NHL Power Rankings: 15 Top Fighters on Opening-Day Rosters

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As much as some individuals may try, they just can't take fighting out of the game. Even with stiffer rules and campaigns calling for a kinder, gentler NHL, opposing players are still dropping the gloves and slugging it out. 

It's a new season so that means, along with goals, saves and hits, we will also see an all-new fight card among the game's enforcers.

While there is sure to be a slew of new combatants on the undercard, there are a handful of guys we'll eagerly be awaiting to see as the main event.

Here are the top 15 fighters to look for during the 2011-12 NHL season.

Ottawa Senators: Zenon Konopka

Zenon Konopka has found a new home in Ottawa and is ready to duke it out for the red and white.

The Sens may have another difficult year ahead of them, but look for Konopka to at least give the fans something to cheer about. 

Ottawa Senators: Chris Neil

The Ottawa Senators may have found themselves the newest form of the bash brothers by pairing together Chris Neil and Zenon Konopka.

Prepare to see a lot of physical hockey out of the Sens this year.

Edmonton Oilers: Theo Peckham

With all of the young talent in Edmonton, there needs to be someone to protect these players. That guy is Theo Peckham. 

Opposing players should be careful when they try to irritate Taylor Hall and company.

Colorado Avalanche: Cody McLeod

Someone else who is ready to mix it up on a team not expected to contend this year is Cody McLeod.

He's a lot to handle and never afraid to mix it up.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Derek Dorsett

Derek Dorsett is a beast of man so when NHLers come after him, they should understand that they are looking for trouble.

For Dorsett, there is nothing better than hammering somebody.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Jared Boll

The Columbus Blue Jackets are another team with quite a one-two punch—sorry, no pun intended. 

Just when the opposing enforcer's had enough, in comes Jared Boll for Round 2. 

Dallas Stars: Steve Ott

Steve Ott used to spend his days defending Brad Richards. Now, he may need to provide the entertainment as the fans in Dallas may not have much else to cheer about.

Phoenix Coyotes: Paul Bissonnette

Paul Bissonnette may be better known by his twitter handle, @BizNasty2point0. However, he does actually play in the NHL, albeit sparingly. At least he can have a good laugh about it.

When it comes to fighting, though, Bissonnette is completely serious. He realizes this is how he keeps collecting paychecks so he gives it his all every time.

Minnesota Wild: Brad Staubitz

Brad Staubitz is usually good for a few goals a year, but he makes his money by using his hands in a different way.

When duty calls, Staubitz is always ready to drop the gloves and knuckle up. 

Anaheim Ducks: George Parros

George Parros is easily one of the most iconic tough guys in the league with his notorious mustache.

Parros is more than just a gimmick, though. He can actually fight.

New Jersey Devils: Cam Janssen

Cam Janssen should be right at home in 'Dirty Jersey.' Look for him to be the guy who protects Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise from the opposition.

Los Angeles Kings: Kyle Clifford

The Los Angeles Kings are a team filled with tons of talent. However, Kyle Clifford is also an important piece.

He's the player who opens up the ice for guys like Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. 

Toronto Maple Leafs: Colton Orr

Colton Orr is a guy who never backs down from anybody. He'll go toe-to-toe with any other enforcer in the NHL.

For Orr, it's all about standing up for his teammates. 

Philadelphia Flyers: Jody Shelley

Of course, someone from the Broad Street Bullies would crack this list. Jody Shelley is proudly the representative for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Buffalo Sabres: Cody McCormick

Fresh off signing a new contract, Cody McCormick is eager to get back on the ice and earn his money. Although he's showed he can contribute in a variety of ways, don't expect him to be shy about squaring off with someone.