Chicago's next bet? Blackhawks considering signing NHL's notorious agitator
Photo credit: Philly Hockey Now
Free agency lingers: The curious case of Nick Cousins and NHL's remaining unsigned "pests".
As the NHL free agency period winds down, a peculiar situation unfolds, leaving several players, akin to gathering scraps, while teams finalize their rosters.
Among these unsigned athletes is Nick Cousins, a notable figure not just for his on-ice skills but for his controversial reputation.
Despite his recent Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers in the 2023-2024 season, Cousins hasn't seen the post-championship financial uplift that many players enjoy.
Nick Cousins, often referred to pejoratively as a "rat" in hockey circles, competes in unpopularity even with renowned agitator Brad Marchand.
His style of play has drawn sharp criticism, notably from former NHL player Kevin Bieksa who did not mince words:
"What people don't wanna watch and see is kneeing, hitting a guys head into the boards, ramming a guy from behind and that is a common theme for [Nick Cousins]," said Bieksa back in January. "I have never done this before but I have to do it, because this is a trend with this player."
Despite these controversies, Cousins' role as an agitator could be an asset to any team looking to disrupt the opposition.
With the Chicago Blackhawks lacking a player like Corey Perry, general manager Kyle Davidson might consider Cousins for a spot in the bottom six, especially since he could be snagged for a league minimum contract.
Bieksa's critique of Cousins' gameplay highlights a broader issue within the NHL.
"There's no place in the game for this and what is the common theme in all of these? Him at the bottom of the pile in a turtle position," said Bieksa with disgust. "This has been a common theme with this player... somebody in that organization or somebody that he respects has to sit down and say 'Enough of this' or the NHL has to come down and hammer this guy.
Somebody has to hammer this guy from the department of justice and put an end to these crappy hits because I hate em and that's a rat to me," said Bieksa. "I'm sorry it is."
Somebody has to hammer this guy from the department of justice and put an end to these crappy hits because I hate em and that's a rat to me," said Bieksa. "I'm sorry it is."
This fiery denouncement underscores the tension between Cousins' value as a player who can effectively agitate opponents and the broader ethical considerations his style of play evokes.
Cousins contributed 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 69 games during the regular season and added a mere assist in 12 playoff games, reflecting his specialized role.
As teams continue to shape their lineups for the upcoming season, Cousins' future remains uncertain. The debate over his playing style versus the strategic edge he provides will likely influence whether he finds a spot in the NHL this season or if his career takes a different turn.
Whether despised or tactically admired, Cousins epitomizes a type of player that sparks debate in modern hockey circles, highlighting the ongoing struggle between traditional physical play and the evolving standards of sportsmanship in the league.
Source: Hockey Feed
The most hated man in the NHL is still unsigned.
The most hated man in the NHL is still unsigned.
| POLL | ||
27 JUILLET | 53 ANSWERS Chicago's next bet? Blackhawks considering signing NHL's notorious agitator Should Kyle Davidson sign Nick Cousins? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 47.2 % |
| No | 28 | 52.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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