Good riddance to the month of January. Is it just me or does the yearly arrival of the polar vortex seem to signify that the NHL trade deadline is near? The clock is ticking towards Feb. 25.
As humanity continues to beg for warmth, there are numerous players in the NHL coming off red-hot months. Patrick Kane led all with 21 points; Johnny Gaudreau, Sebastian Aho, Evander Kane and Connor McDavid rounded out the top-five.
It’s important to maximize value when dealing with the allotted 30-point cap system in the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool. Players like Aho and E. Kane hold a lot of weight.
Go bargain hunting as you put together your next lineup.
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Now, to your questions:
James C. – @jawc15
Is Jake Muzzin worth a pickup in a 12-team league?
Believe it or not, I think Muzzin’s fantasy stock dropped with the trade to Toronto. Suffice it to say, Mike Babcock won’t be relying on him much for his offensive abilities. He’s not flashy. This move, rather, was a major upgrade for the Maple Leafs defensively. That doesn’t mean much in the fantasy world, sadly.
If Muzzin starts seeing some power-play time, his worth will rise. For now, he’s worth a flier, at best.
Mike Paine – @michaelpainejr
Drop Jake Gardiner for Jake Muzzin?
Nope, I’d hang onto Gardiner. If anything, this transaction allows Toronto’s offensive defencemen to be even more creative. Gardiner is paid to produce; he’s no defensive guru if you know what I’m saying.
Additionally, I anticipate Muzzin’s fantasy value to crease once Gardiner is out of the fold in the summer. It’s a numbers game and Muzzin’s sole focus is to help the Maple Leafs keep the puck out of the net.
SensTalk7 – @SensTalk11
Can I count on Roberto Luongo down the stretch?
Given his recent injury history and current age, I’d strongly advise trading Luongo or acquiring additional goalie help. While I think the Panthers are poised for a hot stretch, I still wonder if the veteran can stay healthy for a long period of time.
At this stage in his career, Luongo is a risky own. He can be great one night and pull his groin the other. You just never know. I wouldn’t want to deal with those headaches when chasing a fantasy championship.
Fordy – @MrFordy5
Do you anticipate Joonas Korpisalo taking over the starting duties in Columbus if/when Sergei Bobrovsky is dealt?
The rumblings are getting louder and louder by the day in Columbus. That said, the goalie market is always so unpredictable. It’s important to note that Bobrovsky will basically dictate where/when/if he wants to go.
I think Columbus will make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So, if they deal Bobrovsky, they’ll likely make another move to acquire a rental goalie like a Jimmy Howard.
Long-term, I think they’ll give Korpisalo a shot to be the number-one. Short-term, that would be a big ask this early on in his career.
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Mitch Bannon – @MitchBannon
What potential players on the move could benefit the most from a change of scenery?
Wayne Simmonds – RW – Philadelphia Flyers
Currently on Philadelphia’s third line; a trade to a contender would land him in a top-six role with continued power-play presence.
Mats Zuccarello – RW – New York Rangers
He’s been hot lately; a move to a contender will add to his ever-growing fantasy stock right now. Grab him.
Gustav Nyquist – LW/RW – Detroit Red Wings
He’ll provide someone with some solid depth scoring.
Jeff Carter – C – Los Angeles Kings
A trade out of LA could do wonders for his career; they’re slow and boring. I’d love to see Carter in Nashville, Dallas or Colorado.
Micheal Ferland – LW/RW – Carolina Hurricanes
He’ll be moved sooner rather than later; can play up and down the lineup.
Jaymee Kitch – @JaymeeKitch8
What will the impending return of Reilly Smith do to Brandon Pirri’s fantasy value in Vegas?
Unsurprisingly, Pirri has fizzled after that torrid stretch. I’d look to move him pronto. He’ll most likely be back on the third line once Smith returns. There’s too much chemistry in the top-six to mess with things.
It was fun while it lasted.
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Jeffrey Perry – @jeffreypperry
Which backup has the best fantasy value for the rest of the season? (Saros, Copley, Domingue, Brossoit etc.)
I’ll go with Juuse Saros in Nashville. As I indicated a couple weeks back, I think Nashville would love to keep Pekka Rinne fresh for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As we all firmly remember, the reigning Vezina winner had a tough postseason last year, especially against Winnipeg.
Smart thinking suggests Saros will see plenty of starts down the stretch. He’s amongst the top backups in the league and is undoubtedly, in my opinion, a future number-one. Do it.
John Fields – @charagnarok
Would you sell high on Pekka Rinne?
Considering everything noted about, yes, I’d try to move on from Pekka Rinne. He’s a fantastic goalie but with the Predators firmly in a playoff spot, there’s a good chance they’ll use him wisely to finish up the regular season. Rinne won’t do much for your fantasy team sitting on the bench.
Sell high and move on. I’d look to find a goalie that will play meaningful hockey and more routinely down the stretch. Some options could include Devan Dubnyk, John Gibson and Martin Jones.
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