Most Hated New Jersey Devils Opponents Of All Time
By Nick Villano
1. Sean Avery
Players Taken Out On The Way: Matt Cooke, Ulf Samuelsson, Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand and Tie Domi
Sean Avery went through five different matchups with some of the most hated players in league history, and not one of his matchups were close. He beat Tie Domi 77% to 23%. Brad Marchand went down 78% to 22%. The rest of the matchups, his opponent didn’t even get 10% of the vote. Sean Avery is the most hated person in the history of New Jersey Devils hockey.
The main event of his hatred comes from his very personal rivalry with Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur. He was so terrible, the NHL changed rules because of how Avery would wave his hand and stick in front of Brodeur’s face. When Brodeur and the Devils’ face Avery’s Rangers in the playoffs, Brodeur would not shake Avery’s hand in the handshake line. Just another way Avery made himself the victim despite being the agitator.
The Moment He Became The Enemy:
Probably on February 5, 2007 when he was traded to the New York Rangers. That’s when the name calling started, and the very personal insults. He would call Brodeur fatso, bring up his extra marital affair, and would just hit below the belt as much as he possibly could.
It’s hard to remember, but Avery was only with the Rangers for one full season during his peak. In 2008, he signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Stars, meaning he only spend part of 2006-07 and all of 2007-08 with the Rangers. He ended his tenure with the Stars for saying other NHL players were getting his… ahem… well it’s a crude term for girlfriends who, god forbid, get other boyfriends after breaking up with someone.
Comparing Martin Brodeur With Best Of All Time. dark. Next
He returned to the Rangers after they picked him up off waivers, undeterred by his remarks and his apparent attitude. His second career was terrible, as he was sent to the AHL on multiple occasions. He was eventually asked not to return to the team, and he retired. His career was short, but he is the most hatable player in NHL history, and Devils fans clearly have him number one on their list.