The late Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers was voted as the toughest player in 2010-11. Colton Orr finished in second with just under 10 per cent of the vote. Orr spent 128 minutes in the penalty box, which was fifth highest in the league in 2010-11.

Questions for the poll were written by Hockey Night in Canada and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA). The questions were circulated to players by the NHLPA. The responses were compiled by staff members of the NHLPA and forwarded to Hockey Night in Canada. 318 players responded to the questionnaire.