Sports Illustrated took an anonymous poll of 145 NHL players about the state of the league. They have been releasing the answers to one question in each issue since December 26 of last year.

This week's poll question was, Which All-Star-caliber player is the easiest to intimidate?

Which All-Star-caliber player is the easiest to intimidate
Being named in this poll is one of the most damning things than can happen to an NHL player. Toughness is paramount in pro hockey, even among the smaller players, and being seen as "soft," is one of the worst slights a player can carry. See who made the list this year. REUTERS
5. Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils LW 3
Kovalchuk is the embodiment of the soft European player. He has an incredible shot and is offensively gifted but he was not known as a "tough," guy. Perceptions on him may have changed since the poll though as he knocked out Brayden Schenn with one punch. REUTERS
4. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks C 3
The Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane has been a key ingredient in the team's recipe for record-setting success this NHL season. REUTERS
3. Alexander Semin, Capitals LW 7
To most fans it is probably more surprising that Semin wasn't ranked higher on the list. He has always avoided contact and has always been known as a perimeter guy who doesn't mix it up. REUTERS
2. The Sedin Twins, Canucks Fs 8
The Sedins received votes as a pair and as individuals so SI added them together to achieve this rating. Their soft performance in the Stanley Cup Finals last year as well as Mike Millbury's "Thelma and Louise" jab probably contributed to them ranking so high. REUTERS
1. Phil Kessel, Maple Leafs RW 15
Phil Kessel was far and away the most named player in the poll, nearly doubling what the Sedin twins got as a combined score. He was shipped from Boston to Toronto because Bruins management didn't think he fit into their system (basically calling him soft) and that tag has stuck with him. REUTERS