Former Flyers enforcer Riley Cote on fighting in the modern NHL era

When Riley Cote laced up his skates for the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2000s, he carried the weight of an identity that stretched back decades: toughness. The Flyers, once notorious as the “Broad Street Bullies,” built their culture on intimidation, grit, and a relentless style of play. But as Cote sees it, the modern NHL — and the Flyers within it — has changed.

Asked whether fighting has faded because of concussion concerns, Cote dismissed the idea that safety was the main driver. “I’m not even sure it really has anything to do with concussions and the negative side of fighting,” he explained. “I think it’s just because the skill is so high. These young kids — ten years old — have more ability than I ever had. The way they skate and the way they move, it’s incredible.”

Cote contrasted today’s players with those of his own era. “Back in the early 2000s you had a lot of big men who didn’t move that well, but they filled up space. There’s no more of that. Having one-dimensional guys that could skate in a straight line, hit, and fight a little bit — there’s no roster spot for those guys anymore, unless you’re also that good of a player.”