As the NHL trade deadline of March 8th has come and gone, several teams made moves that have had significant impacts on fantasy hockey landscapes. These adjustments, ranging from goaltender swaps to key forward line changes, have altered the course for many teams as they eye the playoffs and for fantasy managers looking to adjust their rosters for a championship run.
Goalie Carousel in New Jersey
With Mackenzie Blackwood sidelined due to injury, the New Jersey Devils acted quickly to shore up their netminding responsibilities. The acquisition of Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen has injected fresh vitality into the Devils’ defense. Given Blackwood's absence, both Allen and Kahkonen are presented with a golden opportunity to seize considerable playing time. Fantasy managers in search of goaltending stability or perhaps a hot hand should pay close attention to how this situation unfolds, as both goalies come with the potential to make a definitive impact.
Rising Forwards to Watch
In terms of offensive prowess, a few players have recently emerged as noteworthy fantasy considerations. Teuvo Teravainen, enjoying a seven-game point streak with the Carolina Hurricanes, demonstrates his consistent ability to contribute scoring. This kind of performance not only bolsters the Hurricanes’ offense but also makes Teravainen a valuable asset for fantasy managers in need of reliable point production.
Anders Lee of the New York Islanders has also raised eyebrows with his recent form, notching 4 goals and 4 assists in his last ten games. With the Islanders scheduled for a four-game stretch, Lee’s recent performance suggests he could be a key fantasy contributor during this period.
Furthermore, Casey Mittelstadt's move to Colorado has been met with great interest. Logging 13 minutes of ice time in his debut and carrying a season record of 14 goals and 47 points in 63 games, Mittelstadt is a player to watch. His scoring prowess could beautifully complement Colorado’s deep offensive roster, making him an intriguing option for fantasy managers.
Lastly, Alex Killorn has caught the fantasy hockey world's attention with eight goals and two assists in his past 13 games for the Anaheim Ducks. Currently on a four-game goal streak and with the Ducks embarking on a four-game road trip, Killorn's hot hand could continue to provide ample fantasy rewards.
New Faces in New Places
The shake-up didn’t end with goalies and forwards. Evgeny Kuznetsov, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, and Anthony Duclair of Tampa Bay made notable debuts with their new teams. Kuznetsov posted two shots on goal and a positive plus-minus rating in his first outing, indicating his potential for impactful play. Meanwhile, Duclair not only scored and assisted in his Tampa Bay debut but also saw time on the power play alongside Stamkos and Cirelli, suggesting a significant role moving forward.
Jack Roslovic's debut with the New York Rangers similarly stands out. Slotting in on the top line with Zibanejad and Kreider and playing on the second power-play unit, Roslovic’s integration into the Rangers' setup could not have been more promising. Given the Rangers are scheduled for five games this week, Roslovic presents a lucrative fantasy opportunity for astute managers looking to capitalize on his elevated playing situation.
As the NHL season progresses towards the playoffs, the trades made at the deadline have reshaped team dynamics and fantasy hockey standings alike. Teams have adjusted their rosters in hopes of securing a favorable postseason position, while fantasy managers must similarly adapt to the changing NHL landscape. The aforementioned players represent some of the most compelling transfer-related developments that could influence fantasy hockey outcomes. Monitoring these players and capitalizing on their potential could be the difference between fantasy glory and disappointment as the season enters its critical final phase.