For some time now ESPN broadcaster Leah Hextall has become something of a polarizing figure among hockey fans, with some quick to praise her as a trailblazer for women in the largely male-dominated sport of hockey, while others have been critical of her on-air work at various points in time.

On Sunday night, Hextall once again found herself at the center of a polarizing controversy when several fans took to social media to criticize her over a post-game interview she conducted with Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson. During the interview, Hextall made mention of the fact that Thompson had never played for any team in the National Hockey League other than the Buffalo Sabres.

"The Sabres are the only franchise that you've ever known in your 8 career," asserted Hextall before asking her question.

The issue is of course that Thompson was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues who selected him in the first round (26th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, with Thompson also appearing in his first 41 career NHL games while a member of the Blues organization. The Sabres would only acquire Thompson on July 1st of 2018 as part of the trade that sent forward Ryan O'Reilly to the St. Louis Blues. One of the biggest trades in modern NHL history.

It is also worth mentioning that this is technically Thompson's 9th year in the NHL, not his 8th.

This resulted in a veritable deluge of criticism directed at Hextall following the interview, with fans all over social media pointing out the mistake.

It is one thing when that criticism comes from fans and another entirely when it comes from former peers. Disgraced former NHL referee Tim Peel also commented on the situation, pointing out that he has been critical of Hextall's work for years.

Is the criticism being directed at Hextall justified? Or are people taking things too far? Let me know your thoughts on this one in the comments.

Ryan O'Reilly

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