There used to be a place in the NHL for players whose biggest asset was their ability to fight. Guys like Bob Probert and the New York Rangers Tie Domi, Chris Nilan and Joey Kocur (to name a few) remained gainfully employed in the league mostly because of their ability and willingness to exchange haymakers. They were called “enforcers.”
As you know, the NHL game has changed over the past quarter century to one that places a premium speed, puck possession, stamina, and intelligence over size-alone and fighting. Enforcers who earned a living by punching the daylights out of opponents (despite any deficits in speed, skill, and production) have been replaced by faster, more-skilled players.