The Best Bromances in the NHL Right Now

While the competition is a driving force behind sports and why so many people tune in, the friendships that athletes have with one another are extremely special and don't always get the recognition they deserve. In the spirit of being thankful for our besties this weekend, let's take a look at some of our favorite friendships in the NHL right now!

Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini (left) and Will Smith (right) (Credit: San Jose Sharks)

This duo has taken the internet by storm, and even if you're not a hockey fan, you love their friendship. Whether it's convincing Tyler Toffoli to have a sleepover in their hotel room or goofing off pregame, these two are always up to something and it's wildly entertaining to watch. (And we're sure Sharkie still hasn't forgiven them from the incident with a certain soccer ball...) These two totally seem inseparable - they even dressed up as Dumb and Dumber for Halloween this year!

Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba

Jacob Trouba (left) and Chris Kreider (right) (Credit: Anaheim Ducks)

While these two were once New York Rangers teammates, they have now found themselves back on the same team in Anaheim and it seems they are closer than ever. It seems that just about every game, they're pictured walking in together, and on a few occasions, they even rocked matching duck feet clogs (fashion icons if you ask us). Kreider was known for his bromance with former teammate Mika Zibanejad, but it's looking like Trouba could be giving that duo a run for their money - we hope there isn't any jealousy from Zibanejad left over.

Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier

Jack Hughes (left) and Nico Hischier (right) at the 2023 NHL Awards in Nashville (Credit: NHL)

Since Hughes entered the league in 2019, these two have seemed like an untouchable bromance. Hischier was picked first overall by the Devils in the 2017 NHL draft, and Hughes went first in 2019, so that first overall connection definitely laid the foundation for this friendship. Fans have watched their friendship totally blossom as their two careers progress side by side: there's even a photo at Prudential Centre, the home of the Devils, of the two embracing on the ice. It seems even the team loves the friendship of their first overalls!

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl (left) and Connor McDavid (right) (Credit: The Athletic)

A bromance list without McDavid and Draisaitl just simply isn't a bromance list at all. These two are so close that even their wives are best friends. They party together, they vacation together, they score countless goals together - sounds like the perfect friendship to us. All that this pair is missing is a Stanley Cup for the trophy case...

Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov

Mats Zuccarello (left) and Kirill Kaprizov (right) (Credit: David Berding - USA TODAY Sports)

We had to round out this list with an underrated duo. Zuccarello and Kaprizov have been teammates for years now, but the private nature of both of their lives lead to this friendship flying under the radar. This is such a shame, because these two personify the term 'besties' - Zuccarello even revealed that his daughter calls Kaprizov "Uncle Kirill" and that it has become a nightly ritual to call him and have him sing her goodnight songs. Talk about adorable!

Edited by Caitlyn Wagner