Fantasy Hockey: Breaking Down the Deadline Deals and the Fantasy Implications

The NHL trade deadline once again lived up to the hype with several high profile players changing sweaters.

Here are the five biggest trades that went down and what the fantasy significance of those trades.

1. Nash’s Value Goes Up in Boston: The Boston Bruins acquired Nash for a package of players including Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey. While the Rangers were willing to take those two players on, the addition of young defensemen Ryan Lindgren and a first round pick is what got the deal done.

In Nash, the Bruins get a veteran winger who can play in all situations and score. Nash has scored 19 goals in 62 games this season which aren’t bad numbers considering how much he has struggled at times. Nash only has 11 assists on the season but I expect his assist totals to go up playing on a team that has better all around talent offensively than the Rangers did.

Nash is owned in only 31% of standard ESPN leagues right now. If you need a depth forward to plug into your line up three or four times a week, picking up Nash would be a smart move. Nash’s DFS value also went up as a result of this deal.

2. McDonagh Gives the Bolts a Jolt: The Lightning paid a steep price to acquire McDonagh and forward J.T Miller but it is worth it because they are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

McDonagh has averaged almost 24 minutes of ice time per game and is a +7 on the season. That means he plays a lot and he takes care of the puck. He is as steady as they come on the back end. McDonagh has 2 goals and 24 assists on the season but I expect those numbers to go up playing in Jon Cooper’s wide open, fast paced system.

If you are a McDonagh owner, you couldn’t have asked for a better landing spot.

3. Jump Aboard the Kane Train in San Jose: Evander Kane owners should be thrilled that Kane has been traded to the Sharks. Playing with guys like Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski should be a boost to Kane’s production. Kane will get plenty of ice time on both the first and second line. He will pay immediate dividends for the Sharks and fantasy owners alike.

4. Maroon and Grabner Help You and the Devils: The Devils have struggled to score on a consistent basis but the additions of Michael Grabner and Patrick Maroon should add a spark to New Jersey’s anemic offense. Grabner is a scorer. He has limited cross category potential.

Maroon on the other hand can get you points in other ways so if both players are available in your league, Maroon would probably be the better player to pick up. Either way, both players could help fantasy owners if they are looking for some late season scoring.

5. Brassard’s Numbers Will Spike in Pittsburgh: Brassard is having a career year and he will produce even more playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Brassard plays in all situations and will get the necessary ice time to be a cross category producer.

All of the teams that made deals on Monday improved. The question is, will your fantasy hockey team improve because of these deals. I say yes. Players like Nash, Grabner and Maroon are all available on to be picked in standard 10 team leagues. If they are available in your league, grab them!

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