The NHL has evolved in more ways than one, and that includes how the game is officiated. Today’s referees are quicker to blow the whistle, call for penalties, and put a stop to the old-school antics that once defined the league.
But some players from the past didn’t just push the limits—they skated right through them with a smirk on their face. These 15 NHL legends were known for their physical play, trash talk, and general disregard for the rulebook. Let’s just say they wouldn’t last long under today’s stricter standards.
15. Sean Avery
Sean Avery made a career out of bothering everyone, including the refs. His antics would’ve drawn an endless stream of penalties in today’s NHL.
14. Bob Probert
Probert didn’t know how to play a quiet shift. He was always one punch away from a game misconduct.
13. Chris Pronger
Pronger had the size, skill, and a bit of a mean streak that never really turned off. Modern refs would have a field day with his stick work and post-whistle scrums.
12. Dale Hunter
Hunter was a master of the late hit and loved to stir things up. That kind of behavior would earn him a one-way ticket to the penalty box today.
11. Marty McSorley
McSorley was a classic enforcer who rarely let things go. The modern game wouldn’t tolerate his level of retribution or stick swinging.
10. Scott Stevens
Stevens lived for the big open-ice hit—legal then, suspension-worthy now. Refs today would be calling interference and charging all day long.
9. Claude Lemieux
Lemieux was sneaky, skilled, and absolutely irritating. His borderline plays would be flagged immediately in today’s NHL.
8. Tie Domi
Domi was always looking for a scrap, no matter the time or place. Today’s refs would have him escorted off the ice before the second period.
7. Ron Hextall
Goalies aren’t supposed to be the aggressors, but Hextall didn’t get that memo. His wild slashes and fights would never fly now.
6. Ken Linseman
Known as “The Rat,” Linseman annoyed opponents and refs alike. His clutching, grabbing, and yapping would lead to nonstop whistles today.
5. Ulf Samuelsson
Samuelsson was the king of the borderline hit and never apologized for it. Modern refs wouldn’t hesitate to crack down on his style.
4. Dave “Tiger” Williams
Tiger racked up more penalty minutes than anyone in NHL history. He practically lived in the sin bin—and he’d be paying rent today.
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3. Mark Messier
Yes, he was a legend—but also sneaky dirty. In today’s NHL, his elbows and sneaky infractions would be under constant review.
Read More: 24 Athletes Who Would Absolutely Fight a Ref and Not Apologize
2. Bobby Clarke
Clarke didn’t shy away from the dark arts, especially when the stakes were high. That infamous slash in the Summit Series? Instant ejection today.
Read More: 20 NHL Players Who Always Made It Personal
1. Gordie Howe
Mr. Hockey was beloved, but he was also brutal. The elbows alone would’ve had modern refs tossing him out nightly.
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