Choose your metaphor for the free agent pool in fantasy hockey right now.

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”
“Diamonds in the rough”
“Leftovers”
“Scrap heap”
“Junkyard”
“Injured Reserve”

However, you approach fantasy hockey free agency, there are always spare parts to be found among the list of the unwanted. Specific players, like mercenaries can help boost your stats and potentially provide a decisive edge in a weekly matchup.

Let’s be honest, Matt Martin won’t win a Richard Trophy anytime soon, but his average of 4.7826 (110 in 23 games) hits per game can be useful at the end of the week. Face-off specialists like Travis Zajac or Boyd Gordon weren’t chosen on draft day, but chances are they’ll be available on Friday if you need a faceoff boost this weekend.

Here’s a look at five players that deserve some consideration and can help you triumph come Sunday night.

5. Michael Ryder, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Acquired in the trade that sent grumpy Eric Cole to Dallas, Michael Ryder returns to Montreal for his second tour. He’s only owned in 44 percent of all leagues but has put up six goals and 12 assists in 23 games. In four games with the Canadiens, he has four assists with three coming on the power play.

4. Derek Stepan, C, New York Rangers

The 22-year old center in New York is ready to break out and is starting to show it with his production. A top face off center, Stepan is super talented and could put up some solid numbers up the rest of the season. He’s a solid two-way player who takes quite a few shots and will get some hits too.

3. Jacob Markstrom, G, Florida Panthers

The goalie of the future in south Florida is not Scott Clemmensen it is Jacob Markstrom. The young Swedish net minder has outperformed the starter, incumbent Jose Theodore so far this year. The 6’6” mountain of a goalie is surprisingly nimble and is a safety net pick if you need a keeper. He won’t get you regular starts, but he seems to make the most of his opportunities.

2. Jay Bouwmeester, D, Calgary Flames

One of the most disappointing draft picks ever, Bouwmeester has been reviled by fantasy owners forever because of his crappy production-to-talent levels. He is so gifted but does so little, everyone keeps waiting for him to resemble the Norris Trophy caliber player he was supposed to be. After such a ringing endorsement, why would you pick him up? Miikka Kiprusoff is healthy again. Bouwmeester’s numbers will pick up for that reason alone.

1.Dougie Hamilton, D, Boston Bruins

As much as I hate to call a grown man Dougie, the 19-year old rookie Boston blue liner is only owned in 39% of all leagues. With every game he plays his confidence grows and Hamilton gets better and better. By the end of the season his playing time should be on par with Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara.