Chris “Knuckles” Nilan is a legendary figure in the world of ice hockey, renowned for his tough-as-nails style of play. Born on February 9, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, Nilan’s journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 19th round of the 1978 NHL Entry Draft. Little did anyone know that this tough kid from Boston would go on to become one of the most iconic enforcers in NHL history.
Nilan’s playing style was characterized by his willingness to drop the gloves and protect his teammates at any cost. He was known for his tenacity, unwavering loyalty to the Canadiens, and his fearless attitude on the ice. His nickname, “Knuckles,” was a testament to his ability to throw punches and take a hit like few others could.
During his time with the Canadiens, Nilan established himself as one of the most feared fighters in the league. He often found himself embroiled in epic battles against some of the toughest enforcers of his era, including Dave“ Tiger” Williams, Dave Semenko, and Marty McSorley. Nilan’s fights became the stuff of legend, and his fists were his most valuable asset on the ice.
Career Stats:
In addition to his fighting prowess, Nilan was no slouch when it came to contributing offensively. He scored a career-high 21 goals and 41 points during the 1984-85 season, showcasing that he could do more than just throw punches. Nilan’s combination of grit and scoring ability made him an invaluable member of the Canadiens, and he played a crucial role in the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 1986.
Throughout his NHL career, Chris Nilan amassed impressive stats, including 688 games played, 110 goals, 115 assists, and a staggering 3,043 penalty minutes. His penalty minute total places him among the all-time leaders in the category, further solidifying his reputation as one of the toughest enforcers to ever lace up a pair of skates.
Chris Nilan Now:
After retiring from professional hockey in 1992, Nilan continued to be involved in the sport he loved. He worked as a broadcaster and color commentator, sharing his insights and experiences with hockey fans. Additionally, he authored an autobiography titled “Knuckles: What Happens When a Fistfight Ends,” in which he candidly discussed his life in hockey, including the struggles with addiction he faced during and after his playing career.
In more recent years, Chris Nilan has dedicated his efforts to raising awareness about addiction and helping those who are struggling with substance abuse. He became an advocate for addiction recovery and has used his own experiences to inspire and support others on their path to sobriety. His work in this area has been as impactful as his time on the ice, demonstrating that Nilan’s toughness extends beyond the rink into the realm of personal growth and resilience.
If you want to listen to Chris talk about hockey with some great guests you can tune into his podcasts. The “Raw Knuckles” podcast and The “Tough As They Come” podcast are both available on youtube.
Chris “Knuckles” Nilan will forever be remembered as an iconic enforcer in the NHL, a fierce competitor who was willing to do whatever it took to protect his teammates and help his team win. His legacy in hockey and his contributions to addiction recovery make him a respected figure both on and off the ice.
Thanks for your time. Please leave comments and suggestions below.
