As the NHL trade deadline on March 8th has come and gone, the landscape of many teams has shifted dramatically, impacting not only the trajectory of the league but also sending ripples through the realm of fantasy hockey. Managers have been sent scrambling to adjust their rosters in response to the flurry of activity that has seen notable players don new jerseys. Let's delve into some of the most impactful moves and their potential consequences in the fantasy hockey realm.
Goalie Shuffle in New Jersey
In response to Mackenzie Blackwood's injury, the New Jersey Devils made a significant move to shore up their goaltending by acquiring Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen. This development opens the door wide for both goalies to vie for substantial playing time. Fantasy managers in need of goaltending should keep a close eye on how the Devils distribute starts between their new netminders, as both could provide value down the stretch.
Teravainen on Fire
In Carolina, Teuvo Teravainen's hot streak has been nothing short of spectacular for the Hurricanes and fantasy managers alike. Riding a seven-game point streak, Teravainen's production is a boon for those lucky enough to have him on their roster. As long as he maintains this level of play, he's a must-start in all fantasy formats.
Islanders’ Power Forward Steps Up
Anders Lee, the power forward for the New York Islanders, has been finding the back of the net with consistency, tallying 4 goals and adding 4 assists over his last ten games. With the Islanders facing a four-game stretch, Lee's recent form makes him a particularly attractive option for fantasy managers seeking offensive production.
Mid-Season Moves and Debuts
Several players are making notable debuts for their new teams, promising shifts in fantasy value that should be closely monitored. Casey Mittelstadt, now with the Colorado Avalanche, premiered with 13 minutes of ice time. Given his season tally of 14 goals and 47 points in 63 games, Mittelstadt is a player with potential upside in his new surroundings.
Over in Anaheim, Alex Killorn has hit the ground running with eight goals and two assists in his past 13 games. Currently on a four-game goal streak and with the Ducks embarking on a road trip, Killorn is showing signs of being a strong fantasy asset.
Evgeny Kuznetsov made his debut for the Carolina Hurricanes, managing two shots on goal and a positive plus-minus rating. His integration into the Hurricanes' lineup could provide fantasy value pending his role and ice time.
Meanwhile, Anthony Duclair didn't waste any time making an impact with Tampa Bay, scoring a goal and logging an assist in his debut. Seeing time on the power play alongside stalwarts like Stamkos and Cirelli, Duclair could become a significant fantasy contributor down the line.
Finally, Jack Roslovic's transition to the New York Rangers saw him placed on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, as well as a spot on the second power-play unit. With the Rangers scheduled for five games this week, Roslovic's fantasy stock could see a significant upswing based on his deployment and performance.
Conclusion
The fallout from the NHL trade deadline is a crucial period for fantasy hockey managers to stay vigilant. The shifts in player roles and team dynamics can dramatically alter the fantasy landscape, creating opportunities for those quick to adapt. From goalies gaining new starts to skaters finding their form with new teams, staying informed and ready to act on these changes is key to fantasy success. As the season progresses, monitoring these developments will be vital for managers aiming for fantasy glory.