| Written by Rob Edwards |
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Posted on 3/3/2008 1:16:19 PM |
The NHL trade deadline has created roster shuffling throughout the fantasy hockey landscape, with most owners chasing the big names. Instead of overpaying for a superstar, some mid-level players who benefited from various trades are often better bets to acquire. This week, let’s take a quick look at a few players who have found their roles increased in the aftermath of deadline day.
Jeff Halpern, C, TB - Overlooked everywhere as a throw-in in the Brad Richards/Mike Smith swap between Dallas and Tampa, Halpern has been nothing short of amazing since arriving in the Bay. Tallying 2 Goals and 2 Assists with a +2 and 4 PIMS in the three games since arriving, Halpern also logged some PP minutes, and collected 2 PP Assist in his first two games as a Bolt. His ice time has increased, as has his offensive role – he is centering the 2nd line and has developed some early chemistry with winger Michel Oullet. Halpern is worth a flier for the stretch run – Tampa has a favorable schedule from here on out.
Steve Bernier, RW, BUF - The other piece in the deal that sent D Brian Campbell to San Jose, Bernier will benefit from his change of scenery. Landing on the top line in his first game, Bernier immediately produced 2 Goals in his first four minutes on the ice. He added an assist to round out his first appearance in a Sabres uniform, but was scoreless in Buffalo’s next two games, both losses. Bernier has proven that he can put the biscuit in the basket, as evidenced by the 45 Goals that he has put up in limited duty over the last three seasons. With a guaranteed spot in the top six, the speedy Bernier will have far more scoring chances in northwest New York than he got in San Jose.
Joe Pavelski, RW, SJ - The immediate beneficiary of the Shark’s deal for Brian Campbell, Pavelski rolled up due to Bernier shipping out. I highlighted Pavelski before the season started, and he has done nothing to sully my high opinion of him. He has Goals in three straight since Bernier’s exit (including a game-winner) to go along with an Assist, 2 PP Points and 9 SOGs. He has already topped last year’s 14 Goal total and will finish the season with a career-high in both Goals and Assists. Oh yeah – he also has 5 more goals than C Patrick Marleau. I will say it again – Pavelski is the real deal, and his emergence this year not only threatens Marleau’s future, but was the catalyst that enabled the Sharks to deal a former 1st Round pick for Campbell.
John Michael Liles, D, COL - Acquiring D Adam Foote has paid off for both Colorado and struggling defenseman Liles. The first three-quarters of the season was a practical abomination for Liles – putting up a paltry 2 Goals and 21 Assists in 62 games – far off the pace to reach the 44 Points which he put up in 71 games last season. However, since Foote’s arrival, Liles has been a different player, racking up 3 Assists (1 on the PP) in two games since the deadline. He is seeing more time on the power play and seems to be playing with more confidence now that Foote is watching his back. Instead of trading for a defenseman for the stretch run, Liles may be a low-cost alternative.
ROOKIE WATCH
Jack Johnson, D, LA - Everyone knows how great Jack Johnson is expected to be in the future, but apparently, the Kings think his future starts now. At the deadline, Los Angeles cleaned house on the blueline and sent defensemen Jaroslav Modry to Philadelphia and Brad Stuart to Detroit. With those players dealt, young Johnson is going to get some major minutes down the stretch. He is a great player to target in keeper leagues, especially now – he plays on a weak L.A. squad that will likely finish in last place. While Johnson tallied an assist in his first game after the deals went down, he has been a -4 in the three games since. Take a chance on an owner sleeping at the switch and letting a future gem go by targeting the kid while the Kings tank down the stretch. |
