Fantasy Role Players: Faceoff Wins

These players may help you gain an advantage in those specialty categories

Are you lagging behind or falling short each week in certain specialty categories? You may find some of these “hired guns” to be beneficial to your situation. I understand that managers, especially in shallower leagues, can ill afford to waste a roster spot for a player that’s only going to help them in one category. That’s why the players below are not only likely to be found on the waiver wire but should contribute to the specialty category that you need and then some.

To clarify, specialty categories are those like penalty minutes or short handed goals, shots, faceoffs, etc. Essentially, they are categories you usually don’t go out and try draft players for; they sort of come with the territory. If you draft Crosby for points, you acquire a player who takes a few more penalties than other star forwards. If you draft Mike Richards for points, you acquire a player who is a short handed threat. This “Fantasy Role Players” series will give you some ideas of players that still may be available in your league via waiver wire or a low buy that not only address a specific specialty category but who will contribute to other categories as well. A well rounded fantasy player, if you will.

Faceoffs

If you’re looking for players who can improve your faceoff wins as well as contribute to other categories, consider these players keeping in mind that the faceoff leader right now (Rod Brind’Amour) has 343 wins and 2nd behind the leader (Samuel Pahlsson) has 272:

Craig Conroy – Calgary Flames – 207 wins
Conroy is getting up there in age but still finds ways to contribute offensively. He’s been bounced between the 2nd and 3rd line this season but has chipped in over 200 faceoff wins. He should finish the season with 30 or so points, so he has a decent fantasy upside if you’re looking to beef up your faceoff wins.

Michal Handzus – Los Angeles Kings – 196 wins
Handzus is in a similar situation as Conroy: not a huge impact player but he will get you those faceoff wins and chip in on the scoreboard here and there. Expect him to chip in around 30 points this season.

Martin Hanzal – Phoenix Coyotes – 182 wins
Hanzal had a slow start to the season but is finally coming around. He’s a solid source of points and has 182 wins on the season so far. With Jokinen out, he’ll have an increased role in Phoenix’s offense over the next week or two. Even when Jokinen returns, he’ll be a decent source of points for a young, up and coming Coyote team.

Jussi Jokinen – Tampa Bay Lightning – 174 wins
The clutch thing about Jokinen is that he is listed as a left winger in Yahoo!, The Sporting News and ESPN fantasy hockey. It’s somewhat significant if you’re pulling in faceoff wins from centers and wingers. Only 10 points on the season, however, he could be shuffled up in the depth charts in an attempt to find the right combinations. Until then, consider him a 4th option at left wing.

R.J. Umberger – Columbus Blue Jackets – 152 wins
Umberger had an extremely slow start to the season and those who drafted him as a sleeper center may have bailed on him after the slow start. He has since picked up his game a bit and is contributing more on offensive. The numbers aren’t overwhelming but they are decent. With 14 points and 152 faceoff wins, R.J. may be a nice 4th center upgrade for your squad.

Dave Bolland – Chicago Blackhawks – 161 wins
Bolland has been a nice pleasant surprise for the Hawks so far this season and could help you win a few extra faceoffs each week. He’s a 3rd line right now, but he’s still chipping in points here and there, so consider him a nice upgrade for a faltering 4th center option on your team.