As the dust settles from the NHL trade deadline on March 8th, fantasy hockey managers are busy recalibrating their strategies in light of the numerous trades that reshuffled the deck across the league. This deadline was marked by significant moves that could potentially alter the fantasy hockey landscape, particularly concerning goaltenders, forwards, and power-play contributors. Teams have made strategic acquisitions to bolster their line-ups, and these changes provide a fresh set of opportunities (and challenges) for fantasy managers.
Goaltending Shifts in New Jersey
The New Jersey Devils made a notable move by acquiring goaltenders Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen, given the unfortunate injury to Mackenzie Blackwood. This trade opens up a clear opportunity for both goalies to see significant playing time. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the sharing of the crease in New Jersey, as either Allen or Kahkonen could emerge as a valuable asset down the crucial stretch towards the playoffs.
On Fire: Forwards Making Their Mark
Several forwards are hitting their stride at the perfect time, bringing joy to fantasy managers who have them rostered. Carolina's Teuvo Teravainen is on an impressive seven-game point streak, showcasing his ability to be a consistent point producer. His streak is a testament to his skill and should not be overlooked by managers looking for reliable scorers.
Another player turning heads is Anders Lee, who has tallied four goals and four assists in his last ten outings. The New York Islanders forward is peaking at an opportune moment, especially with the team heading into a four-game stretch. Managers in need of goals and points should consider Lee a viable option.
New Faces in New Places
The trade deadline also saw several players making their debuts with new teams, bringing potential fantasy relevance. Casey Mittelstadt, recently acquired by the Colorado Avalanche, logged 13 minutes of ice time in his debut. With 14 goals and 47 points in 63 games this season, Mittelstadt's production could be a boon for fantasy managers, especially if he carves out a significant role with his new team.
Alex Killorn has made quite the entrance with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring eight goals and adding two assists in his past 13 games. Notably, Killorn is on a four-game goal streak, coinciding with the Ducks' four-game road trip. His hot streak and immediate impact make him a compelling pick for managers needing offensive production.
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Duclair, now with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning respectively, showed promise in their debuts. Kuznetsov fired two shots on goal and finished with a plus-minus rating of +1. Meanwhile, Duclair made an immediate impact, scoring a goal, assisting another, and seeing time on the power play alongside Stamkos and Cirelli. Their utilization in key situations is something fantasy managers should keep an eye on.
Jack Roslovic, in his debut for the New York Rangers, was prominently featured on the top line with Zibanejad and Kreider, in addition to playing on the second power-play unit. With the Rangers scheduled for five games this week, Roslovic's exposure to top-tier talent and special teams makes him an enticing option for managers in need of a late-season push.
Conclusion
The shifts and movements post-trade deadline have undoubtedly introduced new dynamics into the fantasy hockey landscape. As teams jockey for playoff positions and players adapt to new environments, fantasy managers must stay vigilant, tracking lineup changes, usage, and performance trends. The ability to quickly pivot and exploit emerging opportunities could very well be the difference-maker in securing fantasy glory as the NHL season heads into its critical final phase.