While the NHL is known as a tough league with a lot of tough guys, the players at the top of the scoring list are most often skill guys who shy away from rough stuff. Some players, however, were dynamic offensive scorers while also loving to mix it up. It’s important to note that this list is focused on some of the top scorers in the league who also piled up the penalty minutes, not just some tough guys who could score. These guys were among the best in the league and spent their fair share of time in the sin bin along the way.
10. Maurice Richard
There are few players more known for their fiery temper than Maurice Richard. He famously lost his temper in the mid 50s prior to the playoffs and punched a referee. Richard was suspended for the remainder of the playoffs and the famous Richard Riots occured in Montreal. Richard was also one of the greatest goalscorers of all-time, but did so while spending much of his time serving penalties.
9. Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor is one of the most legendary Los Angeles Kings players of all-time. Twice in his career he surpassed 100 points, peaking at 112 points in 72 games in 1980-81. Taylor also added 130 PIM in that season, one of four times he would pile up 130+ PIM in a season.
8. Bobby Clarke
Ask any hockey fan from the 70s to tell you the name of a tough scorer and there’s a very high chance the first guy to come to mind will be Bobby Clarke. Clarke was a stellar playmaker throughout his entire career, twice leading the NHL in assists with 89 assists, but he also spent a lot of time in the penalty box, with six seasons over 100 PIM, including 154 PIM in just 62 games in 1981-82.
7. Denis Potvin
Potvin entered into the NHL with a bang, both offensively and physically. He won the Calder as the NHL’s best rookie and totaled 175 PIM in the highest PIM season of his career. He would retain this physical side of his game for the duration of his career, ending with 1356 PIM when it was all said and done.
6. Bobby Orr
While Orr was best known for his offensive and defensive prowess as the league’s best defenseman, those who watched him play also know he was not one to be trifled with. Orr finished nearly every season he played with more PIM than his games played and peaked at 133 PIM in 67 games during the 1968-69 season.
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