Blame it on Seinfeld

For those of you who believe I have way too much time on my hands, you’re right. It’s a point that I'd never argue. As proof, here is one hound’s take on the puckworthiness of NHL players.

Puckworthiness is a term coined from an old Seinfeld episode. In it, Elaine judges men on their worthiness of her using a declining supply of contraceptive sponges. Some were spongeworthy, others weren’t.

In this case, though, pucks are at a premium.

In some instances, think of Calgary's Jarome Iginla, Colorado's Joe Sakic and Minnesota's Marian Gaborik, you'll need some luck. Certain players, such as Detroit's Marian Hossa, Buffalo's Teppo Numminen, Montreal’s Saku Koivu and San Jose's Dan Boyle are no-brainers.

Others, such as Boston’s P.J. Axelsson, Edmonton’s Fernando Pisani and Vancouver’s Willie Mitchell are puckworthy.

And even though I’m able to purchase my pucks in bulk at a reasonable price, there are some players, such as Anaheim’s Todd Marchant, Detroit’s Brett Lebda, Ottawa’s Shean Donovan and Toronto's Jeff Finger who are better on cards or team items.

I’m certain that readers won’t agree with every designation. The goal, though, is to give other hounds an idea of what to expect when they chase teams. Remember, too, the list is fluid and subjective.

For ease of understanding the team-by-team listings below, which feature players and notable coaches, front-office members and announcers, I’ll use the following headers for each entry:

Good Luck: Immense popularity and/or the sheer unwillingness to sign that comes with it, makes these players difficult to obtain. Still worth a try, though. The worst you'll hear, hopefully, will be "No!"

No-Brainers: Fairly self-explanatory, these approachable players, including some top-shelf stars, are well worth collecting on pucks. Will often sign multiples.

Puckworthy: If you’re looking for sheer volume, these are the players who, when combined with an extraordinary Good Luck and the No-Brainers, can turn a good day into a great day. Excellent opportunities to catch up on veteran players.

Speculatives: Primarily prospects, these players carry high risks and high rewards. Should they fulfill their potential, they could become No-Brainers. Should they become Good Lucks, you'll already have them. AHL-based hounds should load up on these players.

Card stock: Though my street hockey career ended in New Port Richey, Fla., back in the late 1980s, the only reason to use a puck on these players is to add to your favorite or hometown team collection. Team sticks, jerseys and/or cards are better for these guys.

Please note, too, that players move from team to team each season. Though a player's location may change, it will not affect his puckworthy status.