Fantasy NHL Impact: Trade Activity is Heating Up Approaching Deadline

Fantasy NHL: STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – NOVEMBER 11: Dion Phaneuf #2 of Ottawa Senators during warmup ahead of the 2017 SAP NHL Global Series match between Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators at Ericsson Globe on November 11, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images) /

Fantasy NHL Impact: Trade Activity is Heating Up Approaching Deadline

With the NHL trade deadline quickly approach, 3pm ET Monday, February 26th, we’re beginning to some some more impactful trades occurring, which could have Fantasy NHL outcomes. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve already seen more rosters moves, mostly into and out of the NHL, but a few trades over the last week have been made as well.

None of the recent roster moves have a Fantasy NHL impact like the recent Senators and Kings trade. Even this event isn’t as big as likely trades we’ll see closer to the deadline, but this is the first trade worth discussing, from a Fantasy NHL perspective.

The Senators sent defensive veteran Dion Phaneuf and 33 year-old center/winger, and Alaskan native, Nate Thompson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for winger Marian Gaborik and center Nick Shore. Shore is only 25, but three of the four people in this deal are well over 30 years old, making this trade an eye-brow raiser.

However, while many are curious about this trade, there are some elements which make sense. Phaneuf has a ridiculously expensive contract, considering his output. But the Kings have plenty of cap space, and the Senators offered to pay 25% of Dion’s remaining $7M on contract. Also, while the Kings had a strong start to the season, and Drew Doughty is a tremendous defender, they need help from an ice-beast type of player like Phaneuf. Dion isn’t a quick skater, but he’s hockey-smart and can spend a lot of time grinding the ice with Doughty and the other defenders.

Marian Gaborik has only played in 31 games this season and is averaging between 14 and 15 minutes of ice time per game. But, in those 31 games, Gaborik has 16 points, eight goals and eight assists. Marian also has a solid 14.5% scoring per shot rate, which is a solid return. If the Senators can get Gaborik on the ice more often, for the balance of the season, we could see an uptick in their scoring. That being said, while the Sens claim they have plenty of defending depth, we’re skeptical of that claim.

Immediate Fantasy NHL Impact

We’ve already seen Fantasy NHL impact as a return on this investment. Last night, Nick Shore logged just over eight and a half minutes on the ice against Buffalo, for the Senators, and Gaborik spent nearly 20 minutes on the ice. While Shore didn’t provide much Fantasy NHL value, Marian providing immediate impact. With two shots on goal, Gaborik scored, and also provided an assist, ending the night with a +1 line as well. Marian is worth keeping an eye on for Fantasy NHL, and is worth a considering in the short-term for NHL DFS optimal lineups.

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Meanwhile, Dion Phaneuf only had three goals in 53 games for the Senators this season. With a low 3.1% scoring rate, and an average of 20 minutes of ice time per game, Phaneuf wasn’t great offensive value for the Sens this season. However, playing his first game as a King, Dion logged 18.56 minutes, and provided a power play goal on three shots, with a -1 line. While the -1 line production isn’t great, the offensive production for the Kings was immediately positive, and it appears Phaneuf could provide some short-term Fantasy NHL value, and may be worth watching for the balance of the season.

Nate Thompson centered the Kings fourth line last night, and played his usually 12 and a half minutes. While Thompson didn’t provide much Fantasy NHL value, he does have four goals and seven assists over 44 games this season, and he could have some very minor impact. But, if there’s any offensive injuries for the Kings lines this season, take a look at the adjustments. We could see some movement to get the veteran higher into the top six or nine, and he could see great Fantasy NHL value in the future.

Regardless, Nick Shore and Nate Thompson are essentially a wash in terms of trade value and Fantasy NHL impact. But, Marian Gaborik and Dion Phaneuf each provide a potential jolt for their top two lines. A jolt needed by both teams. Phaneuf’s wife is an actress and he’s likely very happy he’s now in Los Angeles. Gaborik is likely happy he may play a more integral part of his new team’s offense, something the Senators desperately need. But also, the Senators scoring on home ice has been impressive this season, which Marian likely isn’t used to seeing.

If you’re playing season-long Fantasy NHL, keep an eye on both Phaneuf and Gaborik, and if you’re struggling with either a winger or defender spot, on the low-end of your talent, either is worth a free agent flier pick up. If you’re playing NHL DFS daily, keep both on your radars and consider playing each in your lineups as they provide great short-term Fantasy NHL value right now.

Next: FanDuel NHL Lineups

Stay tuned for the breakdowns of the rest of the NHL trade deadline deals and for all of your DFS needs!

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