Contact sport
Teams need strong leaders, good goalscorers, and a sturdy defense to succeed in the NHL. However, there is a heavy hitter behind every championship-winning team who never hesitates to drop his gloves. Let’s look at some of the most notorious heavy hitters in NHL history.
1. Cal Clutterbuck
The Canadian, nicknamed Clutter or Buttercup, takes the top ranking of hits in the NHL with a remarkable 4,015 hits in 1,057 games (recorded since the 2005-06 season).
2. Matt Martin
Another big hitter for the New York Islanders is Matt Martin, who trails behind Clutter in league hits with 3,840 in 948 games.
High numbers
This season, the Canadian has registered an average of 2.80 hits per game, reports StatsMuse.
3. Dustin Brown
The former LA Kings ‘heavy hitter’ (now retired) stands as another notorious defender in the NHL with 3,632 hits in 1,265 games.
4. Alexander Ovechkin
Ovechkin is regarded as one of the best league finishers, with 872 goals to his name. Despite his great scoring ability, the 6’4 ft Russian also delivers significant hits.
Rough veteran
The Washington Capitals captain has registered 3,610 hits in 1,418 games, according to Rezztek analytics.
5. Luke Schenn
The Canadian, who currently plays for the Nashville Predators, is another infamous hitter in the league, with 3,345 registered hits in only 989 games.
6. Milan Lucic
Lucic is another notorious hitter, who played for the Boston Bruins, registering 3,275 hits in 1,177 games. Many fans will remember the moment Lucic hit Ryan Miller during a game in 2011, sending the keeper flat on the ice.
Orpik, now retired, was regarded as one of the most brutal hitters in the league. During his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, he registered a total of 2,946 hits in 950 games.
8. Chris Neil
Neil ‘The Enforcer’ was considered another big hitter in the league after 2568 hits in 804 games during his entire career for the Ottawa Senators.
9. Dion Phaneuf
The Canadian represented big teams like the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators, and was feared by his opponents whenever he stepped onto the ice. He registered 2,460 hits in 1,048 games, according to Rezztek.
Phaneuf on Okposo (2010)
Phaneuf delivered a monstrous hit on Kyle Okposo during the 2010 regular season, which sent Okposo flying across the ice. According to the NHL, he was consistently among the league’s hit leaders during his stint with the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.
10. Marcus Foligno
Sitting at the 10th position in the rankings is Marcus Foligno, nicknamed ‘Moose’, who has established himself as a hardcore hitter in the league, registering 2,361 in 798 games.
Honorable mentions – Rob Blake
The former LA Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche player was recognized for his powerful open-ice hits. Standing 6’4 ft (193 cm) and 220 lbs (99 kg), he quickly gained notoriety in the league. He registered a total of 1,229 in his career.
Still involved
Now retired, the former LA Kings captain is still involved with the team as the current general manager.
Scott Stevens
When looking back at some of the league’s biggest hitters, players like Scott Stevens stand out. The former New Jersey Devils captain (1992-2004) is remembered for his devastating hits that often led opponents to serious injuries.
The 2000 Easter Conference Final
Dustin Byfuglien
Byfuglien was regarded as another heavy hitter in the league during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, and Winnipeg Jets.
