Heading into the 2025 NHL Commerce Deadline, it was anticipated that a number of groups had been set to make main strikes, and so they didn’t disappoint. Between Mikko Rantanen being traded to the Dallas Stars, Brad Marchand formally leaving the Boston Bruins, and Scott Laughton turning into a Toronto Maple Leaf, this yr’s NHL Commerce Deadline was one which followers, coaches, and basic managers won’t quickly neglect.
That stated, there have been additionally some trades that flew beneath the radar, with many gamers from lackluster groups being acquired by playoff contenders. Groups just like the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins bought on the deadline, however the gamers they traded had been already performing nicely regardless of competing for a dropping squad. Now with solely 1 / 4 of the season left to play, many of those gamers have the chance to showcase their expertise on a doable Stanley Cup contender, but additionally present worth to Fantasy Hockey managers trying so as to add some depth heading into the playoffs. This text will define three gamers who had been acquired by contending groups on the NHL Commerce Deadline, who could possibly be sport changers within the the rest of the Fantasy Hockey season.
3 Gamers to Add After NHL Commerce Deadline
Fabian Zetterlund – Ottawa Senators
All through the final two seasons, Fabian Zetterlund has quietly impressed on the San Jose Sharks, proving he could be a productive goal-scorer in addition to a bodily risk on the ice. In 64 video games, Zetterlund managed to attain 17 targets with 19 assists, and was shockingly a +8 score, regardless of taking part in on a Sharks group that may be a -72 in aim differential.
As well as, the 25-year-old has amassed 115 hits this season, which is unquestionably one thing the Ottawa Senators had been on the lookout for, particularly as they combat for a playoff spot down the stretch. The Sens traded some depth in addition to a 2nd-round decide for Zetterlund, and with Ottawa almost certainly trying to slide him right into a middle-six position, the previous Shark positively has Fantasy Hockey worth going ahead.
The Swedish-born participant has proved he can present constant level manufacturing, and if the Sens select to make use of him on the ability play, managers can count on Zetterlund to extend his man-advantage numbers as nicely. Most significantly, goal-scorers who throw the physique frequently is tough to return by, making Zetterlund an environment friendly possibility for these trying to acquire extra hits.
Brandon Carlo – Toronto Maple Leafs
Brandon Carlo has been a Bruin for his whole profession, however on Friday the Maple Leafs made a transfer to accumulate one of many tallest right-handed defencemen within the league. Though Carlo doesn’t present a lot in the case of factors, his fantasy worth typically lies from a bodily perspective.
The 28-year-old has amassed 64 hits and a whopping 119 blocks in 63 video games performed this season. Most impressively, Carlo has by no means been on the unfavorable facet of the plus/minus class, going 9 straight seasons with constructive numbers within the stat. Discovering defencemen who can each hit and block this late into the Fantasy Hockey season is uncommon, making Carlo an incredible possibility for managers trying so as to add a bodily risk, and enhance from a plus/minus perspective.
Charlie Coyle – Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche didn’t hesitate to improve on the deadline this yr. Regardless of buying and selling Rantanen earlier this season, Martin Necas has carried out nicely on the group in return, and after buying Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders on Friday, the Avs look scary down the center of the ice. Nonetheless, they continued to enhance their middle depth by buying and selling for Charlie Coyle from the Bruins.
Like Zetterlund, Coyle has quietly been a productive goal-scorer this yr, potting 15 targets all through the 2024-25 marketing campaign. That stated, the 33-year-old’s worth comes from contributing in each facet of the sport, making him a helpful possibility for fantasy rosters as nicely. Coyle proved this season that he hasn’t bodily slowed down, posting 93 hits and 49 blocks in 64 video games performed, however most significantly, taking part in for the Avalanche will undoubtedly enhance his level manufacturing. If Coyle managed to attain on 15 events taking part in for the Bruins, fantasy managers ought to think about selecting up Colorado’s new third-line middle, who ought to produce each offensively and bodily.
The playoffs are on the horizon for a lot of Fantasy Hockey leagues this time of yr. Though a number of managers have already got their roster set to contend for a championship, including the likes of Zetterlund, Carlo or Coyle could be the last-minute depth wanted heading right into a playoff collection. It stays to be seen how every participant will carry out, however with all three belongings being traded to contending groups and shifting right into a distinguished position on every respective roster, their worth has skyrocketed following the commerce deadline.
