In the rough-and-tumble world of hockey, enforcers are the knights in shining armor—or maybe more like knights in slightly dented, bloody armor.
These guys weren’t just on the ice to skate or score; they were there to remind everyone that sometimes, a good old-fashioned brawl is the best way to keep the peace.
Known for their often crazy attitudes, willingness to drop the gloves, and ability to protect their teammates, these guys produced some of the best fights in NHL history.
Best Fighters In NHL History
Here are our top 5 NHL tough guys of all time, complete with their fight records, wins, and other stats that made them the legends of the boxing rink.
1. Bob Probert
- Fights Had: 246
- Fight Wins: 141
- Fight Win Percentage: 57.3%
- Penalty Minutes: 3,300
- Years Active: 1985-2002
- Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks
Bob Probert wasn’t just an enforcer; he was THE enforcer.
With 246 career fights, Probert love nothing more than to drop the gloves with anyone who dared challenge him.
And he didn’t just throw punches; he landed them—often.
Known for his fearsome presence on the ice, Probert’s 3,300 penalty minutes show his commitment to the cause.
2. Tie Domi
- Fights Had: 333
- Fight Wins: 173
- Fight Win Percentage: 51.9%
- Penalty Minutes: 3,515
- Years Active: 1989-2006
- Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets
Tie Domi may have been just 5’10”, but he had the heart, the anger and the fists of a giant.
With a record 333 career fights, Domi didn’t shy away from a scrap, no matter who was on the other side.
Known as much for a wit as quick as his fists, Domi was a fan favorite in Toronto and a player no one wanted to mess with on the ice.
His 3,515 penalty minutes make it clear that Domi was always ready to drop the gloves and defend his team.
3. Dave “The Hammer” Schultz
- Fights Had: 229
- Fight Wins: 132
- Fight Win Percentage: 57.6%
- Penalty Minutes: 2,294
- Years Active: 1969-1980
- Teams: Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres
Dave “The Hammer” Schultz was the enforcer for the notorious “Broad Street Bullies” Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s.
Schultz didn’t just fight—he pummeled.
With 229 career fights and 132 wins, he was the guy you didn’t want to see skating toward you with a crazy look.
His record for the most penalty minutes in a single season (472) is still unmatched, much like his ability to strike fear into opponents while helping the Flyers muscle their way to two Stanley Cup wins.
4. Marty McSorley
- Fights Had: 241
- Fight Wins: 135
- Fight Win Percentage: 56%
- Penalty Minutes: 3,381
- Years Active: 1983-2000
- Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins
Marty McSorley was more than just Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard; he was a very scary man in his own right.
With 241 career fights, McSorley was never far from the action.
His 3,381 penalty minutes show just how much time he spent enforcing the rules of the ice—his rules. Whether clearing a path for Gretzky or settling scores on his own, McSorley was one of the toughest players to ever play the game.
5. Stu Grimson
- Fights Had: 211
- Fight Wins: 112
- Fight Win Percentage: 53.1%
- Penalty Minutes: 2,113
- Years Active: 1988-2002
- Teams: Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings
Stu Grimson, the “The Grim Reaper,” wasn’t just a nickname; it was a warning.
With a massive 6’6” frame, Grimson was a scary dude on the ice, and with 211 fights under his belt, he more than lived up to his fearsome reputation.
His 2,113 penalty minutes speak to his love of the biff.
Best NHL Enforcers Statistics
This table shows the career stats of the top 5 NHL enforcers who were known for their toughness and ability to protect their teammates. From the number of fights and wins to penalty minutes and teams played for, these stats showcase the impact these players had on the ice.
| Player | Fights | Wins | Win % | Pen Mins | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Probert | 246 | 141 | 57.3 | 3,300 | 1985-2002 |
| Tie Domi | 333 | 173 | 51.9 | 3,515 | 1989-2006 |
| Dave Schultz | 229 | 132 | 57.6 | 2,294 | 1969-1980 |
| Marty McSorley | 241 | 135 | 56.0 | 3,381 | 1983-2000 |
| Stu Grimson | 211 | 112 | 53.1 | 2,113 | 1988-2002 |
This crazy crew weren’t just players; they were protectors, warriors, and sometimes the guys who turned a regular season game into must-see TV.
They fought hard, they fought often, and they left a mark on the game—and on their opponents.
Check out our NHL expert picks if you love a bet.
