As the NHL trade deadline, which took place on March 8th, came and went, a flurry of activity has profoundly impacted fantasy hockey rosters across leagues. Teams have been shuffling their lineups in hopes of securing a winning combination for the playoff push, leaving fantasy managers to assess the ramifications of these movements carefully.
Goalie Movements in New Jersey
In the wake of Mackenzie Blackwood's injury, the New Jersey Devils made significant moves by acquiring goaltenders Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen. Both goaltenders are set to see an uptick in playing time, providing them a golden opportunity to rack up valuable fantasy points. Fantasy managers in need of goalie stats should keep a close eye on their performances in the coming weeks.
Teravainen's Point Streak Continues
Carolina's Teuvo Teravainen is currently on a roll, amassing points in seven consecutive games. His consistent performance makes him a fantasy asset, particularly in leagues where points and power-play points are at a premium. Managers would do well to take advantage of Teravainen's current form.
Islanders and Anders Lee
Anders Lee, of the New York Islanders, is another player who has been lighting up the scoresheet. With 4 goals and 4 assists in his last ten games, Lee has been a valuable contributor. Given the Islanders' packed schedule, including a four-game stretch, Lee is poised to be a significant fantasy asset in the near term.
Casey Mittelstadt Joins Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Casey Mittelstadt to their lineup, where he debuted with 13 minutes of ice time. Boasting 14 goals and 47 points over 63 games this season, Mittelstadt brings a promising scoring touch to his new team. Fantasy managers should monitor his usage and production closely, as he could become a lucrative pickup.
Killorn's Scoring Streak with Anaheim
Alex Killorn has found a new gear with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring eight goals and adding two assists in his past 13 games. Currently on a four-game goal streak, Killorn's hot hand makes him a must-own in all fantasy formats, especially with the Ducks embarking on a four-game road trip.
Kuznetsov and Duclair's Debut Performances
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Duclair both made notable debuts with their respective teams. Kuznetsov, now with the Hurricanes, registered two shots on goal and a positive plus-minus rating. Meanwhile, Duclair not only scored a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay but also saw time on the power play alongside Stamkos and Cirelli. Their performances suggest they are worth consideration in fantasy leagues, particularly if they continue to see time in favorable situations.
Roslovic's Bright Start with the Rangers
Jack Roslovic made an immediate impact in his debut for the New York Rangers, skating on the top line alongside Zibanejad and Kreider and taking a spot on the second power-play unit. With the Rangers scheduled for five games this week, Roslovic's fantasy stock is on the rise. His placement on the top line and power-play opportunities indicate a potential for high fantasy output, making him a player to watch and possibly add to rosters.
As the dust settles from a frenetic trade deadline, fantasy hockey managers must remain vigilant, tracking these new acquisitions and their integration into their new teams. Whether it's a goalie stepping into a starting role due to injury, a forward catching fire with a new squad, or a player seizing a prime spot on the power play, these moves can significantly impact the fantasy landscape. Keeping pace with these changes can be the difference between hoisting your fantasy league's championship or pondering what might have been.