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United States Chris Nilan, known as "Knuckles" or "Knux," is a former NHL player who has transitioned to broadcasting and community work.
Shop the Official Knuckles Brand. From hats to hoodies—we've got everything you need. Shop All. The Knuckles Group is my brand where you can get memorabilia, apparel and information on my upcoming appearances.
Chris Nilan in partnership with the Liam Foundation. Renowned former NHL player Chris Nilan has embarked on a meaningful partnership with the Liam Foundation, driven by a deep personal connection. A friendship started during a Habs' alumni dinner at Bell Centre leads to a collaboration including 'The Chris Nilan Golf Classic Powered by The Liam Foundation'.
Snoop Dogg drops clothing collab featuring Canadiens enforcers. Chris Nilan, a longtime Canadiens forward, was involved in a clothing collaboration with Snoop Dogg's Death Row Records, alongside other current and ex-hockey players like Arber Xhekaj, Georges Laraque, and Denver Barkey.
Chris Nilan - Montreal Canadiens Ambassador - MVP - Contact. Chris Nilan was a legendary and feared strongman for 13 seasons in the NHL and was one of the Canadiens' most popular players during his 10 seasons in Montreal.
Chris Nilan is a beloved former NHL player who was known for his physical, tough-as-nails style of play with the Montreal Canadiens and other teams. Available for personalized video messages.
Christopher John Nilan was born on February 9, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts. He played college hockey for Northeastern University from 1976 to 1979. Nilan was drafted 231st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1979-80 season and played as a right-wing for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins during his career, which spanned from 1980 to 1992. Nilan was recognized for his physical style of play, earning him the nickname “Knuckles.” He accumulated over 3,000 career penalty minutes and holds records for the highest penalty minute average per game (4.42 minutes), most penalty minutes in a single playoff season (141), and most penalties in a single game (42 penalty minutes on March 31, 1991).
Nilan’s career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986. He was also selected for Team USA in the 1987 Canada Cup and was controversially named to the 1991 NHL All-Star Game by then-coach Mike Milbury, though he missed the game due to injury. Following his retirement from playing due to chronic injuries, Nilan pursued various opportunities. He worked as a community relations consultant for John Hancock Insurance for three years, and later transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils from 1995 to 1996 and then as a head coach for the Chesapeake Icebreakers of the ECHL from 1997 to 1999.
In his post-playing career, Nilan became a radio host, notably hosting “Off the Cuff” on TSN Radio 690 Montreal starting in March 2013. He also hosts his own podcast, “The Raw Knuckles Podcast.” Nilan is open about his past struggles with addiction and is involved in numerous social and charitable causes, speaking to students about his life experiences. His life and career were featured in Alex Gibney’s 2011 documentary film, “The Last Gladiators.”
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