The NHL Trade Deadline is just days away. We’ve seen a number of trades roll in over the past week, including several noteworthy players. Being traded to a new team can have massive Fantasy Hockey implications. Players that may have been better left on the waiver wire are suddenly must-haves on your roster. Whether you need to replace an injury, a slumping player, or just want to give yourself a boost, the fantasy hockey waiver wire is here to assist you.
Week 21 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Forwards
Mikael Granlund, C/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (46% Rostered)
His last game with Nashville was against Pittsburgh – how fitting that he’s traded to the Penguins the next day. After scoring 64 points in 80 games last year, Granlund is having a disappointing season with 36 points in 58 contests. A big factor is a decrease in power-play points. Going from 28 last year to 12 so far this year. In Pittsburgh, he’ll be playing with more offensively-minded players, so Granlund’s power-play points could pick back up. The thought of playing with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin at even strength is also appealing. It’s possible he slots in on the third line, which wouldn’t be bad either. Playing with Jeff Carter against lesser competition could bring out the best in both of them.
Thomas Novak, C, Nashville Predators (30% Rostered)
Novak saw limited action last year, appearing in 28 games and scoring seven points. This season has seen him move back and forth from the AHL to the NHL. When he’s been up with Nashville, he’s been good. Nine goals and 22 points in 27 games for the Predators. The 25-year-old sophomore has five goals and 11 points in his last six games. Novak is the one player on this list who wasn’t traded. However, trades can have a trickle-down effect. So with Nashville selling off players, Novak will be relied upon even more in a top-six role the rest of the way.
Evgenii Dadonov, LW/RW, Dallas Stars (11% Rostered)
Dadonov has had a tough year in Montreal, posting 18 points in 50 games. The move to Dallas has yielded immediate returns. Dadonov has picked up a goal and a power-play assist while taking six shots on net through two contests. He’ll play in a middle-six role – currently on a line with Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston. While I don’t expect him to score like he did back with the Florida Panthers, Dadonov should see a notable increase in value. He’ll be a good waiver wire target for those in middle to deep leagues.
Defense
Rasmus Sandin, D, Washington Capitals (50% Rostered)
In a move that caught many by surprise, Sandin was traded for Erik Gustafsson and a 2023 first-round pick. Playing in a secondary role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sandin scored 20 points in 52 games. Washington doesn’t have its regular offensive contributors from the back end. John Carlson is out indefinitely, and Dmitry Orlov and Gustafsson were moved out. This means Sandin can be the go-to guy. He’s currently working through the immigration process, but it shouldn’t be too long before he’s in the lineup. Playing on that top power play with Alex Ovechkin and company should spike Sandin’s offensive output.
Dmitry Orlov, D, Boston Bruins (48% Rostered)
The Bruins lead the league standings, so it’s no surprise they wanted to bolster their lineup. Orlov has been an excellent addition thus far from the Washington Capitals. Through three games he has two goals and five points. He has 24 points in 46 games on the year, along with 81 shots, five power-play points, 94 hits, 67 blocks and a plus-3 rating. He doesn’t wow in any category, but that might change with how he’s playing with Boston. Orlov slots into their top four defense and on the secondary man advantage.
Mattias Ekholm, D, Edmonton Oilers (35% Rostered)
Ekholm is another player Nashville has sold as they stock up on assets quite nicely for when General Manager David Poile passes the torch to Barry Trotz. Ekholm goes to an Oilers club that is the highest-scoring team in the league. In Ekholm’s debut, he registered one assist, two shots, two blocks, three hits, and a plus-2 rating. He should naturally pick up more points being exposed to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Ekholm is also getting time on the second power-play unit. Evan Bouchard moves to the top power-play unit in place of Tyson Barrie – just in case Bouchard is available in your league.
Goalies
Joonas Korpisalo, G, Los Angeles Kings (38% Rostered)
I mentioned Korpisalo in last week’s Waiver Wire Report. His rostered percentage went up from 29%, and now his value has increased too. He’s won three of his last four matches. He sports an 11-11-3 record with a 3.17 GAA and .911 save percentage. These were already respectable numbers given the Columbus Blue Jackets were at the bottom of the standings. Now Korpisalo goes to the Kings where he’ll have more support. Pheonix Copley has held his own, and it could be an even tandem going forward. However, I don’t think the Kings trade out Jonathan Quick unless they view Korpisalo as their starter.