet. He might be a hell of a player. But until you're in the league, I don't think you should be up there"

Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins

The tier list stirred up conversations about Erik Karlsson's 101-point season and his Norris Trophy win. One player explained:

"I think Karlsson's going on the downside. But we'll see how he does in Pittsburgh. I don't agree with that Norris (vote). For me, I'm just kind of biased just because it's a D."

They noted that Karlsson's offensive prowess was unquestionable, but his defensive performance had room for improvement.

It's clear that opinions on player rankings are as varied and passionate as the fans who follow the sport.