We are just a couple days away from the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, and clearly there will be major consequences for many NHL teams, but there will also be lots affecting fantasy hockey team as well. This is a perfect time to take advantage of some valuable players whether they are on the waiver wire, or if you have to trade for them. So, who are some potential targets to explore for your team, and who should you not pick up? Let’s take a look
Claude Giroux – C, LW
Claude Giroux is getting traded—it’s just a matter of time. So far this year he has registered 42 points, averaging 0.74 points per game on an atrocious Philadelphia Flyers team. According to multiple insiders, the race to land him is between the Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche.
Both suitors would be a big boost to his value as he will be surrounded with much better linemates and he could really increase his production. For example, if he does get traded to Florida, he will likely be their second line center, putting him on the same line as Jonathan Huberdeau. If someone is shopping him in your league, be sure to see if you can trade for him. If you have him already, it’s good news for you.
Brandon Hagel – LW, RW
Brandon Hagel has been having a great season, there is no doubt about it. He has made his contract look like a steal and part of that is the reason the Chicago Blackhawks got such a great return for him. Now that he is with the Tampa Bay Lightning, it might be tempting to pick him up, however I would stay away for now.
Hagel is most likely going to be playing on Tampa’s third line, and he most definitely won’t be on their top power play unit. I personally don’t believe the opportunity will be there for Hagel’s production to get a boost. There are probably better options on the waiver wire.
Calle Jarnkrok – LW, RW
Calle Jarnkrok was traded by the Seattle Kraken to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Despite being listed as a winger for fantasy, he is actually projected to serve as Calgary’s second line center with Tyler Toffoli and Andrew Mangiapane as his wingers. This could be a really sneaky add and I would jump on this opportunity as soon as possible.
Jarnkrok is going to get a decent amount of minutes if this lineup remains and it definitely helps to have the Flames’ leading goal scorer and the Flames’ big trade acquisition on either side of him. This is a very good low-risk high-reward add for fantasy.
Marc-Andre Fleury – G
With Chicago nowhere near the playoffs, one has to think Marc-Andre Fleury is getting traded. Although he has somewhat disappointing stats compared to his standards, it’s important to remember what team he is playing for. If he does end up getting traded to a contender, he could be a very valuable piece to have on your team. Solid goaltending is key to standing a chance in the playoffs for fantasy hockey, and Fleury could be the piece that gets you there. If you are able to buy low, now might be the time to pull the trigger.
Dominik Kubalik – LW, RW
Dominik Kubalik is currently listed at #24 on TSN’s Trade Bait List. I think it is a bit more of an uncertainty that he gets traded compared to the above names we have listed, however he is definitely a player worth keeping an eye on. Kubalik is a former 30-goal scorer and is only 24% owned.
If he gets traded to a contender, it’s likely that he is going to be slotted into their top-six and that exposure could get him scoring goals like he was in 2019–20. He is a must-add if a trade occurs.
Playoffs are only getting closer
The trade deadline is a great way to improve your roster while also buying low, or even just picking a player off the waiver wire. If you can add value to your team while paying a discount, this only sets you up for the playoffs better.
