The Vegas Golden Knights have faced mixed emotions from NHL fans since their inception in 2017. Despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final three times, the team has also become one of the most-hated in the league, according to a poll by Rotowire. The poll highlighted that Vegas topped the list of most-hated teams in 11 states, more than any other NHL team.

The team’s success speaks for itself. They have secured the Stanley Cup once, made it to the Final thrice, and only missed the playoffs once. However, their tactics haven’t always been favorable. Known for making bold player trades and coaching decisions, they notably released coach Bruce Cassidy just before the playoffs and restricted other teams from interviewing him.

In light of these mixed perceptions, star forward Jack Eichel offered his take. Traded from Buffalo to Vegas in 2021, Eichel noted that players view the team differently than fans. He stated, “If you ask guys in the league, Vegas ain’t on people’s ‘no-trade’ lists. This is a place people want to be and play.” Eichel emphasized the pride players have in representing the city and the organization.

This perception aligns with Vegas’ ability to attract free agents. While Eichel’s comments might seem broad, they resonate with players like Dylan Larkin. The Red Wings captain reportedly included the Golden Knights on his list of acceptable trade destinations.

Overall, despite the mixed fan reactions, Vegas continues to be an attractive choice for many NHL players and remains a strong contender in the league.