Habs fans furious after viral clip shows players’ privacy violated

A new video making the rounds online has left many Montreal Canadiens fans frustrated and for good reason. The clip shows a fanboy filming several Habs players as they hang out around Montreal, including Cole Caufield, Jakub Dobeš, and Juraj Slafkovský. What should have been a fun and private moment among teammates quickly turned into an uncomfortable interaction caught on camera.

In the video, the fan holds up his phone and records the players without permission, speaking loudly and drawing attention to them. To their credit, the Canadiens players appear calm and composed, but their body language makes it clear the situation wasn’t welcome. It’s understandable: no professional athlete wants to be unexpectedly filmed during their downtime, especially when they’re out in the city trying to unwind.

Reactions from fans online came quickly. Many expressed embarrassment that someone would behave this way, while others pointed out how often players are expected to tolerate invasive behaviour simply because they’re public figures. The overwhelming sentiment is that this crossed a line.

The video is a strong reminder of something simple yet too often forgotten: players are entitled to privacy. Yes, they are public personalities on the ice, but that doesn’t mean fans have the right to track them, record them, or interrupt them when they’re out living their everyday lives. Running into an NHL player in a restaurant or on the street doesn’t give anyone permission to invade their personal space, especially when they’re with friends, partners, or family.

Players are people first. They deserve respect outside the rink, the same way anyone else would. Hopefully, the reactions to this viral video will serve as a wake-up call for fans to think twice before pointing a camera at someone who simply wants a quiet moment off the clock.