"No Matt Rempe?" "Xhekaj snubbed": NHL fans debate Stu Grimson's Top 5 NHL tough guys ranking topped by Ryan Reaves 

NHL analyst Stu Grimson's Top 5 Tough Guys Right Now ranking has sparked heated debates among hockey fans, with many questioning the exclusion of certain players and the overall composition of the list.

NHL Network released the list on X/Twitter and asked fans on X/Twitter:

“What are your thoughts on his Top 5 Tough Guys Right Now list?”

The ranking is topped by Toronto Maple Leafs' Ryan Reaves, followed by New Jersey Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid, Philadelphia Flyers’ Nicolas Deslauriers, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier and Utah Hockey Club’ Liam O'Brien.

Fans soon took to social media to express their opinions on the rankings.

One fan commented:

"No Matt Rempe?"

New York Rangers rookie Matt Rempe made waves last season by engaging in four fights during his first seven NHL games, taking on some of the league's most renowned tough guys.

Another fan pointed out the omission of Montreal Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj:

"Xhekaj snubbed."

Here are some more fan reactions on X:

"Reaves only averages about 7-minutes TOI per games, hard to take his game seriously, others listed actually impact the game, Reaves not so much." one fan said.

"Wilson is definitely overlooked. And one of the few on that list that can play PP, PK and top 6 minutes too," another fan wrote.

"Ross Johnston routinely crushed Liam O’Brien , and fights deslauries tooth and nail…" another fan commented.

"I think it's gotta be Deslaurier. I think we saw a little too much of Reaves last year and it wasn't all positive," another fan said.

Matt Rempe reveals offseason details

Matt Rempe had an eventful offseason as he looks to build on his impressive debut last season. Rempe revealed details of his summer training regimen and living arrangements in an interview at Fanatics Fest (via TheHockeyNews.com):

“I went back home to Calgary for a month, stayed with the family, my mom,” Rempe said. “It was great to be home for a little bit, but then I came back out to Connecticut about a month ago and moved in with Jonthan Quick and his family."

Rempe added that he has also been training with fellow Rangers veteran Chris Kreider:

"They have been unbelievable. Him and Kreider have taken me under their wing. Been training with them out in Connecticut. It’s been going really well."

As the new NHL season approaches, Rangers fans will be eager to see how these offseason experiences translate to Rempe's on-ice performance.