Five players on injured reserve to snatch up in fantasy hockey

Alex Steen (LW, C - St. Louis Blues)Owned in 43% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 18 games, 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points, +2 rating, 6 PIMSteen was averaging nearly a point per game before being placed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury earlier this month. Reports say he has been skating with the team, but could still be out for a little while longer.Joffrey Lupul  (LW, RW - Toronto Maple Leafs)Owned in 49% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, +0 rating, 0 PIMWhile his stats from the few games he played in this season aren't impressive, don't forget he put up 67 points in 66 games last year. He should be returning to the ice within the next few weeks.Mike Green (Defense - Washington Capitals)Owned in 70% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 16 games, 2  goals, 5 assists, 7 points, +1 rating, 6 PIMAlthough not the fantasy stud he once was, Green is still worth owning in any fantasy hockey league. If he is currently available in your league, grab him and put him on your IR. He should be back to playing soon anyway.View the list »
Jason Spezza (Center - Ottawa Senators)Owned in 63% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 5 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, +3 rating, 2 PIMSpezza is targeting a return in early April. Considering he had 84 points in 80 games played last season, he will be able to help just about any fantasy team. Stash him away.

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Picking up players that are currently on the Injured Reserve is a great way to secure the "rights" to a top-tier player without having to trade anybody for him or sacrifice any space on your roster until he gets back.

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Here's now it works. First, find someone available on free agents or waivers that is listed on Injured Reserve. If you have at least one IR spot open on your roster, drop somebody to pick up that injured player. Immediately move him into your empty IR slot and then pick up another, active player to replace the guy you dropped (ideally someone at the same position). Viola! You just added someone to your roster pretty much for free.

Now just play the waiting game. Wait for whoever you added to get back from injury and your team will be stronger for it. Don't worry about using up your IR slot. After all, it's not helping you when it's empty. If someone already on your team ends up also getting hurt, you can decide which of the players to drop if and when it comes to that.

Here are five suggestions of top-tier players currently out with injury that you might want to target for this strategy:

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  • Jason Spezza (Center - Ottawa Senators)Owned in 63% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 5 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, +3 rating, 2 PIMSpezza is targeting a return in early April. Considering he had 84 points in 80 games played last season, he will be able to help just about any fantasy team. Stash him away.
  • Mike Green (Defense - Washington Capitals)Owned in 70% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 16 games, 2  goals, 5 assists, 7 points, +1 rating, 6 PIMAlthough not the fantasy stud he once was, Green is still worth owning in any fantasy hockey league. If he is currently available in your league, grab him and put him on your IR. He should be back to playing soon anyway.
  • Joffrey Lupul  (LW, RW - Toronto Maple Leafs)Owned in 49% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, +0 rating, 0 PIMWhile his stats from the few games he played in this season aren't impressive, don't forget he put up 67 points in 66 games last year. He should be returning to the ice within the next few weeks.
  • Alex Steen (LW, C - St. Louis Blues)Owned in 43% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 18 games, 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points, +2 rating, 6 PIMSteen was averaging nearly a point per game before being placed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury earlier this month. Reports say he has been skating with the team, but could still be out for a little while longer.
  • Martin BrodeurOwned in 87% of Yahoo! leagues2013 stats: 13 games, 8 wins, 2.27 GAA, .911 save %, 1 shutoutBrodeur isn't available in many leagues, but some owners have grown impatient and dropped him. He's only out with a sore back so it's not like his injury is of dire consequence. If he's available in your league, add him immediately.
View the list

, Rochester Fantasy Sports Examiner

Alexander Hinkley has been playing fantasy sports for more than 10 years. He currently works as the Fantasy Content Manager for the National Lacrosse League and has an interest in fantasy lacrosse, hockey, baseball, and football. You may contact Alex with your comments and questions.

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