The Best 'Glue Guys' in the NHL in 2015-16

Whether an NHL team is riding high in the standings or going through a painful rebuild, each has a player considered to be a glue guy. They're the ones who can be relied upon to do even the little things to help their teams win. 

Some, like Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (pictured above), are well-known veterans who continue to deliver. Several are skilled players whose efforts tend to be overshadowed by those of superstar teammates. 

Here's a look at the NHL's best glue guys this season. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below. 

Joel Ward, San Jose Sharks

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A year after missing the NHL playoffs, the San Jose Sharks are back in postseason contention. Among the reasons for their improvement was the addition of right wing Joel Ward via free agency last summer. 

Ward, 35, established himself as a reliable glue-guy forward with the Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals, particularly in the playoffs. With 17 goals and 36 points in 64 games this season, he's among the Sharks' leading scorers. Ward is a strong physical presence at both ends of the ice, ranking among their leaders in short-handed and power-play minutes.

Thanks to Ward's abilities and experience, he's quickly become a key component this season for the Sharks. His physical style and clutch play should serve them well in the postseason.  

Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals

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Superstars like left wing Alex Ovechkin, center Nicklas Backstrom and goaltender Braden Holtby are frequently cited for the Washington Capitals' strong performance this season. Another player worthy of praise is defenseman Karl Alzner, the glue of the Capitals' blue-line corps.

Though not as skilled offensively as John Carlson or Matt Niskanen, the 27-year-old Alzner is reliable and strong on the puck in his own zone. He leads the Capitals in blocked shots and is second in short-handed ice time. With Carlson sidelined by injuries this season, Alzner has stepped up his offensive play. He also set the franchise ironman record on Jan. 27 with 423 consecutive games. 

On Jan. 23, via the Washington Post's Isabelle Khurshudyan, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz praised Alzner's performance this season: "I think people are recognizing how steady he is, how durable he is, how he can play really any kind of game you want. ... He's turning into one of those underrated top-end defensemen."

Lee Stempniak, Boston Bruins

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Well-traveled right wing Lee Stempniak was shipped to the Boston Bruins by the New Jersey Devils at the Feb. 29 trade deadline. The 33-year-old's play with the Devils made him among this season's best glue guys. He was among the reasons they remained in the playoff chase for most of this season. 

A depth addition by the Devils, Stempniak became one of their leading scorers. A smart, quick-skating and durable positional player, the versatile veteran saw regular duty on the power play and penalty kill. The Devils have felt his absence. In the four games following Stempniak's trade, they scored two goals or fewer in three of them.

Stempniak's experience and adaptability are serving him well in Boston. Skating at right wing on the first line with center Patrice Bergeron and left wing Brad Marchand, Stempniak has netted six points in his first five games with the Bruins. 

Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs

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It's one thing to be singled out as an NHL glue guy when your team is playing well. It takes a special one, however, to keep giving his all in a lost season with a rebuilding team. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov is a fine example of this type of glue player. 

Komarov, 29, is a feisty, hardworking forward who can play right wing or center. He's making the most of his opportunities with the talent-depleted Leafs, leading the club with 19 goals in 62 games. He's also an effective penalty-killer. Komarov tops the Leafs in hits and is second in takeaways.

On Feb. 20, Leafs head coach Mike Babcock explained Komarov's value, via the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan: "He is a workhorse, he plays with and without the puck, he is on [the] power play, he is on the penalty kill, he drives us energy-wise and on the forecheck in heavy play down low. He is an important piece."  

Jussi Jokinen, Florida Panthers

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A number of players are responsible for the Florida Panthers' ascent into playoff contention this season. Among them is second-line left wing Jussi Jokinen, who's become an important glue player for the rising Panthers. 

With 47 points in 66 games, the 32-year-old Jokinen ranks second among Panthers' scorers. He's a versatile forward who can skate on either wing, takes faceoffs and is a shootout wizard. Jokinen is also defensively sound, topping all Panthers forwards in blocked shots. He is among their leaders in short-handed ice time. 

On Jan. 13, Panthers general manager Dale Tallon noted the veteran winger's importance to his club, via the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard: "Jokinen is one of the glue pieces. He's quiet so he often goes unnoticed, but the things he does on and off the ice are just incredible. He's a class guy." 

Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Amid a disappointing season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, right wing Cam Atkinson is among the few bright spots. After spending the past two seasons as a second-line winger, the 5'8", 180-pounder emerged in 2015-16 as the glue of the Jackets' forward lines. 

Atkinson's 23 goals and 43 points in 66 games this season are personal bests. He's also become a clutch player, leading the Jackets in short-handed and overtime goals. The 26-year-old has the second-highest ice time among their forwards, seeing playing time in every situation. Atkinson's defensive play is also solid. He's their leader in takeaways. 

On Jan. 2, Jackets head coach John Tortorella said he considers Atkinson among his most consistent forwards, via the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline: "I've used him in all areas because he's that good. ... Away from the puck, defensively, killing penalties, he runs the point on our five-on-three power play. ... There's a lot there." 

TJ Brodie, Calgary Flames

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Often overlooked on a blue line featuring Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton, Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie is the glue of their lineup. That was apparent when he missed the opening nine games of this season. It's no coincidence the Flames won only twice during Brodie's absence. 

Brodie, 25, is a skilled puck-moving blueliner who can play on the left or right side. With 40 points in 58 games, he's a invaluable part of their offensive attack. Logging nearly 26 minutes of ice time, Brodie can often control the pace of a game. He also plays it smart within his own zone.

On a Feb. 8, Flames head coach Bob Hartley cited the blueliner's importance, via the Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson: "It's just unbelievable—the play, the minutes he can log, the intensity that he puts in, plus the play in the three zones." 

Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks

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Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler is the anchor of his club's third line between wingers Jakob Silfverberg and Andrew Cogliano. Though his best offensive seasons are behind him, the 31-year-old remains an effective two-way player. 

Kesler and his linemates usually find themselves facing off against the opposition's best lines. They've been very effective in a shutdown role this season. Kesler's their top faceoff man and second in takeaways. He also leads all Ducks forwards in hits and blocked shots.

The Kesler line is playing a crucial role in the Ducks' strong second-half improvement. On March 8, Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau sang their praises, via Chris Zupke of the Los Angeles Times: "Home, on the road, it doesn't matter. They've been outstanding. ...They're the glue of our team." 

Player and team stats (as of March 9) via NHL.com.