When you think about the NHL, it’s hard not to think about fighting. While fighting isn’t as prominent in hockey as it was 15 years ago, it’s far from eliminated. Just last season, Nicolas Deslauriers racked up 14 fighting majors with the Anaheim Ducks. That was by far the most in the league.
With that being said, it’s always interesting to see which players are still constantly fighting in 2021. Bovada has recently released odds as to which players will have the most fighting majors in each division by the end of the season.
Who Will Lead The West Division In Fighting Majors In The Regular NHL Season?
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, March 10
- Marcus Foligno +210
- John Hayden +210
- Kyle Clifford +210
Bovada predicts that three players have the best odds of finishing with the most fighting majors in the West Division. What’s shocking is that Deslauriers is not one of the top odds. He’s listed at +600.
Instead, Marcus Foligno, John Hayden and Kyle Clifford share top odds at +210. The trio has three fights apiece in the 2020-21 NHL Season. Meanwhile, Hayden also has three, however, he’s accomplished that in just 11 games. He’s not an everyday player in the Devils lineup, so his potential fighting total could vary.
Pair of Senators Projected to Lead North Division in Fighting Majors
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, March 10
- Austin Watson -120
- Brady Tkachuk +250
- Ben Chiarot +1100
While the Ottawa Senators are a young team, that doesn’t mean they aren’t tough. In the 2020-21 NHL Season, the Senators lead the league with 13 fighting majors. Austin Watson has contributed to this total as he’s first in the NHL with five fights so far. Not too far behind Watson is his teammate, Brady Tkachuk. The Senators’ budding star has the second-most fights in the league at four.
If it’s not one of the Senators who finishes with the most fights in the North Division, it could be Montreal’s Ben Chiarot. The Canadiens defenseman has three fights in 24 games this season.
Three-Way Tie For Projected Fight Leaders in East Division
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, March 10
- Brenden Dillon +200
- Trent Frederic +200
- Tom Wilson +200
Washington Capitals Tom Wilson is another NHL player who has three fights this season. The only thing is that two of his fights came on March 5 against the Boston Bruins. This was because of a dangerous hit that saw Wilson injure Brandon Carlo.
With Wilson being suspended for seven games, it may be hard for him to challenge for the most fighting majors in the East Division.
On the other hand, Brenden Dillon and Trent Frederic also have three fights each this season. Frederic did put up 148 penalty minutes in the American Hockey League last season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him do something similar in the NHL.
Gudas the Frontrunner to Lead NHL Central Division in Fighting Majors
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, March 10
- Radko Gudas +175
- Mark Borowiecki +575
- Nick Foligno +575
Radko Gudas is by far the favorite to lead the Central Division in fighting majors. As of March 9, Gudas has three fights while Mark Borowiecki and Nick Foligno have two. Gudas has been known to throw fists throughout his hockey career, putting up as many as 16 fights in an AHL season 10 years ago.
One thing that could cement Gudas’ odds is the fact that he’s constantly throwing hits. Sometimes, big hits can lead to fights in the NHL as opposing players look to establish accountability.
