Deryk Engelland emergence as a regular top-six defenseman has been a pleasant surprise. He has brought a solid, safe, responsible defensive game with a physical edge. And he has even shown a little bit of ability with the puck as he has put the occasional shot on net.

But clearly, Engelland's biggest impact has been with his fist. In some cases, literally with the faces of heavyweight enforcers Colton Orr of Toronto and Jody Shelley.

Engelland chatted yesterday about the importance of fighting, his style and making Shelley bleed:

How valuable of an asset is fighting to his game:



"I think it’s got me to where I an now for sure. To make juniors in the WHL I had to do it. To go from the (ECHL) to the AHL, I did it too. And I got to keep doing here too. I think for my style of game, it’s a huge quality."

On his fighting style:



"I guess I’m a little bit more technical. I don’t just hold and throw. I try to tie up a little bit. I don’t know, just lucky I guess."

Does he scout opponents at all for fights:



"No, I just go out and try not to think about too much about it. When I think, I do worse. Just kind of go with the moment."

Is there a risk in having a defenseman who fights regularly:



"No. I definitely don’t think so. Any of the other five (defensemen) who are playing, all the guys have shown they can play 30 minutes if they have too. Me being gone for five minutes isn’t going to be too much of a strain I think."

Does he take pride in being able to cut Shelley's face:

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"Definitely. It’s a compliment to me. Seeing a guy like that, being able to split a guy like that open is huge. Don’t see it often I guess but it’s nice to see it from me."

Did he idolize any fighters growing up:

"Oh definitely (Bob) Probert and (Marty) McSorley. Those fights were huge back in the day growing up. (Dave) Semenko in Edmonton. I grew up in Edmonton so I watched the Oilers in their glory days. Definitely Semenko would be one of them."

Who is the toughest guy in the NHL:

"Godsy (Eric Godard)."

(Photo: First-Jamie Sabau/Getty Images; Second-Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)