A trade can have a significant impact on a player’s fantasy value. So this week’s Finding Fantasy Value focuses on players whose fantasy values should improve as a result of moving to new teams before Monday’s trade deadline. For more fantasy analysis on the trade deadline, check out Dobber Hockey’s Trade Deadline Tracker.
As always, whether you add any of these players should depend on your league settings (points only vs. multicategory), other available players, and team needs.
Ryan McDonagh, D
Once McDonagh recovers from the upper-body injury that is currently sidelining him, he could experience a significant boost in fantasy value. The Tampa Bay offense and power play are both among the best in the league, which should help McDonagh reach his full offensive potential. Because of Monday’s trade from the Rangers, he is worth trading for or adding if he happens to be available. Of course, trading for an injured player is risky, but the return could be tremendous if the price is modest.
J.T. Miller, C/LW/RW
Miller made his Bolts’ debut on Wednesday against Buffalo, playing on a line with Tyler Johnson (see more line combinations here). Although he was held without a point, he delivered four hits and saw some power-play time. The move to Tampa Bay could be massive for Miller’s fantasy value, particularly if he is moved onto the top line. The Lightning boast the league’s top offence, so there is a better chance that Miller will find higher-scoring linemates than what is left with the Rangers after their major sell.
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Rick Nash, LW
Nash should also experience a spike to his fantasy value with a move out of New York. Although his point totals have declined over the last few seasons, he is still in the top 25 in the league in shots taken (199). Nash’s acquisition could help not only his goal and point totals, but also that of new linemates David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. The Bruins also have a great fantasy playoff schedule with lots of games down the stretch, so Nash could pay dividends as he also plays for his next contract.
Paul Stastny, C
On Monday, Stastny moved from a sagging Blues squad to the high-flying offense of the Jets. He was immediately placed on a line with Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Not only that, but he was also added to the Jets’ potent first-unit power play. And like Nash, Stastny is also playing for his next contract. Even if Stastny is moved off the Laine-Ehlers line, the Jets still roll three solid scoring lines, so Stastny should be fine the rest of the way.
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Derick Brassard, C
Brassard also ended up on a better team with the potential for a points rate increase. Although he was held without a point in his Penguins’ debut on Tuesday, he was placed on a line with high-scoring Phil Kessel. Brassard was hot even before the trade, as he recorded nine points over his last seven games as a Senator. Also like the Jets, the Penguins can also send out three scoring lines. Brassard probably won’t face any team’s top shutdown defenders, as those should be saved for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Tomas Tatar, LW/RW
Everything that Vegas has touched this season has turned to gold. That might be reason enough to add Tatar as a potential bounceback candidate, as he receives a fresh start with the Golden Knights. Tatar was held scoreless in his debut with his new team, but he did take four shots on goal and received power-play time. Tatar is currently on pace for his fourth consecutive 20-goal season, which should make him worth considering in deep leagues at least.
