Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon under fire after response to “most hated team” label

The Vegas Golden Knights were voted the most hated team in the NHL earlier this season. Now, Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon has responded. But his response has angered fans even more.
“Well, he’s one of the main reasons they’re hated so much,” one fan wrote.

The Vegas Golden Knights have only existed for nine seasons, but they have already appeared in three Stanley Cup Finals: 2018, 2023, and 2026, winning the Cup in 2023.

READ MORE: John Tortorella’s first words after Stanley Cup Final loss

Fans hate Vegas Golden Knights

During their short existence in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights have become a controversial team in many ways. Fans of other teams have accused them of circumventing the salary cap, making controversial hires, and simply being an unsportsmanlike franchise.

Kelly McCrimmon’s response

Earlier this season, in May, the Vegas Golden Knights were voted the most hated team in the NHL. On Wednesday, Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon held a press conference and responded to being named the most hated team in the league.
“I think people have a hard time explaining why we win as much as we do. We’ve been to the Stanley Cup Final three times in nine years. For me, it’s jealousy, and people are uncomfortable admitting we’ve done a hell of a job. That’s what I honestly think. Players love playing here,” Kelly McCrimmon said at the press conference.

Fans were outraged by Kelly McCrimmon’s response.
“‘Done a hell of a job’ is an interesting way of saying, ‘The league gave us special expansion rules to ensure we win and gain fans,’” one fan wrote on X.
“Is he really that dense? What a full-on tool,” another fan wrote.
“You have done a good job. You also had the commissioner in your hip pocket, who allowed you to circumvent and exploit the salary cap like no one has ever seen. And Gary also allowed you out of contracts and put players with gambling problems on LTIR. So there’s that,” a third fan wrote.

You can watch the press conference below.

READ MORE: Vegas is the most hated team in the NHL, study says