2025 National Lacrosse League Player Poll

Elijah Gash and Billy Hostrawser, Toronto Rock (Photo: Dave Fryer)

You know the drill.

We checked in with five players from each of the National Lacrosse League’s 14 teams about a month before the start of the 2025-26 regular season, and asked them 29 questions about an array of league-related topics.

In addition to asking an equal number of names from every NLL squad, we tried our best to ensure the players taking part included everyone from rookies to long-time vets, that each on-floor position was well represented, and that the various backgrounds and regions the NLL’s talent comes from were recognized as well.

You can see our 2023 poll here, and last year’s here.

The survey was 100% anonymous to ensure we received the players’ most truthful answers. For any questions that were specific to the actual players (mostly best-in role or position type stuff), they were allowed to submit three responses, only one of which could be used on a current teammate.

So, what did they tell us? Keep reading to find out…

NLL Cup MVP Ian McKay and NLL Commissioner Brett Frood (Photo: Caroline Sherman)

1. Are you happy with the direction the league is headed?

Yes – 83%
No – 17%

Back in 2023, 95% of players voted yes, that figure falling to 82% last year, and pretty much the same this season. “I guess I’m happy with where things are right now, but it also feels like we often take one step forward and two steps back with a lot of stuff,” one player wrote.

2. Now entering his fourth season as NLL Commissioner, what grade would you give Brett Frood heading into the 2025-26 regular season?

A – 9%
B – 64%
C – 25%
D – 2%
F – 0%

Still coming in at a solid B (B was at 60% last year, and A only 2%), players raised Frood’s overall grade a bit after a chaotic summer of trying to salvage teams and even the 2025-26 season. “I think Frood has been grinding to keep teams afloat from (former NLL Commissioner) Nick Sakiewicz’s premature expansion strategy and self-promoting bonuses,” said one player. “I don’t know if Frood has been able to do what he does best and truly raise this sport and league to the level we all know it can get to. I think Sakiewicz put this league back some years with the expansions he pushed for. Aren’t all the teams he brought in now terminated or have been moved or have been hanging on by a thread for a while now?”

Andrew Kidd, Oshawa FireWolves (Photo: Geovanna Soler)

3. Will the FireWolves succeed long term in Oshawa?

Yes – 55%
No – 45%

The Albany-relocated Oshawa FIreWolves open their season tonight, hosting the Toronto Rock at the Tribute Communities Center (7:30pm ET – TSN, TSN+ and NLL+), the two teams under an hour-and-a-half drive away from one another. “Like WTF are we doing here,” wrote one frustrated player. “Is this the next major league or the next major beer league?”

4. From a business perspective, how would you rate the league’s return (Black Bears) to Ottawa last year?

Great – 10%
Good – 75%
Grim – 15%

After opening to a goodlooking crowd of nearly 7K for their historic home opener, the Black Bears wouldn’t come close to their Game 1 attendance figure again, even dropping to under an announced five thousand late in the season. The team itself, missed the playoffs, again. Players are hopeful Ottawa will get ‘er done.

5. Seemingly to have been done last year but saved at the last second, will the Philadelphia Wings live past the 2025-26 NLL season?

Yes – 19%
No – 81%

Hey Joe, instead of just saving them, can we interest you in a third franchise? Buy two get the third 25% off.

Seneca Nation of Indians President J. Conrad Seneca and Rochester GM Dan Carey (Photo: Micheline Veluvolu)

6. Purchased by Seneca Holdings this past summer, from a business perspective, how will the Rochester Knighthawks do under new ownership?

Improve – 69%
Same – 28%
Worse – 3%

“I still hate that they changed the team brand from teal to whatever that garbage green is, but if Roch can make a deep playoff run, I think they could reignite some passion in the city and start filling up that barn again,” one player submitted. The Knighthawks have made the playoffs during the previous three seasons, but are 0-3 and have been outscored 44-24 by Buffalo, Toronto and most recently Vancouver.

7. A decade after the Rush moved from Edmonton to Saskatoon, the NLL is returning to Edmonton for an alternate site game in January. Either through eventual expansion or relocation, can the NLL find long-term success in Edmonton?

Yes – 76%
Maybe – 19%
No – 5%

While the NLL hasn’t had a lot of success going back to failed cities of the past, everyone is pretty high on Edmonton right now, who finished behind only Nashville and Montreal when we asked players last year where they’d put a new team. “If it’s not the Oilers, don’t bother,” said one player. “They made life hell for Bruce Urban and the Rush the first time around, and would do the same to another indie owner I’m sure.”

8. What is your opinion of the NLL’s unBOXed initiative?

It’s been successful – 12%
It’s had little impact – 26%
Still not sure what it is – 62%

Fewer players this year versus last year seem to even know what’s going on with the league’s unBOXed program. “Like it’s just logos to trick fans into thinking they’ll get a team, right,” wondered one player. “I don’t think I’ve seen a single picture or video of one kid playing our sport through this,” said another. “Seems like a total waste of time. Zero results in two years or whatever it’s been.” Similar to what they did a few seasons ago in Laval, Quebec, the league will be holding an alternate site regular season game in Edmonton, Alberta between the Georgia Swarm and Calgary Roughnecks under the unBOXed banner. Following?

Here’s what the league says the program is all about:

NLL UnBOXed™ is more than just an introduction to lacrosse—it’s a movement designed to spark a lifelong love for the game. The NLL strives to make the sport accessible to young athletes at the age where many first discover their passion for sports: gym class.

Focused on community, NLL UnBOXed™ unites kids from all backgrounds and creates opportunities in both major & emerging metros. No matter their experience or skill level, every girl & boy deserves a chance to pick up a stick and be part of something bigger.

By providing the right equipment, tools and inspiration, the NLL is not just growing the game but shaping the future of lacrosse, building a Pathway for the next generation of NLL Stars.

9. Do you think NLL+ has effectively attracted new fans to the sport?

Yes, it’s a game changer – 23%
No, and likely never will – 18%
No, but it will eventually – 52%
What’s NLL+? – 7%

The league’s NLL+ platform allows fans to watch every NLL game for free, removing any roadblocks they’ve faced in the past through specialty television channels, sports streaming services, and even their own OTT PPV model(s). The league is also seemingly attempting to make the site kind of a central box lacrosse streaming portal, this past summer broadcasting the Minto Cup, NCBS National Championship and other non-NLL content. “The only people watching NLL+ are people who already know what the NLL is,” said one player. “I don’t think it expands to new viewers, just makes it more accessible to the people wanting to see NLL games already.”

10. What league standings/schedule format do you prefer?

East & West Divisions – 41%
Unified – 59%

Although a bit split, most players are in favour of the still new-ish, soccer-like standings and schedule format. It is interesting to note, that in the two seasons this format has been used, mostly the same teams are making and missing the playoffs. With teams playing fewer games against their nearer neighbours in the now ditched division format, some players wondered if it was costing clubs more money in flights to make the unified system work.

Dhane Smith, Buffalo Bandits

11. Does the league do enough to promote their top/most marketable stars?

Yes – 10%
No – 90%

No response was more one-sided this year than this one. “I don’t think most fans could pick NLL players out of a lineup even from their own team,” said one player. “You guys do more to promote our stars than the league does. The NLL posts articles about some rando nothing player. Who is our MJ? Wayner? They watch other pro sports, don’t they?”

12. How would you grade the NLLPA’s efforts during this year’s CBA negotiations?

A – 63%
B – 30%
C – 7%
D – 0%
F – 0%

Everyone was pretty pleased with what the NLLPA and Commish Frood (this topic brought up by some in question #2 too) pulled off with the new CBA, salvaging a season that felt potentially lost at some points late last summer. “Where can I sign up for the Zach & Reid Fan Club,” asked one player, speaking of course of still-playing NLLPA President Zach Currier and VP & Executive Director Reid Reinholdt, who both led the negotiations on behalf of the players.

Zach Currier, San Diego Seals (Photo: Kalea Vizmanos)

13. How much (USD) would you need to earn from your annual NLL salary to make it your only source of income?

$50K – 0%
$100K – 49%
$250K – 49%
$500K – 2%
$1M – 0%

Not a single player we polled is looking for a milly, nearly the entire group in the $100-250K ballpark. Clearly, we’re nowhere near that range, but it does kinda make sense. The idea of playing pro lacrosse full time is fun to think about, but at some point the players need to retire, and no one’s playing/working until their 60 like in the real world or if you’re Matt Vinc. Players would eventually retire, in their 30s if they’re lucky (today many players are dropped for good in their 20s), and then start a new career somehow – not necessarily easy. You can only hire so many former players as coaches, assistants and scouts within the league too. There’s a lot to think about, including players saving a good chunk of those three-figure salaries for when their playing days are past them. And hey, maybe that’s alright with guys, but it would definitely be a different approach than most higher paid pros in other sports today.

14. Do you feel your team’s ownership treats you like a legit professional athlete?

Yes – 83%
No – 17%

“Some do and some don’t,” responded one player. “You’d be surprised who some of the don’ts are.”

15. Playing parts if not their entire season at the same time as the NHL, NBA, NFL and other high-profile leagues/sports, would the NLL do better (arena availability, ticket sales, media exposure, TV/streaming viewership, etc.) if they switched to a summer league?

Yes – 48%
No – 52%

Way back in 2005, we published an editorial on the old LAXMAG.com, wondering why the NLL didn’t try playing their season in the more traditional box lacrosse spring and summer months, which would present a must less congested pro sporting landscape too. The feedback we got was not positive. Decades later, the idea of playing in the summer seems to be catching on, with nearly half the players we polled liking the idea of shifting seasons. “If the league moved to the summer, I think it would greatly benefit viewership on TV and streaming, especially in Canada where there are next to no other good sports to watch,” one player wondered and then continued, “but may suffer with in game attendance with youth travel lacrosse tournaments and minor lacrosse schedules - on top of people’s vacations.”

Reid Bowering, Keegan Bal and Remo Schenato, Vancouver Warriors (Photo: Jordan Leigh)

16. If you had to be traded to a different team, where would you most want to end up?

Vancouver – 33%
San Diego – 26%
Buffalo – 14%
Toronto – 8%
Las Vegas – 7%
The Rest – 12%

Vancouver took this question last year too, with mostly the same teams appearing as runners up, although Ottawa was replaced by Las Vegas, who was one of last year’s least pleasing places to end up.

17. If you had to be traded to a different team, where would you least want to end up?

Georgia – 31%
Oshawa – 20%
Rochester – 12%
Philadelphia – 10%
Calgary – 8%
The Rest – 19%

Georgia and Oshawa (Albany last year obviously), switch spots as the two least desirables places to play.

Jeff Teat, Ottawa Black Bears (Photo: Jonathan Tenca)

18. Who is the best offensive player in the league right now?

Jeff Teat – 27%
Dhane Smith – 26%
Josh Byrne – 18%
Wes Berg – 7%
Lyle Thompson – 7%
The Rest – 15%

Although he lost a few percentage points and barely finished ahead of Dhane Smith, for the second straight year Jeff Teat is the most mentioned name for this question.

19. Who is the best defensive player in the league right now?

Graeme Hossack – 20%
Ryan Dilks – 14%
Brad Kri – 10%
Matt Hossack – 9%
Mitch de Snoo – 9%
The Rest – 38%

Same story here as above. Even though he received 7% fewer votes, players still see Graeme Hossack as the top defensive player in the league.

Graeme Hossack, Halifax Thunderbirds (Photo: Trevor MacMillan)

20. Who is the most versatile player in the league right now?

Zach Currier – 33%
Challen Rogers – 25%
Ian MacKay – 15%
Dhane Smith – 7%
Lyle Thompson – 4%
The Rest – 16%

Last year, Rogers beat out Currier by just a single percent, but after an incredible season in San Diego last year, one where he played more O than D for the first time in his career, Currier climb to #1. Rogers, who’ll be moving to a full-time forward role in Toronto this year (for real this time), finished ahead of more forwards versus the typical transition players you’d expect for a question like this. In fact, that O-first, back-checking role that all the guys above (even Currier now) play, might be the most in-demand type of player coaches are looking for right now, largely to counter the opposition’s transition.

21. Who is the best goalie in the league right now?

Christian Del Bianco – 32%
Matt Vinc – 28%
Dillon Ward – 12%
Doug Jamieson – 7%
Zach Higgins – 5%
The Rest – 16%

Christian Del Bianco was the top goalie last year too, players picking him most even though at the time it looked unlikely that he’d even play in 2025.

Billy Hostrawser, Toronto Rock (Photo: Ryan McCullough and John Harrison)

22. Who is the toughest player in the league right now?

Billy Hostrawser – 22%
Elijah Gash – 19%
Tyler Biles – 14%
Steve Priolo – 11%
Jackson Suboch – 7%
The Rest – 27%

Another repeat winner, Hostrawser was voted last year’s toughest player and 2023’s best fighter when we phrased the question a bit differently. Toronto teammate Elijah Gash climbed the Fight Club charts quickly, last year playing his first full season in the league, often in the middle of some sort of melee. “That Gash is fun to watch but he’d be wise to watch his back with the way he plays. Head on a swivel son.”

23. Who is the biggest diver in the league right now?

Chase Fraser – 16%
Josh Byrne – 14%
Dhane Smith – 10%
Curtis Dickson – 7%
Jake Withers – 6%
Randy Staats – 6%
Jesse King – 6%
The Rest – 35%

This question came courtesy of repeated request from players during last year’s poll. Chase Fraser, who was voted last year’s biggest bitch (think he took that as a compliment TBH), just barely edged out a couple of his former Buffalo teammates. “Fraser is still the biggest pussy,” confirmed one player.

Chase Fraser, Las Vegas Desert Dogs (Photo: Caroline Sherman)

24. Who is the dirtiest player in the league right now?

Tyson Bell – 16%
Nonkon Thompson – 13%
Jake Withers – 10%
Matt Beers – 9%
Mitch de Snoo – 8%
The Rest – 44%

The Halifax Thunderbirds take the top three spots for who players deem the dirtiest. After leading the league in penalties with 345 in 2024, the T-Birds actually erased a whopping 64 PIMs from their season last year.

25. Who is one player you hope never gets traded to your team?

Chase Fraser – 29%
Austin Staats – 15%
Tyson Bell – 13%
Mitch Jones – 12%
Holden Cattoni – 6%
The Rest – 25%

We can safely confirm that Chase Fraser might not be the most liked player in the league, most not appreciating the amount of mainstream exposure he got the NLL through Fraser Fan Club President Pat McAfee last year.

Jesse King and Curtis Dickson (Photo: Vancouver Warriors)

26. Who will have the biggest impact on his new team?

Jesse King in Vancouver – 27%
Curtis Dickson in Vancouver – 17%
Chase Fraser in Las Vegas – 10%
Zed Williams in Rochester – 8%
Kyle Rubisch in Oshawa – 7 %
Mitch Jones in Las Vegas – 7%
Rob Hellyer in Ottawa – 7%
The Rest – 17%

Leaving Calgary for Vancouver together, players think Jesse King and Curtis Dickson will have the biggest impact this year. “How did Calgary fumble so many guys so fast,” one player asked. “Vancouver is dethroning Buffalo this year,” declared another. Chase Fraser, who had been shit on in earlier responses, gets some respect here however.

27. Who is the best head coach in the league right now?

Curt Malawsky – 27%
John Tavares – 19%
Derek Keenan – 13%
Pat Coyle – 12%
Glenn Clark – 10%
The Rest – 19%

Curt Malawsky won this one with 27% of the vote last year and again this year. With the influx of high-profile vet talent in Vancouver over the past two offseasons, it’s clear guys want to play for Mouse no matter what city he’s in.

Curt Malawsky, Vancouver Warriors (Photo: Alexis Goeller)

28. What team do you feel referees make the most favourable calls for?

Buffalo – 70%
Toronto – 15%
San Diego – 10%
Vancouver – 3%
Georgia – 2%

This response is a bit surprising, well, if you take into account the stats. Over the past four years, the Bandits have finished with the following team PIM count and rank in the league…

2022: 259 (2nd)
2023: 302 (4th)
2024: 265 (2nd)
2025: 301 (1st)

March 29, 2025, KeyBank Center, Vancouver at Buffalo (Photo: Caroline Sherman)

29. Pick the four teams you think will make the 2026 NLL Semifinals/Final Four?

Percentage represents the amount of times each answer appeared on a player’s four-team response.

Vancouver – 98%
Buffalo – 95%
Saskatchewan – 60%
Rochester – 31%
Toronto – 26%
Halifax – 24%
San Diego – 21%
Oshawa – 12%
Colorado – 10%
Las Vegas – 10%
Georgia – 8%
Ottawa – 6%
Philadelphia – 2%
Calgary – 2%

Vancouver and Buffalo are clear Cup faves this year. Saskatchewan, who took only 12% of the vote last year, is third this year with 60% of players thinking their final-four worthy. Philadelphia and Calgary were at the bottom with the exact same 2% last year.