Greg Wyshynski Oct 22, 2026, 08:00 AM ET

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Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer.

The boys are fighting.

According to the NHL, there has been an uptick in on-ice fisticuffs this season. Through 120 games, there were 34 games with one or more fights. That's up over last season (25) and the 2024-25 season (26).

"Definitely way more fights," one NHL veteran player told ESPN. "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 is true. I'm not sure how many people tuned into NBA opening night to see if LeBron was going to throw hands with Karl-Anthony Towns to make an impression on his new teammates in Philly. The NHL's biggest stars will, however, punch people in the face.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche led the NHL with 53 goals last season and was second in ESPN's top 100 player ranking for this season.…