​Former Red Wings sniper Brett Hull has long weighed in on the Hockey Hall of Fame debate, suggesting a separate category for enforcers and naming Bob Probert as the inaugural inductee. Hull, who joined the Hall in 2009 after scoring 741 goals—the fifth most in NHL history—argued that the Hall should honor players who defined a different kind of contribution to the game. He has voiced the idea that an Ice Guardian or enforcer niche deserves its own recognition, with Probert at the forefront.
Probert, who passed away at 45 from a heart attack on July 5, 2010, and teammate Joey Kocur formed Detroit’s infamous “Bruise Brothers” duo in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Probert played left wing for the Red Wings from 1985 to 1994, and along with Kocur, he helped shield captain Steve Yzerman while also contributing on the scoresheet. He remains one of the franchise’s most storied players, accumulating 163 career goals and an All-Star-caliber 29-goal season in 1987-88, a year in which he set a then-franchise playoff points record with 21 points in 16 games.
In an appearance on Hull’s podcast, Ice Guardians, Hull reiterated his belief that Probert should be the first player inducted under an enforcer category. “I’ve said it for years now that Bob Probert should be the first guy in the Hall of Fame in that niche category, the enforcer-type, Ice Guardian guy,” Hull said. He contrasted Probert with players who were celebrated for traditional scoring milestones, noting that the Hall’s criteria have evolved to recognize players beyond 500 goals or 1,000 points or multiple Stanley Cup wins. Hull observed that Hall of Fame criteria had started to shift, and players like Probert, who brought a unique blend of physicality and skill, should be acknowledged for what they contributed to the game.
Hull referenced earlier hard-nosed legends and the changing criteria that allow for broader recognition. He compared Probert to John Ferguson, who enjoyed Cup success, but argued that Probert’s combination of scoring ability and fighting prowess set him apart. The discussion underscored a broader debate about how to categorize and honor players who defined the era of enforcers—players who provided a protective presence and intimidation without eclipsing their offensive contributions.
Former teammate and NHL Network analyst Stu Grimson joined Hull on the podcast and supported the Hall of Fame argument for Probert in the enforcer category. Grimson highlighted Probert’s unusual combination of scoring and enforcer duties: “He was a guy who scored 29 goals and was in the All-Star game. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a package as complete as Probie, who could bring that physical element and was just gifted. He was a top-six guy and nobody wanted to fight him.” Grimson noted the strategic challenge opponents faced when facing Probert, acknowledging that his size and reputation forced decisions about how to engage with him.
Probert’s career, marked by 3,300 penalty minutes over 16 seasons, places him among the top of NHL all-time leaders in penalty minutes. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound winger amassed 246 career fighting majors and had notable rivalries, including 14 fights with Stu Grimson across multiple teams, illustrating the era’s emphasis on physical play and protective roles. Hull and Grimson’s discussions reflect a broader push to recognize the enforcer’s impact on the game’s dynamics, leadership, and competitive balance.
The debate about Probert’s Hall of Fame status continues to resonate with fans who value the enforcer’s role in protecting top players, maintaining team morale, and shaping game flow. Hull’s advocacy emphasizes a broader appreciation for players who contributed in ways that went beyond conventional scoring milestones. As discussions persist, Probert’s case remains a focal point for those arguing that the Hall of Fame should include a dedicated category to honor the enforcers whose unique skill sets and physical presence left an indelible mark on the sport.