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 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.

Hired Goons

If you’re looking for me to talk about Simpsons episode 9F15 (Last Exit to Springfield), my apologies. We here at Saucerpass have discussed the situation and feel we are all satisfied with our dental plan. However, if you’re looking to pick up some penalty minutes, consider the following “hired goons” as they may be able to help you out in +/- and scoring as well:

David Backes - St. Louis Blues - 73 pims
Now may be an ideal time to pick up Backes. The Blues are struggling with injuries right now and Backes has an increased role in the offense. He currently sits 5th on the team in time on ice (4th if you exclude newcomer Alexander Steen), has 8 points to show for his effort and has already spent 73 minutes in the sin bin. He has the potential to hit 30 points and 130 pims, so now may be the time if you’re hurting for penalty minutes.

Aaron Voros - New York Rangers - 61 pims
Those who did not heed the warning that Voros would cool off after a red hot start, shame on you. All is not lost, however. Don’t let recent cooling trends discourage you from considering him as a penalty minute option. We know Voros is a bruiser and will get his time in the box, and while he may not attain the numbers he put up on that torrid pace to start the season, he’ll point every few games on a much improved New York team.

Dainius Zubrus - New Jersey Devils - 37 pims
One of the hardest working players in the league who can both score and take a penalty? Not a bad gig. Zubrus had a 4 goal night recently, so any questions of his production trailing off can be washed away. He’s averaging 16 minutes of ice time a game and currently sits at a +6 rating. Not a bad option at this point in time.

Sean Avery - Dallas Stars - 77 pims
Quite a few managers have given up on Avery because of his lack of scoring in Big D. That means more for you. The Stars will need Avery to step up in the absence of Brenden Morrow so we’ll have to see if it leads to more ice time and responsibility for him. We certainly know that he can take a penalty and he has the opportunity to turn up the offensive aspect of his game. It could be worth the add if available.

Milan Lucic - Boston Bruins - 53 pims
Anyone who knew about Lucic last year knew that he was a serious sleeper heading in to this season. Lucic is on a potent Boston Bruins team that sees scoring from all 4 lines. He has 6 goals and 9 assists with a +10 rating. Not too shabby at all. He’s a fighter and has a knack for finding the net here and there. Certainly more upside than downside with this guy.

Brandon Dubinsky - New York Rangers - 39 pims
Brandon Dubinsky certainly has cooled off since the beginning of the season and much like Avery, other managers may have bailed on him, which leaves you with a diamond in the rough. He only had 4 points in all of November which makes Dubie a prime candidate for a low buy. He amassed 39 minutes in the box so far this season which is 2nd among active players with 15+ points. If someone has given up on him, or you have the opportunity to be patient about points, Dubinsky may be right up your ally.

Sergei Kostitsyn - Montreal Canadiens - 30 pims
Kostitsyn is turning out to be quite a feisty little player. He’s in good company in Montreal and it’s only a matter of time before he finds himself with line mates he can jive with and turn up the heat. Grab him now while you can. He’s got the pims to help out managers needing a slight boost and has the long term upside to make him an intriguing low buy right now.