Enforcers: End of an era?

[Blueshirt Special]

Are we seeing the end of days for enforcers in the NHL?

New rules, concussions, changes in styles, european influence, etc

For the first time in years The Rangers are entering into a new season without a player in the enforcer role. What are the implications for them for this season? What are the implications for the league?

Thoughts? discussion?

My personal opinion: we could do without.

[Brian Boyle]

I don't see the point.

When you have players who can fight AND provide an effective shift regularly (i.e, Rupp, Prust, Clarkson, etc), there is no need for a player who can only fight.

[Blueshirt Special]

Originally Posted by Brian Boyle

I don't see the point.

When you have players who can fight AND provide an effective shift regularly (i.e, Rupp, Prust, Clarkson, etc), there is no need for a player who can only fight.

I agree, but do you see the majority of teams adopting that mentality?

The devils have sham jannsen back. Whats that about?

[Brian Boyle]

Originally Posted by Blueshirt Special

I agree, but do you see the majority of teams adopting that mentality?

The devils have sham jannsen back. Whats that about?

Probably a Lamierello "favor". Don't think he'll actually be used regularly.

[MorrisWanchuk]

i hope so. i dont want fighting gone - sometimes it's needed. but i'd rather watch players stick up for themselves a la rocket richard. i dont want the rent-a-goon players or the staged fights. if you want that go watch mma or ufc or something.

[Dagoon44]

OK enough non sense.. Devils have Cam and Boutln Flyers Shelley Islander Gillies Ottawa has 3 Pitt has big Mac not over but dying let it rest..

[9darter]

<--- I miss him....

[gluvhand]

I think as you see more of the old-guard GM's retiring and younger GM's filling the voids you'll see fewer pure goons. It'll be a long slow process but it's begun already.

[petejudge]

it's definitely coming to an end but i think we have a good 10 years before you see it completely phased out of the game

[gluvhand]

I think with a cap in place, league or team imposed, and every dollar being so critical i10 years seems a little on the long side but you may be right. Old habits die hard.

[Drewbackatu]

Originally Posted by Blueshirt Special

Are we seeing the end of days for enforcers in the NHL?

New rules, concussions, changes in styles, european influence, etc

For the first time in years The Rangers are entering into a new season without a player in the enforcer role. What are the implications for them for this season? What are the implications for the league?

Thoughts? discussion?

My personal opinion: we could do without.

I've been a hockey/Ranger fan for 50+ years and as long as they don't eliminate fighting alltogether(which I believe would be a hugh mistake)there will always be a need for a couple of players on a team who can handle themselves and meter out discipline when the need arises. The role of the so called enforcer has changed a lot in today's hockey, but as long as there are highly skilled players on the ice(going back to Gretzky with Semenko and McSorley riding shotgun), there will be a player on the respective team to take care of business if/when necessary.
I've always believed that hockey is unique among all sports and there exists a need for the league to police itself. The Rangers had Prust last year and they added a skilled guy in Rupp who has proven in the past that he can duke it out with the big boys when necessary(just ask Eric Boulton)