from Sean McIndoe of Grantland,

... each of today’s NHL villains is simply following in the footsteps of those who came before them. So today, let’s pay tribute to the previous generation. These 10 players may no longer be in the NHL, but their legacies helped lay the groundwork for players like Patrick Kaleta, who make the game what it is today.

Esa Tikkanen

Crimes against humanity: Was arguably the best “shadow” in hockey history, meaning he specialized in following the other team’s best players around and annoying them instead of playing actual hockey. Constantly spoke some sort of indecipherable languagethat made other players want to murder him. If that didn’t work, would also occasionallytry to kiss them....

Dale Hunter

Crimes against humanity: Threw one of the most famous cheap shots in NHL history, which got him suspended for 21 games. Also threw this elbow, which — if it happened today — would have gotten him suspended for 31 games. And he delivered this hit, which — if it happened today — would have gotten him suspended for a billionty games....

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