Taking a look back in the past week at players who've performed after the trade deadline and who's taken advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to them.
Sam Gagner - C - Oilers
With both Ales Hemsky and Taylor Hall going down with injuries, someone has to step up to the game and it sounds like Gagner's done a fine job doing his thing. Since the injuries, his playing time has naturally been ramped up from about 16 minutes to almost 20 minutes in the past few games. Well worth the gamble as a bench Center with good upside at this point in the season since the Oilers have nothing to play for except getting out of the basement in the standings.
James Reimer - G - Maple Leafs
Sounds like the Leafs have given the reins to Reimer since Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson have been rendered ineffective and injured, respectively. Plus the Leafs feel like they have a shot at making it to the playoffs this year so it sounds like they've placed all their hope on him. He'll have his terrible games every once in a while but I think he'll make for a nice add with the Leafs relying on him so much. Give him a shot if injuries and/or ineffectiveness have affected your team as well.
Andrej Sekera - D - Sabres
After being benched for a few games, it seems to have lit a fire in his play since he's had 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) in the past few games and has also had his playing time ramped up to past the 20 minute mark in that same span of time. Play the hot hand for your team as a D4 and ride it until the streak dies and find the next player then.
I apologize for this being short and sweet but I've not been well lately and it'd be best not to let my lack of rest and recovery make me suggest something I would regret later, like dumping Ilya Kovalchulk and the like. If I find any more names after my brief hibernation, I'll be sure to add it on here.