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Even though the NHL trade deadline came and went on Monday with only 15 trades completed, fantasy teams everywhere will feel the ramifications of this day. Whether it's the players involved in the deals itself, or the spots opening up or being filled by other players. Either way, some players will benefit and some won't because of this day.
The Winners:
Jeff Petry - Tom Gilbert's exit means more minutes for Petry, who has risen through the Oiler depth chart at a rapid pace making Gilbert expendable. Nick Schultz will not be taking away any of Petry's minutes; only gets better from here on out for Petry.
Tom Gilbert - He immediately becomes Minnesota's best offensive defenceman, which really shouldn't be the case but as it turns out he trumps Jared Spurgeon for now. Gilbert is going to eat up a ton of minutes and will probably be better suited in the Wild system -- plus he's coming home, so that should boost his level of play.
winners continued...
Brian Rolston - Clearly, not the same player he used to be but he's returning to Boston where he's enjoyed some success in the past. He should fit in well into the Bruins system. I don't see him making a major impact in the regular season, however I do think he will be a factor with some clutch plays in the playoffs.
Jamie McGinn - All this kid needs is an opportunity. He's got offensive upside but has never able to show it with all the big names ahead of him in San Jose. Now he entertains his first real opportunity in Colorado. This isn't the healthiest of teams so he will get chances on the first and second lines.
T.J. Galiardi - He's had a rough go of things since he burst out onto the scene two seasons ago, the change of scenery will do him good. He plays both wings, so he's quite versatile. Galiardi may start off behind some guys on the depth chart but he could eventually be playing with Thornton/Pavelski or Couture/Clowe.
The Losers:
Cody Hodgson - For the time being I have no choice but to say he's on the losing side. For one Buffalo currently has two centermen ahead of him on the depth chart. Derek Roy and Tyler Ennis. Although their are rumblings that Derek Roy may be moved as soon as the summer, but for the time being, not much room. Hodgson seems like the type of player where he needs a lot of time to adjust in order to start playing well. His value for the rest of this season is minimal.
Torrey Mitchell/Benn Ferriero/Tommy Wingels - T.J. Galiardi is coming and he's going to be taking some of their minutes. It may not be drastic, it may even make that whole right wing group stronger. But keep on close eye on those three plus Galiardi and see who steps up as the top winger.
Benoit Pouliot/Dan Paille - Not that these guys have a lot of fantasy value (minimal) to begin with but now comes along Brian Rolston who the Bruins will be all excited to plug into their lineup, somethings gotta give minutes wise and it will come out of their ice-time.
Rick Nash - He doesn't get his wish, he remains a Blue Jacket. This could go either way. It could drive him to be a better player, or it could be a huge mental block and his game will suffer. I'm going to say the latter because the Jackets have all but pulled the plug on this season. However, do not be surprised if the Jack Johnson/Rick Nash combo had a couple of great games.