Most Valuable NHL Role Players

Though he can still cuss out an opponent in any one of seven different languages, Ott has evolved into much more than a mere pest. Called upon to assume top-six minutes in response to a slew of injuries last season, he dredged up the scoring touch that characterized his game as a junior and chipped in a career-high 19 goals and 46 points. He'll slide back into a depth role this season, but armed with new confidence he could still score 15-20.
-- Allan Muir