NHL Fighting Increases Through First 120 Games of 2026-27 Season

NHL data shows 34 games featured at least one fight through the first 120 contests of the 2026-27 season, an increase from 25 games during the same period last year.

NHL data reveals an uptick in on-ice fisticuffs, with 34 games featuring one or more fights through the first 120 contests of the 2026-27 season. This total surpasses the 25 games recorded at the same mark last season and the 26 games documented during the 2024-25 campaign. Despite the early season increase, fighting remains less frequent than in 2008-09, when 41% of games included a bout, compared to 19% for the entirety of last season.

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, who scored 53 goals last year, has already recorded two fights this season. His most recent bout occurred last Tuesday against Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz, leaving MacKinnon with a bloody nose and a bruised eye. Previously, MacKinnon traded blows with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke. Another notable matchup featured Utah Mammoth forward Jack McBain and Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic, a bout that became the No. 2 TikTok video across all ESPN accounts last week.

League trends show that 288 unique players registered a fight last season, the highest number since the 2013-14 campaign. Current league leaders in frequency include Mathieu Olivier of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Mark Kastelic of the Boston Bruins, who tied for the NHL lead with 10 fights each last year. Analysts suggest the rise may be linked to truncated training camps following the transition to an 84-game schedule.