The NHL is a quiet place while the 4 Nations Face-Off takes center stage. From a Fantasy Hockey perspective, this break in the schedule becomes an opportunity for managers to improve their roster via trade. I’m here to provide you with a group of players whose prices are within reason, yet stand to increase your team’s output over the remainder of the season.
Let’s take a look at the targets that I think are worth your time:
Dylan Guenther (RW) – Utah Hockey Club – 68% Rostered
After returning from a 12-game absence due to injury, Guenther scored 4G and added 3A in 4GP. Over those 4GP he also had 23SOG, 6HIT, 2BLK, 2GWG, 2PPP and a +1 rating. Utah won three of its four games with Guenther back in the lineup including wins against the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets, who are among the leagues hottest teams.
Guenther has progressed in every aspect of his game including career best marks of a 16.39S% and a 12.84ixG. His reasonable price tag won’t last with this level of production. Look to pair him with PP1 linemates Clayton Keller or Logan Cooley for the highest upside production value from a young Utah team.
Brandon Hagel (LW,RW) – Tampa Bay Lightning – 96 % Rostered
The Tampa Bay Lightning have developed Brandon Hagel into a star player. While Hagel has yet to earn himself household recognition, he’s climbing to the top of the Fantasy Hockey ranks in many formats thanks to a +24 rating that accompanies his 62PTS. Leading into the break, Hagel recorded 6G, 5A, +12 rating, 19 SOG and 12HIT over his last 6GP.
In trade, Hagel comes easier to acquire than some better known players in the same category due to lack of familiarity and a large shadow cast by the star players that surround him in Tampa Bay.
Adrian Kempe (C,RW) – Los Angeles Kings – 98% Rostered
It’s a great time to trade for Kings top offensive player. Kempe has been quiet over his last 8GP, producing only 1G and 1A. His price point is subdued by comparison to his 25G, which are T-14th across the league.
The Kings have played a league low, 53 games on the season. This means Kempe and the Kings will have the most games remaining down the stretch which will reward fantasy managers. Add in Drew Doughty returning to the Kings lineup and PP1 group, and you have some extra optimism surrounding his busy stretch to close out the season.
MacKenzie Weegar (D) – Calgary Flames – 98% Rostered
Amidst a volatile season for the Calgary Flames, Weegar finds himself on a five game point streak which includes 6A, 4PPP, 14 SOG, 10HIT and 10BLK. Given his accessory category production, Weegar is the strongest target in banger league formats that reward his contributions beyond those expected from his PP1 status.
Logan Thompson (G) – Washington Capitals – 89% Rostered
Thompson boasts an incredible 24–2–5 record. He’s backstopping the Capitals to a surprise season which includes a lead in the Metropolitan division. He ranks fourth in the NHL with a 2.23 GAA and third in the league with a .921SV%.
Trading for Thompson is a much easier prospect that the goaltenders that surround him in the top five of any major stat category. Consider him the right value for your team needs down the stretch.
In Fantasy Hockey, I have found the best strategy to acquiring productive players is by offering big name players in return. Often, you’re able to land a more productive player by offering a more popular player. With the group of players that I’ve recommended you pursue, this is certainly possible.
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