There is a least favourite players thread which is primarily Canuck and Oiler bashing (for good reason) but I think this is a more interesting topic with a wider array of answers. Who are your favourite role players? Can be all time or current.
I love Darren Helm in Detroit, Mathieu Perrault in Anaheim, Marcus Kruger in Chicago and Jared Boll in Columbus.
My all time favourite is Ville Nieminen followed by Stephane Yelle.
Although he hasn't been all that noticeable on Long Island.
I've also always had a thing for veterans who've stuck around the NHL for a long time without ever being that great of a player, so guys like Zubrus, Dvorak, Cullen, Handzus, and Halpern. Especially in Dvorak's case since he seems to have nine lives, and has played 1200+ games without anyone really noticing.
Came in to say Otto as well. The shadow was so effective against the Oilers.
Gary Roberts was a first-line player for most of his career, and then an ultimate role player near the end of his career. Still downright dominant, and was still a tough scrapper. Just ask Ben Eager. So much leadership and determination out of that guy. I found it impossible to not cheer for the teams he was on, even on teams like Toronto and Tampa that I didn't like.
My all time favorite flame Stephane Yelle. Always had a big appreciation for the guys who just leave it all on the line and do anything they can to contribute. Watching the blocked shots the faceoff wins and defensive perfection that yelle brought each and every night to me was more enjoyable than watching the Iginlas and Conroys light the lamp.
In my opinion he was the most valuable piece in the drury trade. Whenever i think of flames 04 hockey hes the first that comes to mind. Hes the face of what that team was all about and just a huge huge contributor.
The overall durability of the guy to is pretty unreal you know with his style he played through a TON of injuries to consistantly play 70 games each year.