We’re now just one month away from the NHL trade deadline. There have already been some major moves across the league, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be more prominent players switching teams over the next month.
Every year, there are a handful of players who find themselves switching teams and landing in much more valuable spots when it comes to fantasy. This year is no different, with a few notable players who could be traded this season thus boosting their worth in fantasy.
Dylan Cozens, C – Buffalo Sabres
After Dylan Cozens‘ breakout 68-point season in 2022–23, it seemed like he was set to be a fantasy stud for years to come on a budding Buffalo Sabres roster. Fast forward two years, and Cozen and the Sabres have taken more steps backward than forward. Now in the midst of a dreadful season in which he’s on pace for just 40 points, Cozens’ time in Buffalo appears to be coming to a close, which is very likely good news for his fantasy value at this point.
Still just 23 years old and two years removed from a 30-goal, 68-point campaign, Cozens is a prime bounce back candidate with a change of scenery. He’s currently been tied to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Montreal Canadiens, among others. All of those teams offer better situations for Cozens than the bottom feeder Sabres, and Cozens would immediately become worth a look in fantasy.
Seth Jones, D – Chicago Blackhawks
Veteran defender Seth Jones is in the midst of a bounce back season on the lowly Chicago Blackhawks, producing at his highest pace in seven years with 24 points in 36 games. Despite this, he’s currently on the block as the Blackhawks continue to rebuild their roster and look to the future. His average annual value is a major roadblock, but if a contender can make the deal work Jones would be a huge add for any Stanley Cup hopeful team.
Jones is already a must-own in fantasy right now given his production, but if he were to join almost any other roster in the league, he’d immediately be surrounded by more talent at both even strength and on the power play. Teams like the Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals have all been mentioned with Jones’ name. Landing on one of those rosters would provide a huge boost to an already valuable fantasy asset in Jones.
Brock Nelson, C – New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are once again in the mushy middle, which means pending unrestricted free agent Brock Nelson‘s name has popped up in trade rumours. The 33-year-old has posted a respectable 16 goals and 32 points in 52 games on the low-event Islanders, but a change of scenery could see him return to his 69-point form from just last season, depending where he lands.
Not only can Nelson still put the puck in the net, but he’s also a great shot generator as well. He’s currently third among Islanders forwards with 136 shots despite averaging under 20 minutes a game. If Nelson finds his way to a contender where he can play with some high-offence wingers, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a big time boost in production. He’s the most coveted centre rental on the market right now, meaning there will be plenty of high-octane teams looking to bring him into the fold.
Casey Mittelstadt, C – Colorado Avalanche
Casey Mittelstadt appears to have overstayed his welcome in Colorado already, just a year after being acquired via trade. His name has been thrown around a lot recently as one of the top centres available on the market, and a change of scenery could be the best thing for him. He hasn’t been terrible this year, putting up a decent 32 points in 54 games, but he’s really cooled off after a hot start to the year.
A switch to a new situation where he can play a larger role and isn’t stuck behind Nathan MacKinnon could do wonders for Mittelstadt, who posted over 55 points in both of his last two seasons. Teams like the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and Winnipeg Jets would all make sense, and would offer Mittelstadt the opportunity for a larger role with better linemates.
