With the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline just under a month away, we’ve entered the final stretch drive in fantasy leagues. With a ton of player movement expected around the league, it could have some big implications for fantasy leagues.
Every year there are valuable fantasy assets buried on poor real-life teams who gain a second wind when they’re traded to a contender. These players are worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks in the event they land in a much better scenario. Let’s take a look at some of the main names to focus on.
Adam Henrique – C – Anaheim Ducks
With Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan officially off the market, Adam Henrique is now the top centre available for trade. That bodes very well for his fantasy value. There are likely to be quite a few contenders lining up for his services as the top centre is still on the market. If he’s dealt, he’ll be well worth a roster spot in fantasy.
So far this season Henrique has posted a very solid 15 goals and 35 points in 50 games on the bottom feeder Anaheim Ducks. If he were to land on one of the teams connected to him like the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, or Edmonton Oilers, he’d immediately get a boost in fantasy value. Likely to fill a second line centre or left wing role wherever he lands, Henrique also brings power play experience as well.
Anthony Duclair – C/LW – San Jose Sharks
It just hasn’t worked out for Anthony Duclair on the tanking San Jose Sharks this season. After being sent to San Jose in the offseason, Duclair has failed to make much of an impact and has failed to earn much ice time on a rebuilding roster. A change of scenery at the deadline is very likely which could immediately get Duclair on the radar of fantasy managers.
It wasn’t long ago that Duclair was a mainstay in fantasy lineups. In three seasons between 2019 and 2022 split between the Senators and the Panthers, Duclair posted 64 goals and 130 points spread across 183 games. After suffering a major injury last year he’s struggled to find his form on the Sharks this season, but if he were to end up back on a contending roster there’s a good chance he looks like 2021–22 Duclair again.
If Duclair is traded, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on where he lands in the lineup as he has a proven history of providing solid numbers as a complimentary piece to elite players.
Tyson Barrie – D – Nashville
It’s been a really rough season for Tyson Barrie in Nashville. The veteran has found himself a healthy scratch on multiple occasions this season and currently sits with just one goal and 11 points in 32 games. It wasn’t long ago that Barrie was considered one of the top power play defencemen in fantasy.
It’s unlikely he ever reaches the heights of his Avalanche and Oilers days, but there’s likely still some value to be had if he lands in an optimal location at the trade deadline. Just last season Barrie posted 55 points in 85 games, including 12 in 24 games with the Predators. There’s no doubt there’s still some value buried underneath his rough season, it’s all about opportunity. If Barrie can land on a contending roster and get top unit power play time he’d provide some potential sneaky value as a power play specialist in fantasy.
Jake Allen – G – Montreal Canadiens
It feels like Jake Allen has been in trade rumours forever now. Is this finally the year the Canadiens pull the trigger and trade the veteran goalie to a contender needing help in the net? So far this season Allen has played in 17 games and posted a .901 save percentage along with a 3.43 GAA. Not exactly stellar results, but you have to take into consideration the team he’s playing behind.
Allen has been hot and cold this year, posting a save percentage of over .914 or higher in eight of 17 games, proving he still has some solid starts left in him. Some of the teams connected to him include the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. Both teams would provide big upgrades over his current situation and could see him earn plenty of starts down the stretch.
If you’re in need of goaltending help, Allen would certainly be worth a flyer if he lands on a contending roster.
Watching the NHL trade market
Keeping a close eye on trade rumours and probable trades can lead to getting a strong boost in roster strength in fantasy hockey. Doing so as the real trade market ramps up can help lead to optimal fantasy roster management.
