Detroit Red Wings: Top 10 toughest players of all-time

ST. PAUL, MN - MARCH 04: Detroit Red Wings Right Wing Luke Witkowski (28) and Minnesota Wild Defenceman Nick Seeler (36) fight during a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings on March 4, 2018 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. The Wild defeated the Red Wings 4-1.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images /

6. Gerard Gallant

Before becoming the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, Gerard Gallant was one of the toughest players to ever play hockey. At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Gallant was not a daunting figure on the ice, but he packed a big punch. In nine seasons with the Red Wings, he clocked 1,600 penalty minutes, placing him fourth overall in penalty minutes for Detroit.

What made Gallant unique as a player was that he could score and fight. In today’s standards Gallant would be portrayed by players like Corey Perry, Tom Wilson, and Max Domi. The genius part about his playing style was that he would take smart, strategic penalties that hardly ever left his team at a disadvantage. It is because of his team-first mentality that won over fans and helped him get a coaching job.

When Gallant was in the lineup, the Red Wings would play with more comfort and swagger. His playing style was very unique and admired by his team and hated by the opponents. Gerard could beat and tire any opposing team whether it be physically, with puck skill or his astute hockey knowledge.

Currently, he has successfully transitioned his playing style into his coaching style which has produced massive amounts of success, as shown through the Vegas Golden Knights.

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