7. Felix Potvin
Felix Potvin, “The Cat,” was a dynamic and athletic goaltender who burst onto the scene with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the early 90s. While celebrated for his acrobatic saves and quickness, Potvin also had a fiery competitive streak and was not afraid to defend his net with force.
Potvin amassed 161 career penalty minutes, often from stick infractions or roughing penalties in front of his net. He was known for his quick temper and would frequently engage in pushing, shoving, and stick-work with opposing forwards. He wasn’t one to back down from a confrontation.
His most famous incident came during the tilt with Hextall—it’s something of a legend. But it wasn’t his only one. In 2001, as a member of the LA Kings, the benches pretty much cleared in a game versus the Ottawa Senators. He found himself squaring off with Janne Hurme.
Mats Sundin, Potvin’s teammate with the Maple Leafs, recalled: “Felix was incredibly athletic, but he also had that edge. He hated losing, and he hated being challenged. He wasn’t afraid to get in there and mix it up. He was tough, and he had that swagger that made you feel confident when he was in net.” Potvin brought a modern blend of athleticism and old-school nastiness to the crease.
