The NHL has always had its fair share of tough guys, but the line between gritty and downright dirty was blurrier in past decades. While today’s league is built on speed, skill, and stricter rules, some old-school legends built their careers on intimidation, elbows, and the occasional questionable hit.
If they played under today’s microscope—with endless replays, instant reviews, and suspensions flying left and right—these 16 NHL greats would spend more time in the press box than on the ice. From relentless enforcers to sneaky cheap-shot artists, here are the legends who’d probably hear, “You’re benched,” more than, “You’re starting.”
16. Tie Domi
Domi was built like a fire hydrant and had the fists to match. In today’s NHL, he’d rack up more misconducts than goals before the first intermission.
15. Chris Pronger
Pronger played defense like he was auditioning for a demolition derby. He’d be a walking suspension under modern safety rules.
14. Ken Linseman
They didn’t call him “The Rat” for nothing. Linseman’s antics would land him in the locker room before the zamboni hit the ice.
13. Marty McSorley
Known more for his enforcer role than finesse, McSorley often let his stick do the talking—in all the wrong ways. The league today would hand him a suspension before puck drop.
12. Dale Hunter
Hunter was physical, aggressive, and not afraid to take things way past the whistle. That famous late hit on Pierre Turgeon alone would get him a multi-game ban in today’s NHL.
11. Bobby Clarke
Yes, he was a legend, but Clarke had a mean streak that came with two-handed slashes and sneaky cheap shots. He’d be one skate blade away from a game misconduct on most nights.
10. Dave Schultz
“The Hammer” was the face of the Broad Street Bullies for a reason. He’d spend more time in the modern penalty box than at the bench.
9. Ulf Samuelsson
Samuelsson was the kind of defenseman who’d get under your skin and then take out your knees. Today’s league would not be so forgiving.
8. Esa Tikkanen
He chirped nonstop and wasn’t afraid to add a dirty play to back it up. These days, he’d be benched for unsportsmanlike conduct before the second period.
7. Bryan Marchment
Known for his knee-on-knee hits, Marchment would get flagged so often in today’s game he’d need a reserved seat in the press box. His physicality often bordered on reckless.
6. Scott Stevens
Stevens delivered hits that made highlight reels—and concussion protocols. His signature shoulder-to-chin checks would have today’s refs throwing him out by the second shift.
5. Ron Hextall
Most goalies defend the net; Hextall tried to knock your teeth out. His swings at opponents would lead to multiple game misconducts today.
4. Mark Messier
An all-time great, no doubt—but also no stranger to stick work and sneaky elbows. He’d be a frequent visitor to the Department of Player Safety in today’s NHL.
3. Claude Lemieux
Lemieux had a knack for playoff heroics and antagonizing everyone in the building. One dirty hit in today’s league and he’d be serving a multi-game suspension.
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2. Brendan Shanahan
Before he handed out suspensions, he probably would’ve earned a few dozen himself. His physical style would raise eyebrows with today’s refs.
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1. Gordie Howe
Mr. Hockey did it all—including elbows, slashes, and uppercuts when the refs weren’t looking. In today’s NHL, even Gordie might need to cool his skates in the press box.
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