Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Colton Orr
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The NHL has changed and it has left guys like Orr behind. Sure, he put in the work after the lock-out to improve his skating, but the bottom line is simple - you can't speed up slow. He saw ice in 54 games in 2013-14, but failed to record a point. He did deliver 110 PIMs and 112 hits, but his ice time was so limited that he wasn't worth owning. He won't be this year - his career is on a slow trickle to retirement.
Orr played in 44 of the Leafs' 48 games last season after busting his butt in the offseason and proving to his coach he could be more than just a pugilist. He's worked hard on his skating and the Leafs' re-upped him for a remarkable two years. He'll once again toil on the fourth line, but he's no longer a pylon on ice. Still, you shouldn't count on him for offensive, but he should bring you joy in sin bin formats.
Orr is one of the NHL's best tough guys, but the current game has passed him by -- that's why he was waived and sent to the AHL last January. There's no guarantee of an NHL job come camp so find someone else to pad your sin bin category.
We're officially worried. Not only is Orr's 2011-12 in doubt but there's a chance his career may be, too. He's an awesome fighter but the George Parros blow he took to the head on January 20, 2011 ended his season last year. There were reports in March that he might return to action before season's end but he never did. And post-concussion syndrome in a heavyweight fighter seems like a ticking time bomb. We hope we're wrong and Orr nets your sin bin league 175 (or more) PIMs. You'll just have to make any draft decisions based on the his status during training camp.
Orr is good for one thing and one thing only -- pugilism. He's a major-league enforcer with a penchant for frequent fighter points but he wins less than half the time. Who cares, really -- he's still picking up majors. And if you need majors, he's probably top-five in that category.
Orr averaged 6:29 in ice time per game last season but Leafs general manager hopes he can up that number in the Big Smoke. If he can, he'll certainly crack the 200 PIM mark. And you will be slaying the competition in that category.
Orr had one goal and 159 PIMs in 2007-08, guess where his fantasy value lies? Should only be taken in those leagues that reward PIMs heavily.
Orr is a big time heavyweight in the goon fraternity. He can really throw his weight around and can knock opponents out cold. Just ask Todd Fedoruk last season when the Rangers played the Flyers. Coming into this season, expect more of the same, tons of PIMs and little else.
Orr can certainly fight, but does very little else. He collected one assist and 71 penalty minutes in 35 games last year with the Bruins and Rangers. Expect the more of same this upcoming season, lots of health-scratches and occassional spot duty when the matchup warrants his unique skills.