10 NHL Players Not Afraid to Take One for the Team

Every NHL club needs a player or two willing to "take one for the team."

Whether that's fighting an opponent (often times a bigger opponent), blocking shots regularly or standing in front of the net on offense, these players are so important to each team's success.

Let's look at 10 players not afraid to take one for the team.

Ryan Callahan

If stepping in front of a Zdeno Chara slap shot isn't taking one for the team, I don't know what is.

The New York Rangers captain is a coach's dream. Callahan excels at both ends of the ice and is willing to help the team in any way possible, whether it's blocking a shot, killing penalties or being counted on for offense.

He's also fifth in the league in hits with 258.

Gregory Campbell

Gregory Campbell often fights guys who are bigger than him, but he does it because, as a fourth-line player, he needs to set the physical tone the Bruins thrive on. 

Campbell is one of the best fourth-line centers in the NHL.

Josh Gorges

Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Gorges defenseman leads the NHL in blocked shots with 234, and he's way ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Brett Clark, who is in second place with 186.

Hal Gill

Hal Gill is a big body and he's not afraid to use his size. Gill often clears the net on penalty kills and also isn't afraid to step in front of a slap shot from the point.

His willingness to do whatever it takes to win will help the Nashville Predators in the playoffs this season.

Bryan Allen

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Bryan Allen is tied for sixth in the NHL with 174 blocked shots and is always willing to put his body on the line to help the team.

Allen often plays hurt, which has allowed him to play in every game for the Hurricanes thus far. When he becomes a free agent this summer, a lot of teams will likely show interest in signing him.

Dan Girardi

Dan Girardi is one of the best shot blockers in the NHL, and he ranks fifth in the league in that category. He always sticks up for his teammates, too, and he isn't afraid to fight anyone if one of his teammates takes a bad hit. 

He's the ultimate team player.

Shawn Thornton

So often this season the Bruins have begun games with little energy. Shawn Thornton has lit a fire under his team numerous times this season with his physical play and willingness to fight anyone, even if they are bigger than he is.

Thornton also takes part in the Bruins' penalty kill and does everything the team asks of him.

Ladislav Smid

Edmonton Oilers Ladislav Smid is fourth in the NHL in blocked shots with 183, but he is also just one of two players in the top 10 of blocked shots with at least 180 hits on the year.

Smid is a very physical and isn't afraid of putting his body on the line to help the Oilers.

Steve Ott

The Dallas Stars forward plays hurt, is willing to go into the dirty areas to win puck battles and also throws his body around on every shift. He's a player that every NHL coach wants to have.

Ott is tied for third in the NHL with 259 hits.

Brooks Orpik

Brooks Orpik is one of the most physical defensemen in the NHL and is always willing to take one for the team. The Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner is ninth in the NHL in hits with 241 and is 41st in blocked shots with 128.

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