He wasn't an offensive star, but a hard-working and effective defensive forward. He is regarded by many hockey scholars as the cleanest player in NHL history. In 820 NHL games spanning 13 seasons, he served a remarkable total of just 28 minutes in the penalty box. He went completely unpenalized in five different seasons, including three in a row from 1965–1968. In a further 149 WHA games he was assessed only two minor penalties. In his entire professional career, he never received a fighting penalty.