Former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup Champion Chris Nilan talks about fighting our Episode 35 guest Terry O’Reilly. Chris is a former professional ice hockey player best known for his role as an enforcer in the NHL. Born on February 9, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, Nilan played right wing and spent the majority of his 13-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, as well as the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers.
Nicknamed “Knuckles” for his fighting prowess, Nilan amassed 3,043 penalty minutes, one of the highest totals in NHL history. Despite his tough-guy reputation, he was also a dependable teammate and contributor, winning the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.
After retiring from hockey, Nilan struggled publicly with addiction but eventually got sober and became an outspoken advocate for mental health and recovery. He is known for his honesty, grit, and commitment to personal growth, making him a respected voice both in and outside the rink.