I figured it’s a safe time to write this Trade Deadline article before the actual day wraps up because in all honesty, the Trade Deadline “day” is almost useless now. With a bunch of fantasy relevant names already on the move, I’ll list some of the biggest names you should be on as well as other players you should just pick up and drop. Also, watch for me on Twitter (@BESTofMATT) to break down the fantasy relevance of trades that happen to break throughout the day
Must Add
Teddy Purcell – RW – Florida Panthers
7% Owned
OPP: WPG/COL/ARI
This is risky, but risks win weekly matchups. Purcell is going to get every opportunity to keep being a top six forward in Florida and some strange part of me thinks he’s going to flourish. There’s two things that are going to push Purcell. First – he’s finally on a contender. Secondly – but most importantly; he’s on his contract year. Purcell is a high risk, high reward add this week and I’m in.
Zack Kassian – RW – Edmonton Oilers
1% Owned
OPP: BUF/PHI/CBJ/WPG
I can already hear it. “Why Zack Kassian?” It’s simple, with Teddy Purcell gone someone has to play on the second line. He hits and he’s starting to find the score sheet. Kassian has simply been impressing and now he’ll have an even bigger chance to impress playing alongside Leon Draisaitl and Taylor Hall.
Ryan Callahan – RW – Tampa Bay Lightning
33% Owned
OPP: ARI/NJD/BOS
Ryan Callahan is very much a second half player and he’s delivering on that premise. With five points in the last three games, Callahan has looked excellent on the ice. He’s stapled himself on the first line and the first powerplay unit. At 33% owned, if he’s still there – grab him quickly.
Dmitry Orlov – D – Washington Capitals
9% Owned
OPP: ARI/MTL/MIN/CHI
Dmitry Orlov has now scored more goals than his last three seasons combined. The rise of Orlov (sounds like a movie title, I should probably trademark it) has been paying dividends for owners who have stuck with him. With John Carlson out for 2-3 weeks, Orlov will get a bigger opportunity to shine in Washington. He has hits in five straight games, goals in two straight and a huge jump in playing time, scoop up Orlov before it’s too late.
William Nylander – C/RW – Toronto Maple Leafs
13% Owned
OPP: TBL/WSH/MIN/OTT
William Nylander represents the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The young Swede racked up 45 points in 37 games with the AHL’s Marlies and is going to get a big shot up with the Leafs. Already put on the second powerplay unit, Nylander is also slotted to be on the second line with Zach Hyman and Michael Grabner. His dual eligibility between C and RW offers you a fantastic flex opportunity as he’ll be mainly centering and racking up the faceoff wins.
Drops
Lee Stempniak – LW/RW- New Jersey Devils (Even if he gets traded, drop him)
44% Owned
OPP: NYR/CBJ/TBL
Lee Stempniak was only producing because nobody else in New Jersey is a threat to be a bigger offensive threat than Stempniak. He’s slumping there and will be a bottom six forward if/when he gets traded. He won’t get near enough time on ice with a new team and even if he sticks around with the Devils, like I said – he’s slumping.
James Reimer – G – San Jose Sharks
33% Owned
OPP: STL/COL/BUF/VAN
James Reimer had it good in Toronto when it came to getting starts. In San Jose he’ll take the backseat to Martin Jones and get some spot starts here or there (which makes him a great DFS play when the time comes). As of now, the Sharks are unsure as to when he’ll even join the team due to possible visa issues. It’s safe to cut ties with the former Leaf.
As the trades trickle in throughout the deadline – follow me on Twitter (@BESTofMATT) for all the latest fantasy hockey analysis.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions regarding NHL Fantasy or DFS, feel free to tweet me!
