Free Agent Finds

December 17, 2009 1:54pm CST

Whether you are looking for a replacement for an injured star, or are looking for a diamond in the rough in a deeper league, check back here weekly as we suggest some players that could be available in leagues and could be productive additions to your roster.

Jason Arnott, C, NSH
Centering the top line on the fifth best team in the Western Conference, Jason Arnott has gone vastly unnoticed so far this season despite his solid play. Arnott has put up solid numbers in the major categories with 11 goals and 10 assists through 28 games to complement his +4 mark. Attempting to extend his six-year streak of finishing in the positive side of plus/minus, Arnott is a safe bet for team's that need a productive center that won't kill their squad with a litany of minus efforts. On offense, seven of Arnott's 21 points have come on the power-play giving him additional value in leagues that have special teams scoring included. With Steve Sullivan returning closer to his old dynamic form with seemingly each game played, Arnott will continue to reap the rewards as he and Martin Erat combine with Sullivan to form the top offensive line for the Predators. Arnott should be looked at in all leagues, especially deeper leagues or ones that track special teams or face-off wins.

Francois Beauchemin, D, TOR
The first of two Maple Leafs on the list, Beauchemin has quietly become one of the best defenseman in the fantasy game but is available in nearly every league. His 17 points are a respectable total despite not ranking amongst the elite, but his 85 shots fired place him tied for 4th amongst all NHL defenders. Add in a whopping nine points coming with the man advantage and Beauchemin shifts from a good option from the blue line to a must own in all fantasy leagues regardless of scoring styles. He may not be a household name, and Tomas Kaberle is stealing the spotlight for offensively producing defenseman (31 points in 34 games will do that), but Beauchemin is a great find on the wire and should continue to put up big numbers and fire the puck the rest of the way.

Jaroslav Halak, G, MON
Halak has graced Free Agent Finds in the past and returns today on the news that he has asked for a trade away from the Canadiens. Montreal's number two goaltender, Halak has appeared in 12 games and put up modest numbers to the tune of a 2.91 GAA and a .902 save percentage. He has expressed that he wants to see more playing time, which is unlikely in Montreal seeing as Carey Price is not just the starter, but viewed as a potential franchise goaltender for many years to come for the club. Halak will likely see his wish granted and will land in one of the many cities that are hunting for help in net such as Philadelphia. Assuming Halak's playing time increases when he is eventually dealt, expect his value to rise as he sees more starts. Owners in the deepest of leagues should monitor this situation as a goaltender suddenly earning more time is a valuable add when starts are hard to come by.

Alexei Ponikarovsky, LW, TOR
Let's be honest with ourselves for a second. How many of you read Alexei Ponikarovsky name and knew nothing about what he has done this season? Judging by how few leagues he is owned in, odds are not many of you knew that the left winger has been on quite a tear, lighting the lamp 13 times and chipping in 12 assists while skating on the top line, a formidable unit with Ponikarovsky paired up alongside Matt Stajan and the extremely talented Phil Kessel. The stat line for Ponikarovsky is impressive as he has contributed across the board with not only his points, but his +8 plus/minus, 24 penalty minutes, power-play minutes and his 97 shots. The only potential downside here is that his track record indicates his points usually come in waves, meaning you have to be patient as he goes a few games with limited production before putting up a two or three point outing.

R.J. Umberger, C, CLS
While Columbus has been spiraling down the standings, R.J. Umberger has been off to the best start to a season in his fifth year at the NHL level. With 11 goals and 14 helpers, Umberger has been the most consistent producer in the Blue Jackets' lineup behind Rick Nash. As a reward for his production, the coaching staff has stated they might place Umberger on the top line which would only increase his potential value for fantasy owners. The center won't help your plus/minus category any as long as Columbus continues to struggle as a team (-10), but his willingness to shoot (94 shots so far) and time on the power-play unit makes him at least worth a look for teams that aren't happy with their current situation at center. A slow down seems inevitable as Umberger is producing at a clip we really haven't seen in his career, but he should still remain a viable option moving forward.


Zenon Konopka, C, TB
Once again we conclude with a suggestion to help you boost your team's overall PIM numbers. Zenon Konopka. Say it. Now say it again. Zenon Konopka sounds like he should be from a mythological place rather than Ontario where he was born. The fighter has put up an incredible 130 penalty minutes to lead the league in time spent in the sin bin in just 33 games this season. Having never seen much playing time and never accumulating more than 48 penalty minutes in a single season, Konopka's rage on the ice has come as a bit of surprise but looks to continue as the 2009-10 season rolls on. He is a non-factor in other scoring categories with just two assists and a handful of shots, but his ability to transform a fantasy team's penalty minute category makes him worth a roster spot. Besides, who doesn't want a guy named Zenon Konopka on their roster?


David Rogers is an Associate Editor for Fanball.com Owner's Edge and Rototimes.com. You can follow also follow the happenings of the game of hockey on our Twitter Page: FanballNHL.