Pens Initiative

Paul Laus, a native of Beamsville Ontario, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1989. Following that, he was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 1993 expansion draft and ended up spending his entire career with them, becoming one of the most beloved and feared players in NHL history. In 2001 he earned the Captaincy of the Panthers after Scott Mellanby left to play for St. Louis. 

Laus finished his career with 1702 PIMs (177 from fighting majors), 88th all-time in the NHL. In the 1996-97 season he set an NHL record of 39 fighting majors which still stands today.  

Paul Laus has been kind enough to answer some questions for PensInitiative, providing a player's real perspective on fighting. 

Fighting in the NHL has undoubtedly changed since the late 90's. With the Parros concussion and possible retirement looming after the recent Orr KO earlier this month, the debate over fighting is already heating back up this year. 

What changes do you notice in the "enforcer" role in the league today?

Has the mentality changed behind fighting?  Was about its role in actual gameplay?

Concussions, depression, and even chronic traumatic brain injuries are generally cited as direct results of fighting on the ice. Do you now, or ever have, seen it as a legitimate threat to player safety? Enough to change the rules surrounding scraps?

Yzerman has recently suggested that fighting should carry a 10min penalty and a 1 game misconduct, and this year the NHL is mandating that helmets stay on for fights. Do you think that the league needs to police it's players or let them assume the risk that comes with fighting?

Can you walk us through a "staged fight" (fight right after faceoff)?  Would you say it benefited the team, the crowd, yourself, shift in momentum, or all of the above?

What do you think are the long term health effects of being an "enforcer"?

What place will fighting have in the NHL in 10 more years?