Pat Maroon and Jamie Benn go head-to-head in Heavyweight Tilt

It's been a long summer for the NHL, and with the season right around the corner, it appears some NHL veterans are itching for the season to begin already.

A heavyweight clash

During the pre-season game on Saturday between the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars, we saw two of the games most respected veterans go at it, and it was certainly a fun one.

Neither man has to fight to earn a roster spot, as their veteran play has given them that already, but this commitment to their team will certainly inspire all of their teammates.

Two playoff teams

As for their teams, this would have been great to watch for Wild and Stars fans, as they need this type of toughness if they are to go where they hope in 2023-24, and that's the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ultimately, fighting in pre-season with veterans isn't necessary, but standing up for teammates certainly is, and if this is a taste of things to come, this should be a fun season.

As Read on Hockey Feed - Pat Maroon and Jamie Benn drop the gloves on Saturday night!

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