20 hockey smiles that prove teeth are overrated

6. Ken Daneyko

Ken Daneyko (a.k.a. Mr. Devil) owns the record for most games played in a New Jersey Devils uniform. He also holds a place in our hearts as the Devil with the greatest smile. Tough, gritty and not afraid to sacrifice himself, Daneyko fits the mold that shaped most of the guys on this list.

The Devils great was a joy in the locker room as well. He and Scotty Gomez recalled a story in The Players Tribune that paints a picture as to who we’re dealing with. Daneyko had been lifting weights and noticing some added muscle to his frame. He was yelling in the changeroom, which scared young Gomez, as he thought he had done something to offend the veteran. Daneyko had this to say about the incident:

"One thing about Scott is that he was always very respectful of the veterans in the room. He must have been so nervous in the shower. I can just imagine Scott’s thought process: “Oh no, why is he yelling? Dano’s been with this organization a long time. Maybe I’m not supposed to be in the shower before him.” I remember him poking his head out around the corner all sheepishly. “Hey King, is everything okay?” And I was still all pumped up from lifting. So I said something like, “No! Hell no! There’s no way a 36-year-old should be this jacked!”"

No way, indeed.