The NHL trade deadline has come and gone, with a number of high-profile players swapping teams. For fantasy purposes, there were a number of deals that could have a big impact as we head into the fantasy playoffs. Below are four players worth targeting on waivers following their moves on trade deadline day.
Dylan Cozens, C – Ottawa Senators
Dylan Cozens has been a straight-up bust in fantasy ever since his breakout season in 2022–23. This season, he found himself with just 31 points in 61 games heading into the trade deadline and on the waiver wire in most leagues. With that said, after a surprise move to the Ottawa Senators, it appears as though a change of scenery was all Cozens needed.
Through four games in Ottawa, Cozens has four points, 11 shots, and a whopping 20 hits. He looks like a completely new player so far in Ottawa, and is stuffing the stat sheet. He’s still under 50% owned in Yahoo! leagues and is a must add right now.
Casey Mittelstadt, C – Boston Bruins
In one of the more surprising moves of the day, the Colorado Avalanche shipped Casey Mittelstadt to the Boston Bruins. It’s no secret Mittelstadt wasn’t a fit in Colorado, totalling just 34 points in 63 games while in Denver. So far, he’s found a nice home in Boston, though, posting three points in three games as a Bruin, alongside five shots and five blocks.
Skating as the Bruins’ second-line centre and on their top power play unit, Mittelstadt is worth a look if you’re in need of some help down the middle heading into the playoffs.
Oliver Bjorkstrand, W – Tampa Bay Lightning
In one of the bigger moves of the deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired both Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. For fantasy purposes, I think Bjorkstrand offers more upside on his new team. After a career-best year in 2023–24 with 20 goals and 59 points, Bjorkstrand’s production has fallen off this year, posting 37 points in 61 games. In Tampa Bay, he should have a great shot to get back on track.
Although it’s been a slow start with only one point in four games on his new team, Bjorkstrand is still getting top power play time on Tampa’s stacked unit. For that reason, it’s worth giving him some time to figure it out.
Reilly Smith, W – Vegas Golden Knights
Reilly Smith is back where his career took off, landing with the Vegas Golden Knights once again. He may not be the player he was back when he was first in Vegas, but there’s no doubt he’s still a great fit. Through his first three games in Vegas, Smith has two points, five shots and three blocks. He’s also seeing some time on their second power play unit. He’s not going to stuff the scoresheet, but he’s a worthwhile depth add if you need some help on the wings.
