The NHL has changed since the lockout of 2005 and fewer teams are carrying a high priced player who can only fight. In a lot of cases, such as Carcillo, Boll and Clarkson; they can actually contribute offensively, something players really didn't do, even four years ago.

Carcillo leads the NHL in penalty minutes with 263, but has seven goals and 15 points in 47 games. Carcillo showed promise last season after being traded by the Penguins at the trade deadline, as he had four goals and seven points, along with 74 penalty minutes in just 18 contests. Smart poolies jumped all over him at their pre-season drafts this season.

Boll has five goals and 10 points to go along with his 202 minutes and you can expect more offensively next season. Boll leads the NHL in majors with 24 and is not afraid to drop his gloves against anyone in the NHL.

Adam Burish is a bit of a throwback as is Riley Cote. Burish is 25 and Cote is 26. The duo have 195 and 193 penalty minutes respectively, while Burish has a goal and four assists and Cote has a goal this season and three assists. Those stats are reminiscent of old-time goons, a lot of minutes with a lucky goal somewhere along the line.

The fifth place Zack Stortini played 29 games last season, missing being a rookie this year by only four games. His stats are 184 penalty minutes with three goals and ten points in 57 games. Look for Stortini to increase his point totals next season as he is still only 22.

The veteran George Parros is next at 176 minutes and while he still gets his minutes, he has no upside in any other category.

The 23-year-old David Clarkson finishes the top seven with 169 minutes, but he certainly helps out poolies in other places as he has eight goals and 21 points this season.

It seems that teams are looking at rookies for team toughness, rather than a veteran. And it also looks like NHL teams are looking at players who can actually play the game. Remember this next season when drafting.

Oh, by the way, the fantasy stud of the season is eighth in penalty minutes.

Defenseman Dion Phaneuf has 165 minutes in penalties, along with 15 goals and 52 points. He is also plus 13 with nine power play goals.

A fantasy stud indeed.