There is no nickname in the NHL quite as good as “Darth Quaider”.

The NHL is known as the toughest, the meanest, and the most competitive professional hockey league in the world. As the game of hockey progresses and changes, so do many of the current and future star players in the NHL. In a league that is now blooming with speed and skill, Adam McQuaid is one of the very few active players that still embodies the true essence of hockey with his sheer toughness and raw endless emotion.

Originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets 55th overall in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, McQuaid was traded to the Boston Bruins for the 129th pick in the 2007 Entry Draft. That very draft pick would end up being future Art-Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn, who ultimately landed in Dallas.

Although the Bruins and their fans would have loved to have been able to draft Jamie Benn, I can confidently say they made the right decision to acquire McQuaid instead. At that time, Peter Chiarelli had a vision of what he wanted his Boston Bruins to be. He wanted grit, he wanted physicality. Looking at past Bruins roster moves such as Tyler Seguin and Blake Wheeler, it is evident that skilled and speedy scorers at the time were not his number one priority. You may be wondering how a gritty stay at home defenceman can possibly be better than 3-time NHL All-Star and Art Ross Trophy winner Jaimie Benn. The answer lies much deeper than individual stats and numbers. It lies in what every parent and coach have preached to young kids as they become hockey players. It lies in teamwork, leadership, and respect.

I was just able to breathe a little sigh of relief once it was over. You move on, and I’m just happy that I’m back here now. – Adam McQuaid on Vegas Draft.

McQuaid made his first appearance as a Boston Bruin Dec 19, 2009 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That year he played in 19 regular season games and 9 playoff games as a rookie. In his sophomore season (2010/2011), McQuaid played in 67 regular season games tallying 3 goals, 12 assists for 15 points. This would end up to be McQuaid’s most productive year as a Boston Bruin. It is also worth noting, McQuaid led all NHL players in +/- that season with a +30.

The Boston Bruins that spring played 25 playoff games, McQuaid playing in all but 2 with 23 appearances. During the Bruins playoff run, McQuaid tallied 4 assists a was a +8. It is also worth noting the 31 shots that were fearlessly blocked. That spring, McQuaid along with the Boston Bruins won 3 game sevens and a sweep on route to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1972.

The way Adam McQuaid plays the game of hockey is like none other that I’ve ever seen. When you watch McQuaid play, you can just feel his energy and presence on the ice. He brings a sense of security that not only he is going to be there for the team no matter what, he is going to put more effort than anyone else on the ice.

When you block shots, you get hit with the puck. It goes without saying, if you get into the dirty areas, there will be pain. McQuaid has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career. Some injuries due to his physical play, and some that were unlucky circumstances. Unless otherwise noted deep within the hockey stats of the world, McQuaid is the first and only player to be concussed by tripping over his own luggage.

Watching McQuaid play a shift in todays NHL can be confusing to most. Why does he block so many shots? Why is he always getting hurt? Why can’t he stay healthy? The answer is tough to swallow. McQuaid plays the game selflessly, something that has almost completely been removed of the game. Players rely on skill, and speed today. They rely on hockey IQ and pre-planned drills. The only thing McQuaid relies on is himself. He knows what his job is, and he does everything in his power to do that in order for his team to win. If that means answering the bell and fighting for rookies, he is up for the challenge. If that means blocking shots so his goaltender doesn’t have to make an extra 2 saves, he’s up for the challenge. McQuaid’s selfless style of play has earned him the upmost respect from not only his teammates and coaches, but the entire organization of Boston and its fanbase.

He’s a tough customer, and I’m not telling you something you don’t already know. – Bruce Cassidy

When GM Don Sweeney announced in 2015 that the Bruins would be re-signing McQuaid to a 4 year, $11 Million contract, Bruins fans were shocked. With the emergence of younger and faster defencemen, what is the use of signing an injury prone guy like McQuaid? He doesn’t score any points, he doesn’t play on the powerplay. Is there really any use for him on the team? The answer is yes.

McQuaid is the glue that keeps the Boston Bruins from being a hardworking team, to being a rookie filled team with no sense of direction. Without a C on his jersey, McQuaid is known for his leadership role behind closed doors. A very humble man off the rink, but on it, the confidence of a warrior ready to tackle anything that may come his way. This includes getting cut on the neck by a skate blade, and returning to action next game without any man games lost.

The Boston Bruins may not be cup contenders at the moment, but they are re-tooling and working their way back to re-claim their status as “The Big Bad Bruins”. Having McQuaid around to help the next batch of young kids develop in a system that may be foreign to them is a blessing in disguise.

McQuaid may not be the flashiest nor is he the most skilled defenceman in the NHL. The one thing he does have, is the heart of a Big Bad Boston Bruin.