With the NHL trade deadline on the horizon, here are 10 players who could be good adds ahead of the action.
Many fantasy hockey GMs overlook the potential value in adding a player before they get moved to a contender. Stay ahead of the competition with these rumoured NHL trade deadline candidates!
10. Jake DeBrusk, BOS (F)
Few players need a change of scenery as much as Jake DeBrusk, who looked to be emerging into a solid seconary scorer before landing in the Bruins doghouse. A trade can't come soon enough for DeBrusk, who has nowhere to go but up.
9. Mark Giordano, SEA (D)
The veteran blueliner is having a decent year in Seattle, but the pending UFA is likely to be shipped out by the deadline as the Kraken look to recoup assets. This could be one of Giordano's last shots at a Stanley Cup, so teams will be getting a highly motivated player.
8. Phil Kessel, AZ (F)
We know from his time in Pittsburgh that he can be the ultimate complimentary piece. Still capable of producing in the offensive sinkhole that is Arizona, a trade to a contender could be a massive boon for owners.
7. Joonas Korpisalo, CBJ (G)
The pending UFA goalie is now second fiddle to newly-extended Elvis Merzlikins, and although he's not guaranteed to move, rumours of him landing on a contender are tantilizing.
6. Rickard Rakell, ANH (F)
At the time of this post the Ducks find themselves in the mix for a playoff seed in the Pacific, but the franchise remains focused on the future. The pending UFA winger has had a rough year, but could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of a change of scenery this deadline.
5. Jeff Petry, MTL (D)
Nothing has gone right for Petry or the Habs this season, and it's clear that the two sides are ready to part ways. The established 40 point blueliner should draw plenty of interest from contenders, though his contract could be a stumbling block in trade negotiations.
4. John Klingberg, DAL (D)
It's not as if Klingberg has been bad this year, but he's had to share offensive responsibilities with the emerging Miro Heiskanen. We've seen Klingberg's high-end upside before, and we could see it again if he lands on a team in need of a puckmover.
3. Jakob Chychrun, AZ (D)
One of very few defensemen capable of scoring 20 goals, Chychrun will be a hot commodity this trade deadline. His two way struggles in Arizona combined with incessant trade speculation have made for a miserable year. A trade - anywhere - would be a huge win for fantasy hockey owners.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury, CHI (G)
With the Blackhawks headed towards another early offseason, pending-UFA goalie Fleury will be a hot commodity for playoff hopefuls unsure of their crease. The Oilers and Capitals are among the teams believed to kick tires, although Fleury's modified no-trade clause means he controls his destiny.
1. Claude Giroux, PHI (F)
The Flyers aren't exactly forcing him out, but it's clear that the longtime captain Giroux is on the trade block this deadline. Among the teams believed to be interested are the powerhouse Avalanche. He's still probably capable of a point per game pace in the right situation.