Best and Worst Hockey Journalists?

[tony d]

Don't know about the best but Steve Simmons and Damien Cox are the worst. Terrible journalists, the both of them.

 

[Oneiro]

Not surprised to see most replies are pretty negative. The obvious bad ones to me are Ryan Lambert and Scott Burnside. They are hyperbolic in their assessment of everything and they are both poor writers. Their biases (melodrama, snark) are obvious.

Though he's been speculating way more in recent years, I still like Elliotte Friedman. By and large, I think, even when he's presenting his opinion or talking about an uncertainty, he respects the dignity of the players/coaches/GMs in question and he generally has a measured take on issues, even as he approaches sensitive territory. The same goes for Bob McKenzie. It's sad to say these guys are old-school in their professionalism.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

Pierre LeBrun is pretty good too.

 

[Teeder9]

I like Friedman as well. I know some have disparaged things he's said because they don't agree with the premise, but you don't gain respect by anyone here by saying, "yes, I heard about that too" after the fact. I have no doubts when he says he's heard things that he has indeed heard them. They might not be popular with some, but he's not Eklund, and his articles are thoughtful and well written.

 

[Inkling]

The Athletic has hired almost all of the best ones. Some good ones not on the Athletic include Friedman, Duhatschek, McKenzie (not primarily a print guy but he has many good articles on TSN), Roy MacGregor, Mike Farber. Not as familiar with American ones but I've liked Helene Eliott in the past.

 

[mashedpotato]

James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel are among the better writers for the Leafs. They're honest and rely on data instead of any preconceived notions.

 

[Discoverer]

Though he's been speculating way more in recent years, I still like Elliotte Friedman. By and large, I think, even when he's presenting his opinion or talking about an uncertainty, he respects the dignity of the players/coaches/GMs in question and he generally has a measured take on issues, even as he approaches sensitive territory. The same goes for Bob McKenzie. It's sad to say these guys are old-school in their professionalism.

What I like about Friedman that distinguishes him from a lot of poor reporters is that he's generally pretty clear on whether he's reporting a done deal, a legitimate rumour, hearsay, personal speculation, etc. He doesn't try to pass off his own opinions as anything more than that, so I don't understand why so many people dislike his "speculation".

 

[stator]

Don Cherry is one of the worst for me. However, I know you fans up north like him. He's a canadian fixture for the NHL like bags are for milk up there.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Don Cherry is one of the worst for me. However, I know you fans up north like him. He's a canadian fixture for the NHL like bags are for milk up there.

I wouldn't say "you fans up north like him." It's more like it was sacrilege not to like him growing up, but as people mature, develop independent thought and can identify blatant ignorance, many can't stand him. In fact, more people I talk to in Canada these days think the guy is a complete idiot than actually like him.

 

[snipes]

Frank Seravelli is good