The dust has settled after the whirlwind of activity leading up to the NHL trade deadline on March 8th. Teams across the league made strategic moves to bolster their rosters for the playoffs or to capitalize on assets for future growth. These trades have also sent ripples through the fantasy hockey world, shifting the value of several players and creating new opportunities for fantasy managers to navigate.
New Faces in New Places
One of the significant mid-season moves saw the New Jersey Devils bolstering their goaltending by acquiring Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen. This decision came in the wake of Mackenzie Blackwood's injury, leaving a void between the pipes that needed immediate attention. For fantasy managers, the arrival of Allen and Kahkonen presents a clear path to considerable playing time, making them valuable assets to consider picking up if they are available on the waiver wire.
On Fire
The Carolina Hurricanes’ Teuvo Teravainen has been lighting up the scoreboards, currently riding a seven-game point streak. His consistent performance makes him a must-have in fantasy lineups, contributing points that are invaluable during the critical playoff push in most fantasy leagues. Similarly, Anders Lee of the New York Islanders has found his scoring touch, netting 4 goals and tacking on 4 assists in his last ten outings. With the Islanders gearing up for a four-game stretch, Lee's hot streak could continue, offering fantasy managers a solid source of points.
New Opportunities
Casey Mittelstadt made his debut for the Colorado Avalanche with 13 minutes of ice time, showcasing the potential for significant contributions moving forward. With an impressive tally of 14 goals and 47 points in 63 games this season, Mittelstadt is a player to watch and possibly snatch up if he's been overlooked in your fantasy league.
Meanwhile, in Anaheim, Alex Killorn has been on a tear since joining the Ducks, scoring eight goals with two assists in his past 13 appearances. His recent performance, highlighted by a four-game goal streak, positions him as a key player for fantasy managers to consider, especially with the Ducks embarking on a four-game road trip which could see Killorn continue his scoring ways.
Debut Impressions
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Duclair made their debuts for the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively, leaving strong first impressions. Kuznetsov registered two shots on goal and a plus-minus rating of +1, while Duclair found the back of the net and assisted another goal, even seeing time on the power play with notable forwards Stamkos and Cirelli. Their roles on their new teams hint at valuable fantasy contributions down the stretch.
Furthermore, Jack Roslovic's debut with the New York Rangers saw him line up on the top line alongside Zibanejad and Kreider, earning time on the second power-play unit as well. Given the Rangers' busy schedule with five games this week, Roslovic's prominent role could translate into a fruitful week for fantasy managers who pick him up or slot him into their starting lineup.
Conclusion
The NHL trade deadline not only reshapes team rosters but also significantly impacts the landscape of fantasy hockey. As teams integrate their new acquisitions and adjust their lines, opportunities arise for savvy fantasy managers to capitalize. The moves mentioned above highlight some of the players who have seen their stock rise as a result of the deadline deals. Monitoring their performance and adjusting fantasy rosters accordingly could be the key to championship glory in fantasy leagues this season. Keep an eye on these players as their new roles unfold, and don't hesitate to make bold claims that could lead your fantasy team to victory.