The Purveyors of PIM

While unfortunately not part of every fantasy hockey league, the inclusion of the PIM category opens up a new dimension in fantasy hockey. When appropriate, the once discarded lesser lights of the NHL can be a driving force in dominating your pool.

With this in mind here are our top PIM hopefuls for the upcoming 09/10 NHL season.

Daniel Carcillo (Philadelphia Flyers)

The reigning penalty minute champ will be looking for a repeat performance in his first full season on Broad St. The ultimate in NHL agitators, Carcillo’s motor never stops. In fact, it got to the point where it became a little too much to take for coach Wayne Gretzky and his Phoenix Coyotes, who eventually tired of his wild man routine and shipped him to the salivating Flyers – and frankly, it’s a perfect fit.

If not already, Carcillo will be a fan favourite in Philadelphia. For opposing players, though, there will be no brotherly love while Carcillo, physically, continues to be the straw that stirs the drink.

Prediction: 306 PIMs – As an everyday player for the belligerent Flyers, Danny boy should not have a problem cracking 300+ PIMs this season. He has the ability to score a few goals as well – but that’s gravy.

David Koci (Colorado Avalanche)

Koci is a PIM machine, plain and simple. He averaged almost a major a game over 33 contests last season. The only thing holding him back from owning this category is playing time. He may well get his opportunity while the talent thin Avalanche are looking for some physicality after losing veteran agitator Ian Laperriere to the Flyers.

Prediction: 270 PIMs – Koci has the ability to play both forward and defense which allows him more opportunities to crack the Avs lineup. That and the lack of legitimate talent on the Avalanche will help get him into regular action. If he can get into more games he could explode.

Brandon Prust (Calgary Flames)

The London native must know how a yo-yo feels after being traded to Phoenix and then re-acquired a few months later. Prust is a fearsome forechecker and loves to get into the faces of the opposition which helps land him in the occasional dust up and helps you rack up the minutes for your pool!

Prediction: 236 PIMs – Calgary loves this kid and he should be a regular starting this season. Expect his exuberant style of play to launch him clear of the 200 PIM mark.

Colton Orr (Toronto Maple Leafs)

There’s a new sheriff in Leafland, and if Brian Burke has his way he will be a busy little pugilist. The Leafs barely registered on the truculence meter last season – something Burke went out of his way to change during the free agency period. While the likes of Beauchemin, Komisarek, and Exelby add to the overall toughness of the team, Colton Orr is the alpha dog required to keep the peace.

Orr is the most fearsome heavyweight to don the blue and white since Tie Domi (sorry Belak) and should go a long way in ensuring the opposition don’t take liberties with the Leaf’s stars… errrr… that is… when they get some.

Prediction: 220 PIMs – a modest increase from last year – and it’s probably safe to assume that most of these minutes won’t be of the hooking variety.

Boris Valabik (Atlanta Thrashers)

The towering Czech made great strides last year and should find himself as a regular on the Thrasher’s bottom pairing. At 6’7 and 240 pounds, Valabik is a punishing physical force who will mix it up whenever the need arises.

Prediction: 202 PIMs – Valabik is a strong bet to crack 200 PIMs this year. If you’re looking for a rugged defender for your fantasy squad you could do a lot worse.

Shane O’Brien (Vancouver Canucks)

Exploding out of the gates last season as a prolific PIM-meister, O’Brien led this fantasy category for a large chunk of the season until finally being overtaken by Daniel Carcillo. Later in the season, O’Brien accused the Canucks organization of type casting him, requesting that he fight more often following a lengthy dry spell. O’Brien publicly refused, claiming to be more than a one trick pony, and was subsequently told to sit.

Prediction: 188 PIMs – O’Brien seems to be striving to prove that he can do more on the ice than just drop the gloves. Unless he moves on to another organization he may not get that chance. He should still hover around the 200 PIM mark, giver or take.

Mike Brown (Anaheim Ducks)

Sometimes change is good. This is especially true when discussing tough guy Mike Brown. Primarily used as a piece of meat in Vancouver, there was no mistaking Brown’s role on the Canucks when he did actually dress. Brown amassed 85 PIMs in only 20 games in Vancouver with minimal minutes. The Anaheim Ducks recognized more in the 24 year old and acquired him via trade, quickly giving him more ice time and responsibility. Interestingly enough his PIMs dropped substantially – recording only 60 PIMs in 8 more games with the Ducks and more that double the minutes.

Prediction: 185 PIMs – we’re fairly sure his newly bestowed status in Anaheim won’t inspire dreams of grandeur. He’ll still be counted on to bring the noise when called upon. The fact that he will likely play in all Anaheim games, barring injury of course, should ensure he approaches the 200 PIM mark.

Sean Avery (New York Rangers)

Avery found himself at a crossroad following his release from the Dallas Stars. The Rangers eventually took a flyer on him and he responded, bringing energy and decent offensive production to the party. He should continue to be a physical catalyst for the Rangers, and with his offensive prowess, would be a fantastic addition to any fantasy roster.

Prediction: 180 PIMs – Avery is one of the premier agitators in the league, wreaking havoc on the opposition. But, even though he is trying to stay in the NHL good books, it shouldn’t affect his PIM production drastically. Let it ride!