Ex-NHL enforcer Georges Laraque makes his feelings known about the NHL's current state of fighting & physicality

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 13, 2024 13:21 GMT

On November 13, former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque shared his thoughts on fighting and physicality in today's game during an appearance on the "Hello Hockey" podcast with Tom Gazzola and Shawn Belleto. Laraque discussed hockey's "code" and whether it still matters in the current NHL.

Laraque pointed out that while fighting has decreased in the NHL, the code of standing up for teammates remains important.

“It doesn’t matter that there’s less fighting right now than there used to be,” Laraque said. “There’s always going to be a code in the NHL.”

The "code" refers to players protecting one another and standing up for teammates on the ice.

Georges Laraque also mentioned how the game has changed, with fewer enforcers in the NHL.

"Now, every time there's a body check, even if it's clean, someone's dropping the gloves and it's okay because you're backing up your teammates, I love to see it, and (this is) not from tough guys," Laraque said. "You know, by the way, there's almost no tough guys (left) now in the NHL. There's maybe five heavyweights. Some guys could mix it up, (but no tough guys.)"

Today, physical play and defending teammates is a responsibility shared by everyone on the team.

Georges Laraque feels that while the role of enforcers has changed, the spirit of the game (players having each other's backs) is still very much alive. This is the reason why players like Matt Rempe and Arber Xhekaj have gained popularity in the NHL recently.

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Georges Laraque praised Bruins' Nikita Kucherov for standing up for teammate Victor Hedman

Georges Laraque praised Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov, who, despite being one of the top players, stepped in to defend Victor Hedman after a legal hit.

“It’s a good response to show a team that guys are sticking up for one another,” he said.

Laraque believes physicality is still important in hockey.

"Hockey (has) a lot of physicality, and you want to see that physicality from everyone on the team," Laraque said. "It's awesome to see that everyone has each other's back.

Laraque is happy to see players from all parts of the lineup standing up for each other, rather than just relying on one or two tough players.

Fights are still common in the NHL, with four fights in the last two days. On November 12, Brendan Dillon (NJD) fought Jonah Gadjovich (FLA), and Justin Kirkland (LAK) fought Samuel Helenius (CAL). On November 11, Nick Seeler (PHI) fought Barret Goodrow (SJS), and Givani Smith (SJS) fought Evan Johnson (PHI).