The National Hockey League has experienced a significant uptick in on-ice fighting this season, capturing the attention of fans and players alike. Through the initial 120 games, 34 contests featured at least one fight. This marks a notable increase compared to last season’s 25 games with fights and the 26 recorded in the 2024-25 season. This surge in physicality is becoming a defining characteristic of the current NHL campaign.
An NHL veteran player observed the trend, stating, “Definitely way more fights. Way more physicality and competitiveness. Which I think is great for the league, because it’s something that sets the NHL apart from all the other major sports leagues.” This sentiment highlights how the raw intensity of hockey, often punctuated by fisticuffs, distinguishes it from other major professional sports.
Star Power Fuels the Fire: Why NHL Fighting is Up
One of the most talked-about incidents involved Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, who engaged in a memorable bout with Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz. MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 53 goals last season and ranks second in ESPN’s top 100 player list, sustained stitches and a bruise after the fight. This was MacKinnon’s second fight of the season, having previously squared off with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke. His willingness to drop the gloves, despite his elite offensive talent, has sent ripples through the league.
Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers, known for his pugilistic tendencies, expressed his admiration for the MacKinnon-Hintz fight. “That was crazy,” Rempe remarked. “They were both just chucking there, they were both just throwing bombs. Two skilled guys who were throwing, so it was pretty awesome.” MacKinnon himself, hailing from the gritty Maritimes, acknowledged the cultural influence on his feisty nature. “The way we all grow up in the Maritimes is pretty gritty. Most guys from that area are feisty. I think it’s good to do it sometimes,” he commented, adding, “Getting punched is not that fun. But the guys seemed to like it, so maybe I’ll do it a couple more times.”
MacKinnon’s Influence and Training Regimen
Erik Johnson, an ESPN analyst and former teammate of MacKinnon for 11 seasons, including their Stanley Cup win in 2022, offered insight into MacKinnon’s fighting spirit. “I’m actually surprised he doesn’t fight more. He’s so intense and he’d be the first to admit he has a screw loose. When that screw wiggles loose, you don’t want to be in his path,” Johnson explained. Johnson also pointed out that MacKinnon incorporated Muay Thai into his training regimen, which may contribute to his recent pugilism. This specialized training could be a factor in his increased confidence and effectiveness in on-ice altercations.
Johnson believes MacKinnon’s actions might have created a “copycat effect” across the league. “When you see a guy like MacKinnon do it, maybe that has a trickle-down effect to other players being like, ‘Oh, I can do this too,'” he suggested. This theory suggests that the visibility of a superstar like MacKinnon engaging in fights could embolden other players to follow suit, further contributing to the overall increase in fighting incidents. For more details on the rising trend of fighting in the NHL, you can read the full ESPN report here.
The Broader Impact of Increased Fighting
The rise in fighting is not just about individual players; it reflects a broader shift in the league’s competitive landscape. The added physicality and willingness to drop the gloves can energize teams, ignite rivalries, and provide a unique spectacle for fans. While some debate the role of fighting in modern hockey, its current resurgence undeniably adds a layer of intensity and drama to the game. The league’s embrace of this physicality, as noted by veteran players, underscores its unique appeal compared to other major sports. The increased number of fights contributes to the narrative of a more competitive and physically demanding season, drawing more eyes to the sport. This trend also highlights the evolving nature of player roles and the strategic use of intimidation and momentum swings that fighting can provide. The discussions around why NHL fighting is up will likely continue as the season progresses.