With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, there has been some movement in the NHL. If you find your fantasy team within striking distance or in a money position now is the time to strengthen your roster and the hold on your standings. While you may not be able to find an impact player on the waiver wire in most leagues, here are some names who can provide some depth and support scoring.
Vladislav Namestnikov, Centre – Tampa Bay Lightning, 62% owned
Namestnikov has been on fire as of late with ten points in his last eight games. The hot streak is a result of his being promoted to the Bolts top line where he is centering Steven Stamkos and Ondrej Palat. His 14 shots and only one powerplay point during that stretch also suggest he should remain in that situation and his success is sustainable.
Carl Hagelin, Left Wing – Pittsburgh Penguins, 40% owned
Hagelin has found himself on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel in Pittsburgh since being acquired for David Perron (More on him below). In his four games as a Pen, he has three points and 13 shots. The speedy winger has rediscovered fantasy value.
David Perron, Left Wing – Anaheim Ducks, 57% owned
Acquired for Hagelin from Pittsburgh, Perron has been hot since the deal and in three games has three points on a line with Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Stewart. There is often a little honeymoon period for a player after a trade, and while that may be what Perron is experiencing right now you might as well ride the wave for as long as it lasts.
Erik Haula, Centre – Minnesota Wild, 7% owned
After being a healthy scratch, Haula seems to have received the wakeup call and has three points in the three games since. Haula is centering the Wild’s fourth line with Chris Porter and Jordan Schroeder, so temper expectations. Haula has had an underwhelming season offensively and has been a disappointment, hopefully this recent flurry suggests a turning of the corner and he can get back to the projected level he had at the start of the season.
Bo Horvat, Centre – Vancouver Canucks, 57% owned
Horvat has been red hot as of late as he has 12 of his 22 points in his last ten games. Horvat has been centering a line with Sven Baertschi and Radim Vrbata and has a minus -6 during this streak which is a concern.
Fantasy ownership numbers are based on Fantrax
NHL line combinations courtesy of Dobber Hockey