Maple Leafs Legend Reveals What It Really Means to Be an NHL Enforcer

Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark spoke on the 32 Thoughts podcast about the role of an NHL enforcer during his playing career. Clark explained that enforcers served to police games and de-escalate tension before the instigator penalty was introduced, noting that referees previously allowed fights to prevent worse incidents on the ice.

Clark also stated that league enforcers were typically the nicest players on their teams who simply understood their responsibilities. Additionally, Clark explained that enforcers on struggling teams fought significantly more frequently than those on winning teams, as they had to repeatedly attempt to change game momentum and shift the atmosphere.