NHL Top 10 Enforcers Post-Cap Era: Halloween Edition

Oct 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) and New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) fight during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

NHL top 10 enforcers lists usually consist of the same boring topic, “who is the top heavyweight fighter?”, but as we know the enforcer role has virtually disappeared. You can be an enforcer in today’s game, but you need to be able to skate fairly well and have something to offer offensively.

Union and Blue

In today’s Halloween Edition, the focus is NHL top 10 enforcers or tough guys in general, specifically post-cap era players and stats. We’re proposing the question, “If you had to cast an NHL player to star as a horror character in a film, who would be the top 10 most terrifying players to fill the role?”

It’s not so much about which player is the biggest heavyweight, or who’s dropped the gloves the most. Horror characters are terrifyingly, scary individuals who strike fear into their victims, so the idea is to find players who are feared competitors on the ice, past or present.

Obviously an enforcer who likes to drop the gloves will dominate our list, but we’re also looking for guys who like to throw the body.  Basically, the most intimidating physical specimen in the NHL.

The list is specifically pertaining to post-cap era (2005-present). Some of the players in the honorable mentions would have likely made our NHL top 10 enforcers list if it were all-time, but as the post-cap era evolved, the enforcers disappeared.  Instead, players prone to dropping the gloves have had to find other ways to be effective physically, which could potentially be a contributing factor with the increase in hits.

Released a couple of days ago was our first Halloween countdown featuring the top 10 NHL mascot costumes, which you can find here.

Be sure to check out the top players under 25 years old, consisting of three countdowns featuring the top 50 forwards, top 25 defenseman, and top 10 goalies.

*Any fighting statistics were obtained from hockeyfights.com
*Any other general statistics were obtained from NHL.com/stats or hockeydb.com

Next: Honorable Mentions

NHL Top 10 Enforcers: Halloween Edition “Most Terrifying Post-Cap Era Players”

Feb 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Steve Ott (9) and Chicago Blackhawks left wing Daniel Carcillo (13) fight during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

10.Daniel Carcillo

Taken in the third round by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Carcillo went on to play 10 years between Phoenix, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and NY Rangers. He only surpassed 20 points twice in his career, and the most games he ever played in one season was 76.

Mar 25, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (78) fights with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Daniel Carcillo (13) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Blackhawks, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

His best season came with Phoenix in 2007-08 when he played 57 games, scoring 24 points adding 324 penalty minutes. Both the points and penalty minutes were career-highs for Dan Carcillo. He made his last appearance in the NHL in 2014-15 for Chicago, appearing in 39 games, adding eight points and 54 penalty minutes.

Not the biggest heavyweight of the post-cap era, but at 6’0 205lbs, Carcillo was a fighter that could throw down with the best of them. It was fairly easy to avoid him with his limited minutes, but he’s not a guy you’d want tracking you down for a questionable hit. Carcillo was also the type of player that you would pay extra attention to when he’s on the ice because he loved to throw the body and deliver punishing hits.

2005-present:
429 games played – 1233 penalty minutes (190 minor, 95 major, 1 match, 29 misconducts, 7 game misconducts) – 842 hits – 93 regular season fights

Next: 9th

Jan 6, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) fights Arizona Coyotes right wing B.J. Crombeen (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

9. B.J. Crombeen

When B.J. Crombeen was drafted from OHL’s Barrie Colts, he had a slight offensive upside, but still piled up the penalty minutes making him a very gritty power forward. He was taken in the 2nd round 54th overall by Dallas at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Nov 14, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Derek Dorsett (51) and Arizona Coyotes forward B.J. Crombeen (44) fight during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Crombeen played parts of eight seasons in the NHL with Dallas, St.Louis, Tampa Bay, and Arizona. Crombeen had his best years in St.Louis from 2008-2012, appearing in 265 games tallying 49 points and 515 penalty minutes. In 2010-11, Crombeen played a career-high 80 games with the Blues.

In 2012-13 with Tampa Bay, Crombeen played in 44 or 48 games during the lockout shortened season, accumulating eight points and 112 penalty minutes. His last season in the NHL was with Arizona in 2014-15, playing in 58 games, adding six points and 79 penalty minutes.

At 6’2 210lbs, B.J. Crombeen was one of the rare few that went on to prove that heavyweight enforcers could still make a career for themselves, even if in a limited role. He’s not one of the first guys you think of when it comes to fighters, but has dropped the gloves with some of the toughest enforcers.

For awhile, between B.J. Crombeen and Ryan Reaves, the Blues had a couple intimidating big guys that you wouldn’t want to line up with at the face-off circle.

2005-present: 445 games played – 850 penalty minutes (129 minor, 100 major, 8 misconducts, 1 game misconduct) – 99 regular season fights

Next: 8th

Feb 28, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues forward Steve Ott (9) checks Edmonton Oilers defensemen Jordan Oesterle (82) during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

8. Steve Ott

A talented gritty power-forward prospect, Steve Ott was drafted 25th overall in the first round by Dallas in 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He spent three years with OHL Windsor Spitfires producing 227 points in 174 games, adding 473 PIM.

Sep 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues center Steve Ott (9) fights with Dallas Stars left wing Curtis McKenzie (11) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Blues 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ott is entering 14th NHL season this year, spending nine years with Dallas, followed by two seasons in Buffalo, and now entering his third season with St.Louis.

Ott showed flashes of offensive talent in his final seasons with the Stars, producing a career-high 46 points in 2008-09. Last season with St.Louis, he played 78 games, tallying 12 points and 86 penalty minutes.

At 6’0 190lbs, Ott comes in a little lighter in weight than the rest of the list, and you can’t exactly call him a heavyweight. He’s dropped the gloves with some big-time heavyweights over the year, but he’s more of a light heavyweight. He’s not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone.

What helps Ott in the rankings is his intimidation factor with all the other physical elements he brings to the game. We’re talking about a guy that’s accumulated 2043 hits since 2005-06, which makes him one of the biggest (if not the biggest) bruiser in the post-cap era.

Steve Ott is the type of player that can drive opponents crazy, as he loves to agitate and throw the body around. Some horror characters are well-known for their ability to stalk their prey before pouncing to attack, much like Steve Ott and how he approaches the game on the ice.

2005-present: 684 games played – 1279 penalty minutes (312 minor, 83 major, 1 match, 22 misconducts, 1 game misconduct) – 2043 hits – 82 regular season fights

Next: 7th

Nov 30, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing George Parros (15) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Colton Orr (28) fight during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

7. Colton Orr

Signed as a free-agent from WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in 2001 by the Boston Bruins, but he only ever appeared in 21 games for the B’s. His NHL career didn’t actually truly start until 2005-06, when he started to make his impact felt with the New York Rangers.

Jan 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils right wing Steve Bernier (18) is held by Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Colton Orr (28) after the play at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

He spent four seasons with New York, and this heavyweight was one of the most feared enforcers for several years in the NHL. He went on to spend six seasons with Toronto, where the Maple Leafs went on to lead the league in fighting majors on several occasions.

Orr had spent 12 seasons in the NHL, but struggled to find work this past offseason. Currently in 2014-15, he’s appeared in one game with AHL Stockton.

When you hear the phrase, “be aware of this guy on the ice at all times”, Orr is the epitome of the type of player where this saying comes from. Colton loved to throw the body around, and was always looking for a dance partner to go toe-to-toe with.

He may arguably be one of the most fearsome heavyweights of the post-cap era, making him one of the toughest customers hockey has seen in the past decade. Just look at the guy, he’s a mean looking dude that’s absolutely terrifying.

2005-present: 476 games played – 1186 pim (138 minor, 122 major, 25 misconducts, 5 game misconducts) – 119 regular season fights

Next: 6th

Dec 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Cody McLeod (55) and Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bobby Farnham (34) fight during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 1-0 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

6. Cody McLeod

An undrafted free-agent signing, Cody McLeod first appeared for Colorado in 2007-08. After spending four years with WHL Portland, McLeod spent some time between the UHL, AHL, and ECHL before finally securing a job with the Colorado Avalanche.

Feb 8, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Chris Thorburn (22) fights Colorado Avalanche forward Cody McLeod (55) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

He’s never come close to matching his career-high of 15 goals in 2008-09, usually scoring between five and eight goals per season over his nine years with Colorado. He’s only scored 104 points over his 557 career NHL games, but regularly puts up massive penalty minutes and hits.

At 6’2 210lbs, McLeod is a borderline heavyweight, but is more accurately a light heavyweight that isn’t afraid to drop the gloves with any opponent. He’s been a longtime Avs enforcer that has played a pivotal role in Colorado’s bottom-six over his nine seasons.

He’s dropped the gloves several times with true heavyweights over his career, but is usually the unanimous loser in those fights. He’s dropped the gloves with guys like Ryan Reaves, Zenon Kenopka, and Jared Boll on several occasions, but according to hockeyfights.com, rarely gets the draw or win in voting.

Based on his fight log, McLeod goes toe-to-toe with a variety of guys ranging from rare fighters to heavyweights. For example in 2014-15, McLeod fought Adam McQuaid, Chris Neil, Jarred Tinordi, Derek Dorsett x2, Tanner Glass, B.J. Crombeen, Antoine Roussel, Bobby Farnham, Matt Hendricks, Paul Gaustad, Chris Thorburn x2, Curtis McKenzie, Jason Demers, Brian Boyle, Victor Bartley, Charlie Coyle, and Chris Stewart.

2005-present: 557 games played – 1200 penalty minutes (188 minor, 116 major, 18 misconduct, 6 game misconducts) – 1293 hits – 112 regular season fights

Next: 5th

Oct 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; at Los Angeles Kings center Andy Andreoff (15) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Brandon Prust (9) exchange punches in the first period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Brandon Prust

Prust was drafted by Calgary Flames 70th overall in third round of the 2004 NHL Entry draft. He was a gritty enforcer playing for OHL London Knights, and spent time with AHL’s Omaha and Quad City at the beginning of his career.

Sep 25, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Blair Riley (76) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Brandon Prust (9) fight during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon spent parts of two seasons with Calgary before being traded to Phoenix with Matthew Lombardi in a deal that sent Olli Jokinen the other way. He only appeared in 11 games to finish the 2008-09 season with Phoenix, before being traded back to Calgary the next offseason for D Jim Vandermeer.

After playing 43 more games for Calgary, Prust was traded once again, this time with Olli Jokinen to the New York Rangers for Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins. He spent the next three seasons in New York before signing with Montreal during the lockout shortened season.

Prust had three solid years with Montreal before being traded this past offseason to Vancouver for F Zack Kassian. Brandon Prust‘s career-high season came in 2010-11 in New York when he produced 29 points in 82 games. Since then, Prust averages around 15 points per season, regularly in the triple digits for penalty minutes.

Prust is only listed at 6’0 195 lbs, but is easily one of the most punishing heavyweights in the NHL. This is the same guy that offered some very bold opinions on fighting in hockey. When it comes to attributes like intensity and toughness, Prust ranks up there near the top.

There’s not too many scarier dudes in the NHL than Brandon Prust, which is what makes him a perfect candidate for this particular NHL top 10 enforcers rankings.

2005-present: 460 games played – 1002 penalty minutes (121 minor, 122 major, 12 misconducts, 3 game misconducts) – 122 regular season fights

Next: 4th

Oct 26, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) checks Calgary Flames left wing Brandon Bollig (52) into the boards during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. Matt Martin

Originally drafted in the 5th round 148th overall by the New York Islanders at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Martin is a relatively new breed of enforcer that has evolved. He’s almost in a category of his own when he’s throwing nearly 400 hits per season with extremely limited ice-time.

Apr 25, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) checks Washington Capitals right wing Troy Brouer (20) during the second period of the final game played in the Nassau Coliseum in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

He made his first NHL appearance in 2009-10 playing five games, but locked down a regular roster spot in 2010-11 after a short 7-game stint with AHL Bridgeport.

He’s scored 14 points in five of the last six seasons, while adding 11 points in 48 games during the 2012-13 lockout shortened season.

It may seem a little curious to see a guy with half the number of fights as everyone else coming in at 4th in our rankings, but at 6’3 220lbs, make no mistake, Matt Martin is still a heavyweight.

The number of total fights has slowly been decreasing year after year, so his fight totals over the last five years since he joined the NHL don’t actually differentiate too much from the rest of our list.

If you happen to be the unfortunate opponent to line up next to him on the ice, it’s almost a certainty you’ll take some type of punishment from him during your shift.

There’s no player in the NHL that loves to throw the body as much or as frequently as Matt Martin. This man is the definition of scary, and the intimidation factor he presents makes him number four on our list.

2005-present: 367 games played – 574 penalty minutes (87 minor, 58 major, 9 misconducts, 2 game misconducts) – 1710 hits – 57 regular season fights

Next: 3rd

Mar 13, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Jared Boll (40) lands a punch against Edmonton Oilers left wing Luke Gazdic (20) along the boards in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jared Boll

Taken back at the 2005 NHL Entry draft 101st overall in the 4th round by Columbus Blue Jackets, Boll has evolved into one of the fiercest enforcers we’ve seen in the last decade. Boll was drafted out of Lincoln in the USHL and made the transfer to OHL’s Plymouth Whalers for the next two seasons after being drafted.

Oct 23, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Jared Boll (40) punches San Jose Sharks center Andrew Desjardins (10) during a fight in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

He earned a full-time roster spot in 2007-08 and has since spent the last eight seasons in Columbus. He only missed 63 games in first five seasons, before missing much of 2013-14 where he only appeared in 28 games.

Jared Boll only has 59 points in 492 regular season games, with only 16 over his the past four years (average 4 points/year). But, triple digit penalty minutes are a regular occurrence for this heavyweight.

In eight seasons with consistent fourth line limited minutes, Boll has managed to log 925 hits to go along with his impressive 149 fights (18.625 fights per year).

Generally in today’s game, a player needs to have an offensive upside, but Jared Boll is the exception to the rule. He’s another guy that proves teams can still find a use for guys with strictly physical mentalities.

At 6’3 215lbs, Jared Boll is a terrifying human being that loves the violent nature of hockey. If you’re looking for the best characteristics to best describe a horror character, many of the comparable terms could be used to describe Boll in relation to hockey.

2005-present: 492 games played – 1143 pim (123 minor, 151 major, 9 misconducts, 5 game misconducts) – 925 hits – 149 regular season fights

Next: 2nd

Mar 5, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing George Parros (15) and Anaheim Ducks right wing Tim Jackman (18) fight during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

2. George Parros

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings 222nd overall, in the 8th round of the 1999 Entry Draft, Parros never actually made his NHL debut until 2005-06. Believe it or not, this longtime NHL enforcer is one of the few Ivy League graduates having spent four years playing for Princeton University.

Dec 14, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing George Parros (15) and New York Islanders left wing Eric Boulton (36) fight during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Parros played three seasons with AHL Manchester between 2002-2005, and in his final season in 2004-05, tallied an incredible 247 penalty minutes in 67 games.

He went on to play 55 games with Los Angeles before signing with Colorado prior to the 2006-07 NHL season. He played two games for Colorado before being traded to Anaheim for a couple of draft picks in November 2006.

Best remembered for his time in Anaheim, Parros goes down as arguably the top heavyweight of the last decade. We’re talking about a guy that has fought more than any other player in the post-cap era with 158 fighting majors. He regularly fought the toughest customers and would back down to no opponent.

Parros might be the winner if this were a general NHL top enforcers rankings, but like we said, it’s more than just dropping the gloves. Give credit to the now retired enforcer who spent his last two seasons in Montreal and Florida, George Parros is arguably the scariest opponent of the last decade.

This Ivy League graduate goes down as the most violent individual in the post-cap era. And no, Raffi Torres‘ malicious acts of violence do not count as scary or terrifying.

2005-present: 474 games played – 1092 penalty minutes (91 minor, 158 major, 11 misconducts, 1 game misconduct) – 158 regular season fights

Next: 1st

And Our Winner…

Apr 19, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Chris Neil (25) skates with Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chris Neil

Neil was originally drafted 161st overall in the 6th round at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by Ottawa, and has spent his entire 14 year career with the Senators. He established himself a few years before the post-cap era, but consistency is what helps secure Chris Neil in the top spot.

Feb 14, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Luke Gazdic (20) fights with Ottawa Senators right wing Chris Neil (25) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Even though he’s only fought 2/3 as much as guys like George Parros and Jared Boll, he does have a couple of factors that separate him from the field. His 1733 penalty minutes since 2005-06 is almost 500 penalty minutes more than the second most, and his 40 ten minute misconducts nearly double the next highest.

Chris Neil doesn’t hit as frequently as Matt Martin’s nearly 400/year, but the 2263 total since 2005-06 ranks highest among all players (Martin with fewer years played).

His offensive productive is the only inconsistent factor of his game, holding a career-high of 33 points, with a couple 28 point seasons. But, he consistently has ranks near the top in penalty minutes, hits, and fighting majors year after year, although his numbers are starting to dip.

We’re talking about arguably the most loyal teammate of the last decade. He goes out every night and battles for each and every guy on his team. If an opponent throws a hit he doesn’t like, or does something to cross a line, Neil would/will make them accountable.

No player plays with more of an edge, or with more mean toughness than Chris Neil. He’s a beast by nature, and best of all looks the part being a mean looking dude, making him the perfect candidate in our casting search for most terrifying NHL player of the post-cap era.

2005-present: 680 games played – 1733 penalty minutes (371 minors 107 majors 40 misconducts 5 game misconducts) – 2263 hits – 105 regular season fights

Next: NHL Fights Shouldn't Be Banned

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