Shoplifting charge against former NHL tough guy Chris Nilan dismissed

Shoplifting case against ex-NHLer Nilan dismissed

QUINCY, Mass. — A shoplifting charge against former NHL player Chris Nilan has been dismissed.

Braintree police say Nilan and another man were arrested Wednesday at a mall after Lord & Taylor security guards accused Nilan of walking out with a bathing suit under his clothes.

Police say the 51-year-old Nilan denied stealing and scuffled with the guards.

The case was dismissed Thursday after Nilan agreed to stay out of the store and paid $100 court costs.

Nilan, whose nickname was “Knuckles,” had more than 3,000 penalty minutes in a 13-year career with Montreal, the New York Rangers and Boston.

His home number is unlisted.