Chris Nilan shares how he almost died... and how it changed his life!

Chris NIlan - FULL INTERVIEW! A 12 Year NHL Veteran, Stanley Cup Champion, Chris Nilan who played 688 regular season games for the Montreal Canadians, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. Known in hockey circles by his nickname “Knuckles”, he was feared by teams he played against for his tough, intense play, and his ability to drop his gloves without hesitation when the situation called for defending his teammates or creating a spark for his team. He holds the NHL record for most career penalties by an American born player, and is one of only 9 players to have amassed over 3,000 career penalty minutes in the NHL.
Since retiring, he has had some serious off-ice battles with addiction, and like his hockey battles, he has met these challenges head on. He continues to make strides in his recovery, and in his life overall with the help of a great relationship, and a huge dog named Adele, and contributes to numerous charitable causes giving back to the community and those in need... He is also the host of a very successful Podcast - “The Raw Knuckles Podcast”
So pleased to be joined by Stanley Cup Champion - Chris Nilan - ENJOY!

[@calvee123]

Once again. What an amazing human Chris Nilan is. His struggles, his will to rise up, and to be the first one to drop em when someone is taking advantage of his team mates. Montreal Canadiens were so blessed to have him play on that team!! I hope one day I can meet him. Quality human being!!

[@Peppiekr]

Thanks for this podcast Gino! I am a dyed in the wool HABS fan and always respected Chris as a player, but even more so as a man for what he has been able to make of himself and his life after his professional career ended. You cannot keep a good man down , as they say! You were correct when you pointed out that Chris is very appreciative of people in his life who have helped him along the way and always gives credit where credit is due. I was surprised to hear Chris say that he sometimes has trouble getting guests to appear on his show. I know plenty of guys feared Chris, and for good reason, 🙂but opponents always have a begrudging respect for a player like Chris. I believe the game still needs players like Chris who could score 21 goals back then and keep his teammates protected and safe! Otherwise, you will have punks running around trying to cheap shot guys with no fear of retribution. Call me old school. I have been called worse. I subscribed to Chris's podcast a long time ago and I have just subscribed to yours. Keep up the good work Gino! GO HABS GO!

[@danjohnston8146]

What a great interview. Both you and Knuckles are legends.

[@cliffroberts1774]

Chris is a Legend.

[@bbob1057]

Great interview Gino. As a fan of the Raw Knuckles podcast, it was a pleasure to see Chris being asked the questions. He presents himself as genuine because that's who he is. Being from the same era and age bracket, it is like listening to a couple of buddies rehash old stories, the kind you never tire of hearing. Best of luck to both of you in your podcast careers.

[@OTIMEPODCAST]

Thank you!

[@jimpineau183]

Wow, so impressed with this podcast. Have watched many of Chris’s podcast-will get back to more now.

[@FEBEAULIEU]

What a great interview!! Merci!!

[@davidwaronker6208]

You are a good man to express memory and share the legacy of your parents. Specifically your dad. Your parents kept you humble and focused on what is best in life.

[@jean-paulmorin913]

Tx for the podcast and thank you for having Chris on. Fan for life.

[@pierrelalonde3705]

I'm a big fan of Chris, his addiction, how he recovered, his loyalty to the Habs, wow

[@MrGlovesave33]

Chris so much heart, the hardwork the honesty. Great human 1st legend of a player 2nd. Thanks as always for all your chats. Helps many ppl including me. Thanks Gino! 😊 Ghg Chris! Loved the pj stock chat also. Take care both of you fine fellas.

[@davidwaronker6208]

You and my Buddy Brandt Mhyres are true role models for those who fought off the evil demons and learned to love - and prosper - substance free. I know everyday is a challenge and you can never take a “day off” but appreciate how you do not back down and focus on your mental health and the mental health of others…….I don’t know you personally. But do know we could be strong friends. Keep up the amazing word and thanks for putting your well being and well being of others as the priority!!!

[@jasonpatrick5660]

This showed up in my suggested feed probably because I watch the raw knuckles podcast. I'm glad it showed up, I ALWAYS liked Gino on the old network. Haven't really watched since he left. Happy to be the 98th sub on this channel!

[@charlesfiddler7138]

Habs fan here......awesome guy

[@andreww8941]

Excellent excellent excellent podcast!!!! Super thankful I came across it. Huge fan and hope to see more episodes moving forward!!!

[@OTIMEPODCAST]

Thank you..!

[@ildarm]

love this podcast. just discovered it

[@OTIMEPODCAST]

Glad you like it..!

[@xxllbb55]

CLASS ACT !!!!!!!! & REAL !

[@samspade4050]

When I hear Chris talk about how Lemaire wanted him to be more than just a fighter I can’t help but think that’s what Marty wants for Arber Xhekaj he sees much more than just a fighter

[@harlandsbff]

Wow! That was awesome

[@MrFelix002]

What a great show

[@michaelwhiter4308]

Loved watching Chris!

[@rocksmith3796]

Of all the things I respect about Chris.... not taking the Vax stands out the most!....bravo!!!

[@yotoober1]

Just found this. If Chris had a chance to play for Boston like Miller did, would he still have chosen Montreal (because they did win tons of cups 🏆

[@xxllbb55]

Op's one more ........... "Of all the creatures that walk the face of the earth, Dogs have chosen us, And us alone, to share their lives with. May we prove worthy of such a gift.” ~~~ Anonymous~~~

[@marctodisco]

WOW!!!!! I’ve never heard that before. And TBH with you…..Truer Words Have Never Been Written!!!! Amen to that.

[@MisterMister5893]

Lol all those great players in the collage montage and he uses one of glenn healey when he played for the leafs.

[@greggibbons1113]

Chris was a Boston punk first and he found himself in the NHL second

[@MisterMister5893]

Gino Reda looking more like Gina Reda every day.

[@cbarrett34]

How come Chris lives in Canada? I never like seeing Americans moving to other countries.

[@gordpedersen8691]

We wouldn’t let him go Back . Us Habs fans won him over . He’s an inspiration and I’m not talking about Hockey 🥅. Nothing but respect for Mr Nilan .👍🙏🏻

[@michelcoutu6332]

If you listen thru Chris's first series of podcast, espacially the Flower Tribute, he explains WHY