Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer and Chicago Blackhawks winger Nick Foligno squared off for the first fight of the 2025-26 NHL season.

 

 

Unlike his one-sided attack on Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel in the preseason – for which he picked up a roughing minor and a $2,213 fine from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety – this was a proper mutual scrap.

The two dropped the gloves at center ice with 3:10 remaining in the opening period. 

Lineys Scott Cherrey and Matt MacPherson, who had a front row seat for the bout, certainly let ’em go.  The fight lasted a solid 37 seconds until the officials stepped in to break things up. 

We’ll give this one to Foligno, who maintained better control and landed more blows. 

 

That wasn’t the only dust-up on opening night.  The late game saw Jeff Malott of the Los Angeles Kings square off against Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson.  Malott was looking to avenge a hard hit by Manson on Kings winger Warren Foegele.