Detroit Red Wings: Top 10 toughest players of all-time
By Tyler Samson
7. Reed Larson
After getting suspended from the University of Minnesota’s hockey team for assaulting a referee, Reed Larson joined the Detroit Red Wings. At 20 years of age, Reed Larson was pinned to be the NHL and Red Wings’ next superstar defenseman. Growing up in a working class, he knew what it took to be a Red Wing and a tough guy, making him a fan favorite in Hockeytown.
In 904 games in the NHL, Reed scored 222 goals, had 463 helpers and a whopping 1,391 penalty minutes. He was the quintessential modern-day hockey player because he could produce points as well as bring a high level of physicality.
After playing 10 effective seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Larson played for the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars, Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers.
With 1,124 penalty minutes for the Red Wings in a span of 708 games, Larson proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Reed made the top ten list because of his astonishing amount of penalty minutes as well as because he was one of the only positives to come out of numerous weak Detroit teams in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Not to mention he is number eight in Red Wings history for the most penalty minutes.