Only Tough Guys Can Remember 100% Of These NHL Players
- by Michael DeRosa
- – on
- in Sports
There is no question that toughness reaches an entirely different level when it comes to the NHL. This is because fighting is a part of the game, and it has been this way throughout the entirety of its existence. However, it is crucial to note that this action has begun to drop off over the last few seasons. This is largely because the league is trying to find a way to prevent head injuries from taking over the game. Hitting thankfully is still as active as ever though, so toughness is still needed to succeed.
With all that has been stated thus far, this quiz will be focusing on both current and former NHL players. It is important to note that each player that will be noted was tough in their own way. Although it will have a decent amount of enforcers to name, there are finesse players who also are or were very tough as well. One had to be in order to maintain a long tenure, and in many cases, even the strongest of players would also see their time in the league end far earlier than they wanted it to. At the end of the day though, each player that will be talked about clearly have or had a different level of strength compared to many athletes of other sports.
Now, let's get this quiz going!
Who is this current NHL player?
This player has been the face of the NHL since he arrived. He was the first overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, and since then, he has essentially made the Pittsburgh Penguins relevant again. They went from a team on the verge of relocation to a constant Stanley Cup contender. As his time as their captain, he has led them to three Stanley Cups, and this number will likely increase. He is not slowing down in the slightest and is still one of the best players in the entire league. Love him or don't, one cannot deny his elite level of skill.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player is currently a member of the Edmonton Oilers. However, he started his time in the league with the Boston Bruins. This is where he would establish himself as one of the top power forwards in the entire league. He made the roster because of his fantastic fighting ability, but then was able to develop into a star during his prime. However, it is clear that his game has taken a major step back since he has joined the Oilers, and his $6 million cap hit is not helping his case at all. If a trade is possible, it likely will happen this offseason.
Who is this current NHL player?
Standing in a 6'9", this player is the biggest player in the history of the NHL. He has been able to maintain his time in the league due to this. There is no question that he has a very high amount of toughness, as he still is throwing people around at age 42. His excellent defensive play has been able to help the Boston Bruins continue to be at the top of the league. It is truly crazy to think that the Ottawa Senators opted to let him go in 2006, as it is clear that he could have made that franchise far better than they currently are now.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player is much stronger than most people would actually realize. He would begin his time in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens. Due to his excellent scoring touch, he would end up being their captain for a handful of seasons. However, due to the fact that the team had been struggling, they opted to trade him to the Vegas Golden Knights this past offseason. His new team is quite happy with his contributions, and he definitely is more content in his current situation. At the end of the day, this is a finesse player who has the ability to play physical as well.
Who is this current NHL player?
This goalie is currently the face of the Montreal Canadiens franchise. There is no question that the success of the team is widely due to his play. Although he has run into some injury problems over the last few years, there is no denying that he is outstanding when he is healthy. He holds the record for most wins by this team, but he has yet to bring a Stanley Cup back to this city. If management can bring him a solid team to work with, there is no question that success is possible. However, the clock is certainly ticking.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player truly came into his own after he was moved from the Los Angeles Kings to the Philadelphia Flyers. His power forward role was absolutely accepted once he joined Philly, and this would result in him having some truly magnificent seasons with the team. However, with the team out of playoff contention and his contract set to expire, he was traded to the Nashville Predators as a rental. It became quite clear this season that his skill level is starting to drop off, and that is likely due to his very physical style of play. Even with this being the case, respect is still warranted for his work ethic.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player has been able to thrive in the NHL because of his immense amount of toughness. Now, although he does not register much when it comes to the scoresheet, it is quite clear that his hitting is what makes him so valuable. He definitely is a fan favorite with his current team, the New York Islanders, and was also beloved when he was with the Leafs. He is a fantastic grinder who every team would love to have on their fourth line. There is no question that it is a pain to play against him because of his elite level grit.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player is a fantastic depth guy, and that is why many contenders always end up either signing or trading for him. His immense size has allowed him to be a very hard player to go up against. It is pretty effective that he plays down the middle, as he has free reign to use his physical play anywhere along the ice. He also deserves a plethora of praise for being able to come back to the league after a battle with cancer. His level of toughness is hard to find in today's NHL, but it is clear that he is definitely well respected.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player, who is in the front of the photo, is definitely on the rise and seems to have found a home with the New York Rangers. It has taken him a bit of time to adjust to the NHL level, but after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets at the deadline, he truly has shown he is meant to be here. He definitely appears to be one of the future tough guys of the NHL, and that is pretty cool because his father was during his playing days too. However, do not let this overshadow the fact that he also can put the puck in the net.
Who is this current NHL player?
This player is an absolute legend, and there is no question that he will be a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the near future. He started off his time in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and would quickly grow into the top playmaker during his prime. Yet, in a truly devastating move, the Bruins opted to trade him to the San Jose Sharks for essentially a bag of pucks. He has since turned San Jose into a very huge hockey market, due to his amazing offense, as well as his under the radar toughness. He will be looking to win before hanging the skates up for good.
Who is this former player?
This player was a very effective agitator during his time in the NHL. After a short while in the AHL, he would catch his break with the Phoenix Coyotes in the mid 2000s. However, he would become a well known player with the Philadelphia Flyers. For a bit of time, he not only was a spectacular fighter, but he also had a bit of scoring touch. As his career progressed, head injuries would start to impact his play, and that would result in him playing for a handful of teams. Today, he spends his time talking about the severity of head injuries and the importance of receiving assistance for mental health.
Who is this former player?
This player had one of the strangest NHL tenures ever. There is no question that he was an effective playmaker, as he would put up some great statistical seasons. In fact, he was the captain of the Boston Bruins for a short while during his prime. He would then spend time with the Los Angeles Kings, and he easily was deemed as their best player at that time. However, he would finish his time in the league with the Toronto Maple Leafs quite suddenly after one season there. It was strange because he was only 31. He opted to work on his farm instead of playing professional hockey.
Who is this former player?
This player would turn out to be a very important piece of the Washington Capitals during his prime years. There is no question that he had the ability to be a very effective goal scorer, and that is why his value would skyrocket with the team. However, after two fairly rough seasons with them, he opted to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. He would succeed immensely in his first year there, but after signing a massive extension, he quickly dropped in skill. After being bought out, the Montreal Canadiens gave him a shot to revive his skill, but he would be released after just 15 games, never to be seen again in the NHL.
Who is this former player?
When it comes to the role of the enforcer, it is hard to find a player who fulfilled it better than this player. This player is currently third all-time in penalty minutes, with a massive total of 3,515. Although he clearly knew how to fight, he also was very effective in the defensive side of the game. This would result in him becoming a core player of the Toronto Maple Leafs for over 10 seasons. Before then, he would have short stints with the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets. At the end of the day, he was a very tough player.
Who is this former player?
This former superstar would play a major role in the success of the New Jersey Devils. He was their captain for over ten seasons, and while holding that position, he would lead them to three Stanley Cups. A major reason why he was so effective was the fact that not only was he an extremely tough player, but he also had the ability to register a lot of points. He is considered to be one of the best defensemen in the history o the NHL, and this is a fact that will never change. Although opposing fans despised him, he clearly was something special.
Who is this former player?
This player seemed to be one of his way out of the NHL when he became a free agent in 2007. However, the Boston Bruins would end up giving him a chance, and this is where he would develop into an important player. He had been known as an enforcer with little to no finesse to his game, but he found a bit of scoring touch in Boston. He would become a piece of their amazing 2011 Stanley Cup core as well. He would end up finishing his time with the Florida Panthers, but Boston will forever be his home.
Who is this former player?
The story of this former NHL player is honestly a sad one. When he started his time in the league, he would become a superstar with the Philadelphia Flyers. This would result in him becoming their captain and one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL. He would later be traded to the Los Angeles Kings and won two Stanley Cups there. However, off-ice issues would result in him completely derailing his journey. His point production dropped off dramatically and after a poor season with the Washington Capitals in 2015-16, he would not be offered another NHL contract again.
Who is this former player?
This former NHL player developed a very sour reputation around the league. This is largely because of the fact that he would involve himself in a lot of plays that would make others deem him as very dirty. There have been countless instances where he openly tried to injure opposing players. However, even with this being the case, there is no denying that he was very effective during his prime years. His best seasons came with the Pittsburgh Penguins, as he would become a great protector of their stars. At the end of the day, although he was heavily disliked, it is clear that he was good at his job.
Who is this former player?
When this player was in his prime, he was one of the best power forwards in the league. He was the perfect balance of toughness and finesse. This is what would make him a very effective player. His best season came in 2002-2003, where he scored 46 goals and compiled 97 points. However, after injuring a player severely and missing a significant amount of time due to suspension, he never seemed to be the same player again. He would end up being bounced around the league, never seeming to find a permanent home after playing in Vancouver. Nonetheless, he was still a great player for a time.
Who is this former player?
At 6'7", 250 pounds during his playing days, there is no question that this player was meant for the enforcer era. He would end up filling the role perfectly during his time with the Florida Panthers. For a low market team, there is no question that he intimidation tactics would help bring in fans to their games. His fighting skill made him a very scary player to go up against. Although his overall playing skill was not the highest, there is no question that he was a very important asset during his time in the league. It is a shame he did not last longer.
Who is this former player on the left?
The importance of having impactful depth players can help an NHL team go a long way. This player, on the left in the photo, is a very solid example of this, as he was a major contributor for the Colorado Avalanche during their Stanley Cup win in 2011. He would provide some very solid secondary scoring for the team that postseason, while also being a very intimidating force. He had some toughness to go along with solid defensive skill, so he truly became a fan favorite during his time in Colorado. He would go on to play a few seasons with the St. Louis Blues before leaving the NHL.
Who is this former player?
This player would end up having a very solid NHL resume as a reliable grinder. His best seasons came during his time with the Dallas Stars, as he proved to be a legitimate top-nine player. He would end up being traded to the Buffalo Sabres after the fact. While there, he was their captain during their roughest rebuilding days, but he held the honor with great pride. He was a lone bright spot for the team. He would then end up finishing his days in the NHL with a handful of teams in 2017. At the end of the day, he packed a lot of toughness.
Who is this former player?
This player was one of the top playmakers in the NHL during his prime. Yet, somehow at the same time, he was often seen as underrated because he was on smaller market teams during the beginning stages of his time in the league. However, he would truly get the recognition he deserved during his years with the Boston Bruins. He was their top line center for his entire time there, but head injuries would end his time in the league. He was notoriously the victim of a very dirty hit that today is still impacting his physical health. It is a shame because he still had a lot left in the tank.
Who is this former player?
This player was the tough guy for the Ottawa Senators for all of his seventeen seasons in the league. There is no question that his style of play would make him become a fan favorite of the team. Although he was not a goal scorer at all, he was an extremely integral part of the core. This was evidenced by the fact that he had the honor of being an alternate captain for them. His level of toughness and leadership is sorely missed by the team today. It certainly would have been helpful for them when looking at how poorly their rebuild is going.
Who is this former player?
This player would turn out to be one of the best undrafted stories of this generation. He would get his chance with the Vancouver Canucks, and from there, he would soon find himself to be a very important part of their team. He became a top-six forward in the process, and he was effective because of his agitating manner. However, his style of play would also get him in trouble at times. His most infamous moment was when he bit an opposing players finger in a cowardly act. To finish off his time in the league, he played with the Senators and lost his spot there after getting a long-term suspension for kneeing the back of another player's head.
Who is this former player?
Dependability on the backend is essential for the success of any team in the NHL. This is why this player would end up being loved by his coaches, as he played defensively sound. He would begin his time with the Nashville Predators and provided a lot of solid depth for them. He was considered a defensive defenseman, but he also did have the ability to put up decent numbers. He would then be traded to the Rangers. His toughness was admired there as well. However, he would call it quits far earlier than one would have expected, back in 2017.
Who is this former player?
This player would end up becoming known as a very solid two-way defenseman. He would truly come to form with the Calgary Flames. This is where he would make a name for himself and rightfully so. He would then end up traded to the Boston Bruins. With the team, he would help them win the Stanley Cup in the 2011 NHL postseason. His leadership was greatly admired and played a major role in the success of the Bruins. He would finish his time as the captain of his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers. Sadly, the team was a mess at that point, so he did not go out on a high note.
Who is this former player?
It is hard to find a player in the history of the NHL who was as tough as this player. There is no question that he was the heavyweight champion of the hockey world during his prime, as he never seemed to lose a fight. He is most remembered for his stint with the Edmonton Oilers, but that does not mean that he was not beloved by every team he played for. It is clear that he had a very large passion for the game, and that is why his presence in the league is still missed after almost ten seasons without him here.
Who is this former player?
This player was definitely a skillful one during his prime, but his dirty play would end up being his biggest downfall. There was no question that his tenacity would be helpful a lot during his time in the league, but as player safety became stricter, he simply refused to adjust his game. This would result in him getting some of the longest suspensions in league history. This included a 41-game penalty after an extremely dangerous head hunting hit in the 2014-15 preseason. He would never end up finding his way back into the league, as teams had enough of his actions.
Who is this former player?
This player played the role of the enforcer so effectively during his time in the league. He was a significant reason behind the success of the Detroit Red Wings during their championship years, and that is why he is still seen as one of their biggest heroes. Although he was not necessarily a skillful player, his toughness and leadership will forever be admired. He is widely considered to be one of the best fighters in the history of the NHL, and that likely will never change. There is no question that he will forever have the respect of all hockey fans.
Who is this former player?
This player is widely considered to be one of the biggest pests in the history of the NHL. This is how he would end up making his time in the NHL so effective. There is no question that he was a very solid when it came to secondary scoring, but his tenacity is what would end up helping him grow in overall value. He will forever be remembered for his instigating tactics, especially against rival goaltenders. Today, he is now focused on a life outside of hockey. He is an aspiring actor and is exploring his lifelong passion for fashion.
Who is this former player?
This player made a living for himself in the NHL by being an enforcer. This would make him have a long-term spot with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In fact, he was even given the honor of being an alternate captain during his time there. His ability to intimidate the opposition definitely is what would allow him to stay in the league for so long. He would end up finishing his time in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks, splitting time between their AHL and NHL team. At the end of the day, he was a player who was extremely hard working.
Who is this former player?
This player was a very effective grinder, and this would help cement his spot with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 2013 postseason would end up truly being his breakout period, as he would score a lot of clutch goals with the team. He would then end up playing for the Carolina Hurricanes and soon became a fan favorite there too. However, an MS diagnosis would result in him having to retire prematurely. The most memorable occurrence in his time in the league was when he scored a shootout goal in his final game. It is something that us hockey fans will never forget.
Who is this former player on the left?
This player, on the left side, was one of the most intriguing enforcers to watch during his time in the league, as he was far smaller than most. However, even though he was shorter individual, his toughness and power made him one of the most intimidating players in the entire league. This would help him become a fan favorite with the Nashville Predators, as well as an important piece to each team he played for. He was the definition of a depth player and had great leadership qualities as well. He definitely is a guy who will be missed in the league for many years.
Who is this former player?
This player is one that has left a big impact on the game. He succeed immensely because of his tenacious style of play, but also the fact that he could pick up quality points in the process. Throughout his time in the NHL, he managed to win a Stanley Cup with three different teams, which of course, is a truly wonderful achievement. Yet, people seem to remember him most for his chippy plays that also were often dirty. At the end of the day, whether you love or despise him, it is quite clear that he was a very effective player.
Who is this former player?
This player was a superstar during his days in the NHL, and this is presented by the fact that he scored over 600 goals and hit exactly 1,200 points. However, a major element of his success in the league was the fact that he was as tough as nails. There is no question that he was the prime definition of a top-six forward, but his power forward qualities is what would put him over the top. It should not come as a surprise that this player is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. When looking at all he did, it makes sense.
Who is this former player?
This player would quickly gain a lot of attention from NHL fans because of his glorious mustache. However, it also would help that he was the definition of a true enforcer. This player was a great scrapper, and he would end up making a name for himself as a member of the Anaheim Ducks during their years of dominance. Although he did not contribute very often on the scoresheet, it is clear that his toughness and ability to intimidate opposing players made him quite effective. His time in the league would sadly end prematurely though, as he directly hit his head on the ice in a fight. He was a member of the Habs at that point.
Who is this former player?
This player was a very popular enforcer during his time in the NHL. He definitely was not a threat when it came to scoring goals, but he was scary to play against with his physical play. This would allow him to find a home with the Coyotes. The team loved his tenacity, and he would help bring fans to a smaller market because of it. Although he officially hung up the skates, he is still active in the hockey community. He currently is a host of Spittin Chiclets, a podcast run by Barstool Sports. It it the type of work that definitely fits his extroverted personality.
Who is this former player?
This player was the face of the Philadelphia Flyers during their Broad Street Bullies days. There is no question that he was a fantastic offensive threat, but he also thrived because of his amazing fighting ability. This made him an absolute menace to play against. It is quite an intriguing story, as he almost found himself out of the league before he even made it to the NHL. However, through adversity and determination, he became one of the best all-around players of his generation. With all of this being stated, it should not surprise anyone that he is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Who is this former player?
This player was a true star during his days in the NHL. He managed to stay in the league for twenty seasons, and there is no question that this is a rarity when it comes to this contact sport. He was a defenseman who had the ability to produce a lot of points, so it is easy to comprehend why he is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. However, the element of his game that made him succeed to a whole other level was his toughness. This made him the complete package, so he was quite challenging to play against.
Who is this former player?
This player was able to maintain his position in the league because of how marvelous of a fighter he was. He thrived immensely in the enforcer era, and this naturally led teams to continue to sign him. It also helped that he was known for being an excellent mentor in the locker room, which explains why he stayed in the league longer than most expected him to. Although he is done with his playing days, he has explored MMA fighting as well. There is no question that he has a passion for the craft, so one has to admire his consistency.
Who is this former player?
This player was known as being a real wise guy during his NHL days. He embraced the league's hatred of him, and it allowed him to continue to land jobs. However, unlike most enforcers of that era, he had the ability to actually put up solid numbers for a portion of his time in the league. However, his dirty style of play led many members of the NHL to lose respect for him and rightfully so. However, even with this being the case, villains need to be in the NHL. It is clear that this player was easily one of the most eccentric ever to do this.
Who is this former player?
Longevity in a contact sport like hockey is definitely hard to come by. However, this player would end up staying in the NHL well into his late 40s. Throughout the entirety of his time in the NHL, this player was truly one of a kind. He was a top notch player who had a great offensive side, but at the same time, he was very sound on the defensive element of the game too. This is what would allow him to continue to stay in the league. Also, to add a bonus to his game, he was extremely tough and knew how to fight.
Who is this former player?
This player, who is on the left side of the photo, was a fan favorite during his time in the NHL because of how effective of a power forward he was. His best seasons came when he was a member of the Calgary Flames, as his point totals were through the roof. Injuries seemed like they were going to cut his time in the league short, but due to his persistence and exercise regimen, he was able to prolong it. Today, he is known for being an amazing shape, and that is why he is a personal trainer for many of today's NHL stars. At the end of the day, he is a legend we all admire.
Who is this former player?
This player was one of the most underrated of his time. He would become a very integral piece of the New Jersey Devils during his tenure there. In fact, this is why he would end up only playing there. He is the all-time leader in points on that roster, yet he always remained humble while in the NHL. By the time he decided to retire, it was quite clear that he could have gone even longer. His durability is quite rare in today's game, and that is why he will forever be respected by both players and all fans, no matter what team they cheer for.