Fantasy Hockey 2011: Trade Targets

Every Wednesday I'll be compiling a list of fantasy owned players that you should consider buying low, or selling high. Enjoy.

Buy Low

Dustin Byfuglien - Winnipeg Jets

The big defenceman is starting to heat up with 7 points in his last 6 games. He's out to prove that last season's breakout performance wasn't a fluke, his conditioning has been poor but with a quarter of the season in the books - it looks like he's getting back into the groove. See if you can pry him away for a discount.

Eric Staal - Carolina Hurricanes

Hard to believe he's on this list, but that's the kind of season its been. There has been no consistency or chemistry with his line-mates, never fear however, he's still a valuable fantasy asset. Let's face it, he's Eric Staal - he's going to bounce back. See if the GM in your league is fed up with his early performance - if so, jump all over it. 

Zach Parise - New Jersey Devils

It's been a quiet start to the season for Zach, not horrible - but not Parise-ish. 10 points in 16 games, and that's considered struggling? Once Kovalchuk gets back that will free up space for Parise on the ice. Throw an offer at your local GM - you never know what kind of response you'll get.

Just a note on all of this weeks "Buy Low" players, all three are in the upper echelon of shots on goal this season, in fact Staal & Byfuglien are in the top-5. Look for those shots to start going in soon.

Sell High

Joffrey Lupul - Toronto Maple Leafs

Good news! 8 points in 7 games for Joffrey Lupul! Bad news! He's not going to keep it up! He won't be the only Leaf that falls back down to earth, but he's the safest bet. If you own him, you've enjoyed the time you've had together but it's time to shop him around. See if you could get a (real) top line forward for him.

Mike Smith - Phoenix Coyotes

He's playing out of this world right now, and is standing on his head for the 'Yotes but his resume suggests he won't keep it up. Late bloomer? He's faced a ton of shots, too many actually. He's never played over 42 games in a season, so a burn-out is possible.

and finally...

Phil Kessel - Toronto Maple Leafs

Alright, let me set this one straight. He's been the best point producer thus far this season, so if your going to be shopping him around act like he's going be in the top-5 in scoring at the end of the season. Ask for world (well at least a very good player/package) for the guy, maybe there is a die-hard Leafs fan that will give you Ovechkin for him? Or maybe not.

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