Define "toughness"

[blues2112]

Truly, this word is tossed around quite a bit, along with "protection."

Curious what you all mean by those terms.

[HighStick]

Kyrou = not toughness.
Scott Stevens = Toughness

[LGB73]

Willingness to put your body on the line. Going into the tough areas and willing to pay the cost to do so. Battling through checks to keep going, maintain or secure the puck. When someone takes liberties with you or your teammates you're willing to push back. Put the hurt on someone who is in the scoring area. Taking the body and not simply trying to poke the puck. Lay a hit on someone.

[skilles]

I think everyone knows what toughness is and agree it is important, I think the illusion is that one player being tough somehow protects another player.

[DawgDad]

Well, there is mental toughness and physical toughness. Don't see a need to address the mental.

Tough on skates, on boards, plus on winning puck battles. Using body to move, tie up, shield off or drive opponents. Stamina. Ability to absorb and deliver punishment.

Probably missed some things. Key to me is any player can be tough physically in some or all aspects. Logan Stankoven can be tough, though size introduces limitations (and certain advantages).

[TruBlueFan_1970]

See Brandon Hagel. Not an enforcer, but fierce, courageous, skilled, and willing to drop the mitts to defend himself or his teammates. And only 6’2” 190lbs.

[Rollin' on the River]

Truly, this word is tossed around quite a bit, along with "protection."

Curious what you all mean by those terms.

For me “toughness” is mental and physical.

Physical, is obviously playing a physical hitting game within the confines of the rules.

Mentally- it’s about being able to find another gear when you’re tired or hurt or sick. It’s a no-excuses mindset where you lay it all on the line, every time you touch the ice. It’s about digging deep when your team is down and making something happen. Not quitting, playing to the whistle. Hating to lose.

[TAFKAP]

Kyrou = not toughness.
Scott Stevens = Toughness

Scott Stevens would be suspended more than Raffi Torres in the modern game. He was a beast in his day, but the type of physicality designed to end superstar careers, doesn't exist in today's game. Tom Wilson would be the closest, and, he's a piece of [shirt].

[DawgDad]

See Brandon Hagel. Not an enforcer, but fierce, courageous, skilled, and willing to drop the mitts to defend himself or his teammates. And only 6’2” 190lbs.

Definitely one major aspect.

I'd like to address our top line. Can they be considered tough? How?

A: I believe they can be, but it's a work-in-progress. All three can skate and stay upright for the most part. All three have puck battle and board skills which in many matchups are a clear advantage. All will go to tough areas, though none are the "big body in front" type. Holloway will stick his nose in a scrum. Snuggerud uses his body and positioning routinely.

All of them have durability questions, but none of them are overly self-protective (Holloway is a missile pushing the envelope). None of them are big body movers, disturbers, or punishers though none of them shy away from contact.

Do they need protection? Only in the extreme, otherwise they're happy to go on the PP.

I don't see the point in analyzing Kyrou, except to say he does need protection. I think you ideally want guys who don't generally need protection and a couple of guys who can go toe to toe with the true goons.

[Pierre McGuire]

Willing to pay the price, willing to make a hit, willing to take a hit, willing to cross the line if need be, willing to send a message, willing to do whatever it takes to give the other team pause.

[Aesa]

Easy answer... Tony Twist and/or Kelly Chase.

[Bubble4427]

I think everyone knows what toughness is and agree it is important, I think the illusion is that one player being tough somehow protects another player.

Olivier puts a scare into the majority of the league. There are a few players that have reps for being able to maintain order.
Listen to Chases podcast…..if the Red Wings were hitting Hull or taking liberties….Twist would skate over to their bench and say”if it doesn’t stop now, I’ll break Yzerman’s leg and kick the chit out of anyone who tries to stop me.

That part of the game is dying off…but there are a few players in the league that still carry that weight of intimidation.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Willing to pay the price, willing to make a hit, willing to take a hit, willing to cross the line if need be, willing to send a message, willing to do whatever it takes to give the other team pause.

Sam Bennett is someone matching your attributes. And I agree 100%.

[a smell of green grass]

If given a choice between playoffs and palm trees, takes the playoffs.

[TBone]

I'd like to address our top line. Can they be considered tough? How?

A: I believe they can be, but it's a work-in-progress. All three can skate and stay upright for the most part. All three have puck battle and board skills which in many matchups are a clear advantage. All will go to tough areas, though none are the "big body in front" type. Holloway will stick his nose in a scrum. Snuggerud uses his body and positioning routinely.

All of them have durability questions, but none of them are overly self-protective (Holloway is a missile pushing the envelope). None of them are big body movers, disturbers, or punishers though none of them shy away from contact.

Do they need protection? Only in the extreme, otherwise they're happy to go on the PP.

I've been thinking this for a while and feel it will ultimately be the undoing of the line. They played great with the pressure off and no real big game challenges to their grit and manhood. And it's pretty much been the hallmark of this iteration of the team. We'll find out if they're post-season tough soon enough I suppose.

Above all I hope they add size and toughness in the draft.

[SameOldBlues]

Toughness: the texture of the steaks my ex used to cook - Toughness.