What if the NHL general managers let us decide which players went where for the approaching trade deadline?
That’s what this fantasy exercise is about: What’s the most fantasy-conducive landing spot for each player being floated around as tradable?
There’s a better than good chance that none of the proposed new uniforms below will end up being correct when we wake up on March 4. But the process of identifying the right fit for each player should help prepare us for what kind of role, opportunity and production we can hope for once the dealing is done. All the players below (with the exception of the last one I just wanted to include) are found on most online “trade bait” lists, but I relied on TSN.ca.
To be crystal clear: All of the new teams below are a complete fabrication and were arrived at by me as a dream location for these players. It’s also not part of my job here to make the trade work within the confines of the salary cap or practicality. I tried to not pick more than one player for any given team and focused on clubs with a decent chance of making the postseason. The idea, again, is to focus on the kind of role and club that would help elevate what these players do best for fantasy rosters.
Timo Meier, W, New Jersey Devils (San Jose Sharks): Definitely the biggest fish in the trade pond, Meier is an even better fantasy player than he is an NHL player — and he’s a phenomenal NHL player. I chose the Devils here because Meier is a Corsi machine (third in individual Corsi for in the NHL) and the Devils are a Corsi machine (fourth in Corsi for per 60); put the two together and it should be possession and production magic. The fantasy fallout of giving Meier a center like Jack Hughes, but also having other lines on the team that are a threat, would potentially elevate him to top-10 fantasy territory.
Jakob Chychrun, D, Minnesota Wild (Arizona Coyotes): There are a few destinations that would benefit from a power-play quarterback, but the Wild offer a unique…
