If you missed out on the early entries into my weekly series, you can find it all right here: Fake Teams Fantasy Hockey.
In the snake draft league - This was Made in Kariya - I picked up another win in a tight week to move into second place. My goalies showed up, but my offense didn't and I was lucky to pick up the narrowest of wins. Either way, I'm in a first round bye position with only two weeks to go in the regular season. In the auction draft league - Don't Toews me bro! - a MASSIVE win against the first place team moves me into first! Again, I'm in a first round bye position and in control of my own destiny. Overall, it was a phenomenal week for me as I went 6-0-0 in hockey (and 2-0-0 in basketball as well) and I'm now 70-32-11 in head to head matchups on the year. My matchup winning percentage is 0.668 for the year among all leagues versus my category (points) winning percentage of 0.577.
Week Twenty (March 2-8) Preview:
4 Game Week: Calgary, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, Ottawa, Philadelphia
2 Game Week: St. Louis, Winnipeg
All other teams at 3 games
Trade Deadline:
This week, we'll be looking at those trades that have already occurred prior to today's trade deadline and reviewing players fantasy value in light of their new situations. I'll either be updating it through the day as trades come in or I'll right a new article once the deadline is finished at 15:00 EST. I haven't yet decided. I guess I will decide based on the trade activity today.
Regardless, you can find finalized NHL trades here: NHL.com/tradedeadline
For more up to date trade news, I find that TSN is usually the first to report: TSN.ca/tradecentre
With the volume of trades made in advance of the deadline already, one has to wonder how busy we'll be today? Many of the larger assets have already moved to the big players. We've been lucky to have had fairly active trade deadline activity the last couple years, but this year teams have been proactive in their wheeling and dealing. What gives me hope is that the standings are quite tight and there are important playoff battles going on not just at the playoff bubble, but for playoff seeding as well.
Already On The Move:
To Anaheim: Jiri Sekac
To Montreal: Devante Smith-Pelly
Fantasy Implications: I wouldn't expect their to be much here. Personally I feel as if Smith-Pelly adds more value to Montreal than Sekac to Anaheim, but Bruce Boudreau has a way of mixing up the lines frequently. It seems that everyone gets the opportunity to play on the Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry line, so what for Sekac to see if he does.
To Minnesota: Sean Bergenheim, 2016 7th Round Pick
To Florida: 2016 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Bergenheim has already been playing on the second line with Mikko Koivu and Thomas Vanek so there is potentially value to be had here. What remains to be seen is how much. Watch him, but I don't think he's worth adding right now. His departure from the Panthers doesn't even add value to anyone there as he simply made room in the top six for new addition Jaromir Jagr. It's interesting that they were willing to sell Bergenheim when they're right on the playoff bubble though.
To Winnipeg: Jiri Tlusty
To Carolina: 2016 3rd Round Pick, Conditional 2015 6th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Tlusy has been a sneaky favourite of mine the last few years. When He was playing with Eric Staal and Alex Semin (and they were actually playing alright), Tlusty was a consistent source of goals, powerplay points, and shots and was frequently available across most fantasy leagues. He's immediately slotted into the second line on the Jets with Drew Stafford and Mark Scheifele and should once again be fantasy relevant for the remainder of the year. Watch for him, he could provide late to mid round value from here on out. I'd like to say his leaving the Hurricanes will open up value there, but I don't think it will. You'll want to continue to avoid them.
To Pittsburgh: Daniel Winnik
To Toronto: Zach Sill, 2016 2nd Round Pick, 2015 4th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: There likely won't be any.
To Los Angeles: Andrej Sekera
To Carolina: Roland McKeown, Conditional 1st Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: What I don't get is why it took the Kings so long to make the defensive addition when they lost Slava Voynov at the beginning of the season and Alec Martinez a month ago. Either way, Sekera has been borderline fantasy relevant all year and should be in a similar position for the rest of the year. He might even lose a touch of value as he'll be further down the depth chart on the Kings, but we'll have to see first. I think he'll still get ample opportunity on the second powerplay unit.
To St. Louis: Adam Cracknell
To Columbus: Future Considerations
Fantasy Implications: Absolutely none.
To Florida: Jaromir Jagr
To New Jersey: 2015 2nd Round Pick, 2016 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Jagr is one of the all time greats, make no mistake about that, but he has been absolutely awful this year. I want to tell you that he'll be better as a result of this trade, but I need to see it first. In theory it should help. He moves from one of the worst offensive teams in the league to one only slightly better. He moves from a team where he was out of favour with Lou Lamoriello and seeing declining minutes to a team willing and ready to give him first line minutes. He moves from a team out of the race to one on the bubble. I like the changes for him and hope he can get it together. Watch him closely, but I'm not adding quite yet.
To Columbus: David Clarkson
To Toronto: Nathan Horton
Fantasy Implications: This would have been a big trade a couple years ago, but David Clarkson has been a regular scratch this year and Nathan Horton's career is likely finished. This was simply about money. The smaller market Blue Jackets get a player that will actually see the ice, so they can feel better about paying him. The larger market Maple Leafs get a player that while he won't play, also won't count against their cap hit as he'll be on long term IR. This trade works for well for both teams. I don't think Clarkson will do anything this year, but he has been good in the past (he has a 20 goal season on his belt) and he could be relevant again next year.
To Chicago: Kimmo Timonen
To Philadelphia: 2015 2nd Round Pick, Conditional 2016 4th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: This seems like an awful lot to pay for someone who hasn't played a single game this year, but the Blackhawks are obviously looking to solidify dynasty status with their third cup in six years. It's great to see such a great player return to health and we're all very happy for him and his family, but with the depth of the Hawks defense, I don't think he gets enough opportunity to make a fantasy impact. That said, he very well could add a meaningful locker room and intangible impact to the Hawks on their run. With Johnny Oduya and Trevor van Riemsdyk injured, a defenseman to replace them was actually more important to the Hawks success than replacing Patrick Kane.
To Washington: Tim Gleason
To Carolina: Jack Hillen, 2015 4th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Shouldn't be any, I see a third line role for Gleason.
To Anaheim: Tomas Fleischmann
To Florida: Dany Heatley, 2015 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Again interesting that the Panthers would part with Fleischmann when they're right in the thick of it. Dany Heatley has been given more chances than anyone else in the league over the last five years, so I'm not holding my breathe this time. Similar to Sekac, Fleischmann could be slotted into just about any role and will have to be watched. His ability to make more consistent contributions make him more valuable than Sekac for me and I could see him being a regular on one of the top two lines making him borderline rosterable.
To Chicago: Antoine Vermette
To Arizona: Klas Dahlbeck, 2015 1st Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: The Blackhawks went and replaced Patrick Kane anyway. It's official, they're going for it. I'm expecting him to jump onto the second line immediately with either Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp or Kris Versteeg and Brad Richards. He should also fit in on the second powerplay unit. Either way, he's immediately relevant and should probably be picked up in most standard leagues. This will obviously have a negative affect on either Sharp or Richards, whichever one is demoted to the third line. On the Coyotes, their is an immediate hole on the top line and powerplay as their top center has been moved. Martin Erat might have some additional value in deep leagues, but no one will be standard league relevant in the desert.
To Washington: Curtis Glencross
To Calgary: 2015 2nd Round Pick, 2015 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: It's sad to see my favourite Flame (and jersey name-bearer) leave Calgary. Despite being right in the thick of it for the last playoff seeds in the West, I think this was the right move for the Flames. They're in the middle of a rebuild and are grossly over-performing expectations this year, but they haven't been the same over the last couple months and are steadily moving down the standings. To top it off, our captain and rock on the blueline, Mark Giordano, is out indefinitely on the IR and he is the most important player in our ability to succeed. I just don't think we have got what it takes and I'm really glad that management has decided to continue on the rebuild instead of delaying it like we have the last ten years. That said, Glenny should immediately make an impact on the Capitals, but it might not show in fantasy. He's a great player who will bring a lot of energy and intangibles to his new club. His greatest asset is his versatility. I expect Barry Trotz to move him throughout the first three lines, predominantly landing on the third line. Not likely worth adding unless he gets consistent minutes in the top six.
To New York Rangers: Keith Yandle, Chris Summers, 2015 4th Round Pick
To Arizona: John Moore, Anthony Duclair, Conditional 2016 1st Round Pick, 2015 2nd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: The biggest deal of the year to date, it might wind up being the biggest of the year period. Keith Yandle was the premier asset on the trade block this year and will immediately see his value increase. He should see all the same opportunity in New York as he did in the desert, with the bonus of playing with better talent. He should see modest increases across the board with a substantial increase in plus/minus. It remains to be seen how this will affect Ryan McDonagh, he will have less opportunity playing second fiddle to Yandle, but he could also benefit greatly from playing with him. We'll just have to see. Presumably all players on the Coyotes will suffer with Vermette and Yandle leaving, Oliver Ekman-Larsson being the potential exception.
To Winnipeg: Lee Stempniak
To New York Rangers: Carl Klingberg
Fantasy Implications: Stempniak could jump onto one of the top two lines, but I see him moving onto the third line. If I'm right, he won't be fantasy relevant. Watch though and see where he slots in.
To New York Rangers: James Sheppard
To San Jose: 2016 4th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: There are none.
To Detroit: Erik Cole, Conditional 2015 3rd Round Pick
To Dallas: Mattias Backman, Mattias Janmark, 2015 2nd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Cole has history before of contributing, but has always been a better real life player than fantasy player. I don't expect him to make a difference in fantasy, but he could fit in anywhere on the Red Wings and we'll first have to see how Mike Babcock wants to utilize him.
Busy Packing Their Bags?
Patrick Sharp might be the best player rumoured to be on the move. Bringing in Vermette would seem to add some credibility to this, but that is far from a sure thing. They like having offensive depth and are going for it all this year. For what it's worth, the Blackhawks have said he is not on the block despite what many hockey insiders are saying. If he does move, it will be a blockbuster involving valuable players in return for their Cup run.
It seems like every player in Toronto is on the move and there are rumours abound regarding Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and Tyler Bozak. Phaneuf will be highly sought after and despite the fact the I constantly make fun of him for screwing everything up (I'm still bitter regarding his time in Calgary), he can be a difference maker in the right situation. I don't think he is a capable captain and a change in scenery where he won't be so heavily scrutinized will probably do wonders for him. I find it hard to believe that Kessel will get traded, he is the star that they want to keep through their rebuild. Lupul and Bozak will probably move tomorrow though. Both can make a contribution elsewhere, but we will have to see where they land.
Jeff Petry is one of the better defensmen on the block and I think it's almost a sure thing that he is moved. The Oilers are (again) not going anywhere and have nothing to lose. Marek Zidlicky with the Devils and Zbynek Michalek with the Coyotes look like they may also be on the move. All are good defenseman and could be fantasy relevant (maybe not Michalek, he's more of a defensive guy).
Chris Stewart of the Sabres might be one of my favourite players to pick up should he get traded. I still remember his contributions as a member of the Blues where he could score goals, rough it up, play on the powerplay, and shoot. Should he move to a contender and get ample opportunity, he could be a waiver wire gem.
I guess we'll find out what happens to these players later today!
Trade Deadline Deals:
8:33 EST Update - Actual trade occurred around 3:00 EST, reported around 2:00 EST (yes that's AM)
To Boston: Brett Connolly
To Tampa Bay: 2015 2nd Round Pick, 2016 Second Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: I like Brett Connolly and think he can score in a top six role, but I'm surprised to see the Bruins pull the trigger on this deal as they were strongly linked to Chris Stewart (who would seem to fit their style better). The Bruins lines are rather even and fluid, but it will still depend on just which line he winds up on before we know exactly what to expect from him. As of right now he moves from a third line role and fantasy irrelevance to likely being bubble add worthy. This shouldn't have much of an impact on his old linemates Cedric Paquette and Valtteri Filppula as Jonathan Drouin will likely move up to the third line.
8:33 EST Update - Actual trade occurred around 3:00 EST, reported around 2:00 EST
To Boston: Brayden Coburn
To Tampa Bay: Radko Guda, 2015 1st Round Pick, 2015 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Obviously the Lightning want to win now as well as they stock up their blueline. Gudas was out for the rest of the year and should be a good fit in Philly next year, Coburn adds quality depth and a veteran presence to their defense for their cup run. Coburn won't likely make a big fantasy impact for the rest of the year and can be ignored in standard leagues.
9:04 EST Update
To Montreal: Jeff Petry
To Edmonton: 2015 2nd Round Pick, Conditional 2015 5th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Montreal adds one of the top defeseman available today in Jeff Petry. His numbers should increase all around and makes him borderline relevant. He will be a little deep on the Canadiens depth chart, so you won't likely be required to make the add, but this is a very good addition for their Cup aspirations.
11:20 EST Update
To Montreal: Brian Flynn
To Buffalo: 2016 5th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: This is a depth trade and won't play into the fantasy landscape this year.
11:20 EST Update
To St. Louis: Zbynek Michalek, Conditional 2015 3rd Round Pick
To Arizona: Maxim Letunov
Fantasy Implications: Michalek is a defensive specialist and he won't likely play in fantasy unless you play with blocked shots. There's question as to when he will even be able to play due to the concussion he is currently sidelined with. Reports say he is symptom free and almost ready to start skating, so hopefully it's soon. This should shore up the Blues D for a deep playoff run.
We got locked out of FakeTeams for a little while, so I wasn't able to post updates. Getting back to that now.
14:28 EST Update
To San Jose: Ben Smith, Conditional 2017 7th Round Pick
To Chicago: Andrew Desjardins
Fantasy Implications: Both of these guys are bottom six forwards and won't make a fantasy impact. Smith has some more skill and San Jose could use him creatively like Chicago occasionally did, but I wouldn't hold my breathe.
14:32 EST Update
To Detroit: Marek Zidlicky
To New Jersey: 2016 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: It looks like the Red Wings won't be picking up Phaneuf like they've been rumoured to, but Zidlicky is a good role player with offensive upside. Despite being further down the depth chart in Detroit, Zidlicky arguably has more fantasy value here just due to who he's now playing with. If you have a borderline fourth or fifth defenseman, I'd consider picking up Zidlicky.
14:38 EST Update
To New York Islanders: Tyler Kennedy
To San Jose: Conditional 2016 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Kennedy will add solid bottom six depth to the Islanders for their playoff run and could be a source of penalty minutes and semi-consistent scoring. The Islanders seem to like rolling their lines and scoring via group contributions which means that their bottom six could have value. I probably still wouldn't add him, but he could be watch list material in hits leagues.
14:42 EST Update
To Pittsburgh: Ian Cole
To St. Louis: Robert Bortuzzo, 2016 7th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: This is a rare trade where two contenders make a deal and really sums up to a depth deal. Don't worry about this in fantasy.
14:44 EST Update
To Colorado: Freddie Hamilton
To San Jose: Karl Stollery
Fantasy Implications: Dougie Hamilton's brother, but there is nothing to note here. More depth trades.
14:48 EST Update
To New York Islanders: Michal Neuvirth
To Buffalo: Chad Johnson, Conditional 2016 3rd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: This is simply a matter of the Sabres trying to sabotage their season. They've now traded away their top two goalies that they started the season with. Good news for Chad Johnson though as he will now become the starter on a very bad Buffalo team. He's only worth picking up if you're in a saves league and are punting anything not volume. Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth are better goalies than Chad Johnson and they weren't worth owning; and the team just got even worse around them. Jaroslav Halak has played a lot so far this season and with a better backup in place now, I could see him getting some rest coming into the playoffs.
14:53 EST Update
To Vancouver: Cory Connacher
To New York Islanders: Dustin Jeffrey
Fantasy Implications: There are none, although I like what the Canucks did as Connacher is fairly skilled and has showed promise.
14:55 EST Update
To Minnesota: Jordan Leopold
To Columbus: Justin Falk, 2015 5th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Leopold won't likely be worth owning but he has contributed before. Add him to the watch list, but don't add just yet.
14:58 EST Update
To Arizona: David Leggio
To New York Islanders: Mark Louis
Fantasy Implications: Nope. Just nope.
15:00 EST Update
To St. Louis: Olli Jokinen
To Toronto: Joakim Lindstrom, Conditional 2016 6th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Jokinen can provide solid third line minutes and depth scoring for the Blues and will be a good playoff addition. He has lots of experience, just not playoff experience. I don't think he becomes an add, but he is a really high watch list player. He will likely flirt with late round/waiver wire value for the rest of the year.
15:03 EST Update
To Montreal: Torrey Mitchell
To Buffalo: Jack Nevins, 2016 7th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: There is little to report here from a fantasy implication. Mitchell will likely have a defensive role and provides more depth for the club.
15:06 EST Update
To Pittsburgh: Ben Lovejoy
To Anaheim: Simon Despres
Fantasy Implications: Organizational depth, pay no attention.
15:10 EST Update
To Minnesota: Chris Stewart
To Buffalo: 2017 2nd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Stewart has the opportunity to be a real force in the top six or he could be a complete dud. Minnesota doesn't exactly have the best track record with their recent acquisitions, but I like this deal. He has a lot of upside and will immediately be put on my watch list.
15:20 EST Update
To Vancouver: Sven Baertschi
To Calgary: 2017 2nd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: It's interesting to see Sven get traded as I was actually just talking to a buddy of mine about the possibility of this a few days ago. I haven't quite figured out how I feel about it yet as a Flames fan, but this won't at all impact fantasy this year. Vancouver has added some good young skilled players to their system today and should be excited though.
15:35 EST Update
To Boston: Maxim Talbot, Paul Carey
To Colorado: Jordan Caron, 2016 6th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: The Bruins add some needed depth to their bottom six who can also score in Maxim Talbot. I think that he fits the Bruins mold well and brings playoff experience with him. Unfortunately, he won't help your team in fantasy.
15:40 EST Update
To Anaheim: James Wisniewski
To Columbus: Rene Bourque, William Karlsson , 2015 2nd Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: Finally we have someone who will make a difference being traded on deadline day! The Wiz can immediately help fantasy owners and the move to a better team with stronger offensive depth can only help him. The Ducks have been hurt by injuries to their defense and Wiz should be in line for all the responsibility that he can handle. Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler may take a bit of a downgrade with the new acquisition. I personally cannot stand Rene Bourque (haven't for years since his days in Calgary) and I'm glad to say that he will never again make a difference (he just cleared waivers this morning before being immediately traded again).
15:55 EST Update
To Anaheim: Korbinian Holzer
To Toronto: Eric Brewer, 2016 5th Round Pick
Fantasy Implications: None, pass on by.
16:05 EST Update
To Anaheim: Michael Sgarbossa
To Colorado: Mat Clark
Fantasy Implications: Again, nothing to worry about.
16:50 EST Update
To Minnesota: Jared Knight
To Boston: Zach Phillips
Fantasy Implications: A last second minor league deal.
Not surprisingly, the Blackhawks did not trade Patrick Sharp. I didn't expect him to and neither should anyone else. More surprisingly, the Maple Leafs didn't move any of their big assets other than Olli Jokinen this year. No Dion Phaneuf, no Phil Kessel, no Joffrey Lupul, no Tyler Bozak. I never expected Kessel to move and Phaneuf (while more likely) was also a large contract that would've been difficult to structure a deal around. I did expect Lupul and Bozak to move though.
All in all, it was a pretty lackluster day full of depth deals. I expected this as the big trades all occurred prior to the actual deadline day with Evander Kane, Keith Yandle, Jiri Tlusty, Jaromir Jagr, Curtis Glencross, and Antoine Vermette all moving beforehand. There won't be too much change in fantasy hockey, and that which will should be outlined above. Good luck as you chase fantasy glory this year!
Week Twenty-One (March 9-15) Preview:
4 Game Week: Anaheim, Boston, Carolina, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Nashville, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Toronto
2 Game Week: Buffalo, Chicago
All other teams at 3 games
My NHL Schedule:
The NHL Schedule has not been revised for anything since last week but can be found here: 2014-15 NHL Schedule . Don't forget to change the time zone to your appropriate time zone. The one thing I ask of you is that you do not take my schedule and use it for your own personal gains. Please do not sell it, you can direct people here to find it, but do not sell it.
I'm new to the twitterverse, but I'd love to hear your feedback and questions. Follow me on Twitter @HockeyGauntlet for more of my thoughts and all of your fantasy hockey needs.