Fantasy Hockey: Trade Block & Free Agency Landscape Shifts

As the NHL offseason hits a "dead spot" with limited immediate news, attention turns to the remaining free agents and trade speculations that could reshape the fantasy hockey landscape before the season begins Source.

Players Likely to Stay Put

Several prominent players are increasingly expected to stay with their current teams, impacting their fantasy outlooks minimally in the short term.

• Jason Robertson (DAL): His continued presence in Dallas means the Stars' offensive structure remains largely consistent. Expect similar production, with Tyler Seguin potentially moving to LTIR or filling Mavrik Bourque's ice time.
• Matthew Knies (TOR): Knies' role in Toronto is anticipated to stay consistent, even amidst other significant roster changes for the Maple Leafs.
• Morgan Rielly (TOR): Despite shifts in the Toronto lineup, Rielly may see a step back from power-play exposure. However, potentially easier minutes could benefit his transition game.
• Elias Pettersson (VAN): While a trade could unlock his potential, it's not expected to happen quickly, or result in an immediate fantasy boost. Fantasy managers should temper expectations for a significant bump in his draft value based on trade rumors this offseason.
• Jordan Binnington (STL): Similar to Pettersson, Binnington's trade potential is noted, but it's not anticipated to alter his fantasy value for early drafts.

High-Profile Trade Candidates

Some big names are still very much in play on the trade market, with potential moves that could significantly alter their fantasy projections.

• Dylan Larkin (DET) & Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): Both players are seen as likely trade candidates, despite a current lack of clear landing spots. The most probable destinations are Larkin to Minnesota and Hellebuyck to Buffalo. A move for Hellebuyck would negatively impact current Sabres goalies like Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
• Alexander Nikishin (CAR): Rumors persist about Nikishin being shopped by Carolina. A trade would be a high-upside move for the acquiring team and fantasy managers alike, especially if he gets increased power-play exposure, which he lacked in Carolina.

Remaining Free Agents

The pool of impactful free agents is dwindling, with mostly offensive wingers, depth defensemen, and backup goalies left. Their fantasy value is highly dependent on their landing spots.

• Vladimir Tarasenko: Strongly rumored to land in Edmonton. While playing with Connor McDavid sounds appealing, he'd likely be on the second power-play unit, projecting him closer to a 45-50 point player, with a small bump from even strength play, rather than a 70+ point return.
• Eeli Tolvanen & Anthony Mantha: Tolvanen is a guess for New Jersey, and Mantha signed with New Jersey later in the week. Their value will be tied to their roles in their new teams.
• Patrick Kane: Potentially heading to Buffalo if Jack Quinn is moved, or to a playoff-contending team like Edmonton or Minnesota. His value hinges on securing a prominent role and power-play time.

Other notable free agents like John Klingberg and Connor Ingram could also find standard league value depending on getting second-pairing minutes or securing backup roles with clear paths to starts, such as in Vancouver if a Thatcher Demko injury occurs Source.

RFA Offer Sheet Speculation

The possibility of an offer sheet targeting a restricted free agent remains, though it feels less likely as the summer progresses. Adam Fantilli and Connor McMichael have been mentioned as potential targets, especially for teams like Philadelphia, but no concrete movement has emerged.

Fantasy managers should continue to monitor these situations closely, as a single transaction could dramatically alter a player's fantasy relevance and shift team dynamics.