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One NHL All-Star facing a lot of heat for his behaviour during the Skills Competition

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Ryan Smitheram
February 3, 2024 (9:25)

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Kucherov did not want to be at the Skills Competition

Photo credit: NHL

The NHL took over Scotiabank Arena again last night for the Skills Competition portion of All-Star weekend. Connor McDavid walked away with the $1M prize while Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews and William Nylander finished third and fourth respectively. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves and trying in their events, aside from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov.

At one point, during the passing challenge, Kucherov appeared to look uninterested and as though he did not want to be at the event at all. It got so bad that at fans began booing him and ESPN's John Buccigross took notice.

"This is not a good look, quite frankly. And the fans are booing him. And that's what happens when you don't try your best & you're in a hockey city like Toronto."

Not only did those on broadcasts take notice, but fans took to social media to voice their displeasure with Kucherov's efforts.

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Following the skills competition, Kucherov was asked about being booed by the Toronto crowd.

"It was good. I like that. I didn't expect any different or better. It was fun."

While Kucherov says he was enjoying himself and expected nothing less than the reaction of the fans in Toronto booing him, his actions say differently. It was a terrible display and performance on the ice and he deserved the reaction he got from fans and media alike. Kucherov appeared to be there so he wouldn't be suspended and/or fined as the NHL has done in the past for players that have withdrawn from the weekend without injury.

Although a star in the league, the NHL may not want to have him return to an All-Star weekend if he continues to make a mockery of the competition. The rest of the players participating tried and put on a show for the fans. Kucherov just wanted to get things over with. He poorly represented both his team and the league in doing so.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Connor McDavid facing accusations of rigging the skills competition for himself

Corey Perry and the NHLPA may seek retribution for potential wrongdoing by Chicago

Ed Belfour shares surprising story of how he became a Toronto Maple Leaf

POLL
3 FEVRIER \| 937 ANSWERS One NHL All-Star facing a lot of heat for his behaviour during the Skills Competition Was Kucherov trolling the fans in Toronto with his performance during the All-Star Skills Competition?
Yes, he knew what he was doing	444	47.4 %
No, he didn't care at all	357	38.1 %
It was just an off-night. It happens	136	14.5 %
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