Fantasy Hockey Trade Targets: Five Players to Buy Low

As the fantasy hockey season unfolds, many managers are already contemplating trade strategies to enhance their rosters. With players like Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks struggling early in the season, the opportunity to buy low on underperforming stars has arrived. In contrast, some players may be overvalued and should be traded away to maximize team potential.

Identifying players who are not meeting expectations can help managers capitalize on others’ impatience. Here are five notable trade targets to consider acquiring, alongside players to consider trading away.

Players to Target in Trades

Elias Pettersson, Forward, Vancouver Canucks: Pettersson has had a rocky start to the season, posting just two assists on four shots over four games. Despite this underwhelming performance, he remains a player with significant upside. At only 26 years old, Pettersson previously scored 102 points in a season and has the potential to bounce back. Former Canuck Jannik Hansen emphasized the importance of Pettersson’s performance for the team’s success this season. If your team is in need of a boost, acquiring him could be a wise gamble.

Alex Ovechkin, Forward, Washington Capitals: Ovechkin is no stranger to sluggish starts, having scored just two goals in his first twelve games during the 2021-2022 season. Still, he managed to finish with 31 goals that year and netted 44 goals in 65 games last season. Currently, he is recovering from a minor injury and is expected to ramp up his scoring soon. His pursuit of becoming the NHL’s all-time leading scorer makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy squad.

Artemi Panarin, Forward, New York Rangers: Panarin has had a slow start, with only two assists on 13 shots through six games. Despite ongoing contract negotiations that may be causing distractions, he remains a key player on the Rangers’ power play. Historically, Panarin has averaged over a point per game since the 2016-2017 season, making him a prime candidate for a turnaround. With upcoming matches against teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild, he could quickly regain form.

Evan Bouchard, Defenseman, Edmonton Oilers: Bouchard has faced challenges this season, struggling to make an impact on the scoresheet. However, his role as a top defender means he will likely see opportunities to produce as the season progresses. Fellow defenseman Mattias Ekholm expressed confidence in Bouchard’s potential to improve. Managers should consider acquiring him before he finds his scoring touch.

Darcy Kuemper, Goaltender, Los Angeles Kings: Despite a shaky start for the Kings, Kuemper remains a strong goaltending option. He finished in the top three of ESPN Fantasy standard leagues last season and is currently recovering from a minor lower-body injury. As the Kings’ play stabilizes, Kuemper’s performance is expected to improve, making him a worthwhile target for managers in need of a reliable goaltender.

Players to Consider Trading Away

Carter Verhaeghe, Forward, Florida Panthers: After a strong playoff performance last season, Verhaeghe’s regular-season impact has been underwhelming. With key players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk sidelined, his value may have diminished. Managers should consider leveraging his playoff reputation to secure a better return before the situation worsens.

Frank Vatrano, Forward, Anaheim Ducks: Vatrano’s current performance has been lackluster, averaging only 12:35 of ice time while struggling to make a significant impact. With a team-worst minus-4 rating, he is not showing signs of a bounce-back. Trading him while he still has some name recognition could benefit teams looking for better alternatives.

Brock Faber, Defenseman, Minnesota Wild: Although Faber is a promising young talent, his current position on the depth chart limits his scoring opportunities. With rookie Zeev Buium leading the power play, Faber may not provide the immediate returns fantasy managers need. Trading him now might attract interest based on his rookie performance last season.

Ilya Sorokin, Goaltender, New York Islanders: Sorokin’s recent performances have raised concerns. Despite being a strong goaltender, he has struggled with confidence, particularly during a recent stretch of losses. Managers may want to consider trading him while his value is still high, particularly if he continues to underperform.

In conclusion, identifying the right players to trade for or away can significantly impact your fantasy hockey season. Whether targeting underperformers with potential or trading away players whose value may be declining, staying proactive can lead to a stronger roster as the season progresses.