Fantasy NHL Trade Impact: Evander Kane to the Sharks
By Matt Rogers
Fantasy NHL Trade Impact: Evander Kane to the Sharks:
Welcome to an action packed NHL Trade Deadline as we should continue to see a flurry of activity leading up to the 3PM EST deadline on Monday, February 26. We have already seen a handful of trades heading into today and we will break down the fantasy hockey impact of each of those deals as they break throughout the day, for Fantasy NHL!
For weeks, if not months, there have been rumors surrounding Evander Kane’s numbered days in Buffalo. We now know Kane’s days are down to zero in Buffalo, who originally acquired Kane during the 2015-2016 season from the Winnipeg Jets.
In exchange, the Sabres get center-wing prospect Daniel O’Regan, a conditional first round pick for the 2019 draft, and conditional fourth round pick from the 2020 draft. We at least know the conditional first round pick in 2019 is directly tied to Evander Kane’s unrestricted free agent status at the end of this season. If the 26-year-old forward re-signs with the Sharks, it’s a first rounder, if he doesn’t, it’s a second rounder, per Pierre LeBrun.
Here's the condition of the first-round 2019 pick in the Evander Kane deal: if the Sharks re-sign Kane, it's a first; but if Kane walks into free agency, it's a second-round pick in 2019
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 26, 2018
We also know that Daniel O’Regan previously played on the same line as Sabres top-line center, and star, Jack Eichel at Boston University. While O’Regan could make it to the NHL soon, he isn’t expected to be a massive talent like Eichel. However, given the two are familiar with each other’s play, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sabres try to plug each of them on the same line, and test the chemistry within the next year.
Immediate Fantasy NHL Impact:
From the Sabres lines, we should expect even worse offensive production now with Kane and Jack Eichel off the ice in Buffalo. However, this also means more puck time for guys like Ryan O’Reilly and Sam Reinhart on the Sabres top lines and Evan Rodrigues and Kyle Okposo on the second line. Until Eichel is back, all four will have more ice time and shots on goal, and could see more goals and assists. These are great low-owned players in season-long leagues and cheap value plays for DFS.
The Sharks are in desperate need of offensive production this season, and they may find it from Evander Kane, who has 20 goals and 20 assists in 61 games this season. Also, if you’re playing season-long fantasy NHL, expect Kane’s negative 14 +/- to improve significantly, as the Sharks strong suite has been their defense this season. Kane also has three power play goals and six power play assists. We expect to see Evander within the top six of the Sharks lines, and on the power play. His DFS value and season-long fantasy NHL value each get better with this trade.
Stay tuned for the breakdowns of the rest of the NHL trade deadline deals and for all of your DFS needs!