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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2. Joey Kocur

Joey Kocur has fists comparable to that of King Kong’s. And the devastation of Kocur’s fist would be sizable to that of a 10 magnitude earthquake. In fact, he threw punches so hard it would knock out teeth, break faces and break helmets. Just ask Donald Brashear who had his helmet broken by the mighty right hand of Kocur.

He was one of the toughest players in the league and grew to be famous for his dangerous right-handed punch. His right hand was so strong that he broke New York Islanders skater Brad Dalgarno‘s orbital bone, jaw, and cheekbone.

Kocur also handed a beating to tough guy Brashear. In one punch, he broke Brashear’s helmet and left him injured all over his face and his gums. It was because of his fighting and checking ability, that made Kocur the Red Wings’ ultimate protector.

Kocur was such a protector that following his initial departure from the NHL in 1996, Red Wings captain at the time, Steve Yzerman, begged management to bring Kocur back. Management answered the captain’s request and brought back Kocur for three seasons. And in the 1998 season, he won the Stanley Cup with the Wings for the third time in his playing career.

He stands only behind Bob Probert as the most penalized player in Detroit Red Wings history. In comparison to the NHL, Kocur sits at 21st overall with the most penalty minutes in league history.

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