The NHL is evolving. Ten years ago, fans would be heavily invested in seeing a scrap or two, open ice hits, and shoving matches in front of the net. In today’s NHL, speed, skill, fancy stick-handling, power plays and young talent entice fans to buy tickets.
Instead of a fight or a huge hit being the most exciting highlight of a NHL game, gorgeous passing plays are what TV networks focus on during their highlight sessions.
Trading for enforcers, and signing or drafting big bodies for the sole purpose to protect your star player is no longer a high priority for front offices.