Special to Yahoo Sports
Trade targets for this edition include a couple of players returning from lengthy injury absences as well as another two who should be able to maintain their hot play into the second half of the season. Additionally, there are a couple of good sell-high candidates for your consideration.
TRADE FOR
Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights (87% rostered)
Hill has been limited to one appearance over Vegas’ past 16 games due to injury. However, he is very close to being available to return to the lineup. Coach Bruce Cassidy said earlier this week that the 27-year-old netminder could play during the team’s upcoming back-to-back situation. If Hill receives medical clearance, he might be back in the crease as early as Wednesday against Colorado or Thursday versus Boston.
Hill was one of the best goaltenders in the league prior to getting hurt. He has a 10-2-2 record this season with two shutouts, a 1.93 GAA and a .933 save percentage over 15 starts. Hill has carried over the momentum he built from backstopping the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship last spring. He’s worth scooping up, especially if you can take advantage of a fantasy manager who is trying to juggle too many injuries.
Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Hill and Mark Scheifele for Kyle Connor
Artturi Lehkonen, LW, Colorado Avalanche (27% rostered)
Lehkonen might be available on your league’s waiver wire following an extended absence on long-term injured reserve due to a neck injury. However, if he’s been sitting on a rival fantasy manager’s injured list, the 28-year-old winger is worth acquiring via a trade.
Lehkonen is getting close to returning to the lineup after taking contact at practice this week. He will travel with the Avalanche on the team’s upcoming five-game road trip.
Lehkonen’s most common linemates prior to his injury were Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. He had also been seeing time on the top power-play unit. Lehkonen has three goals, eight points (four on the power play) and 13 hits over 12 games this campaign. He racked up 21 goals and a career-high 51 points in 64 appearances last campaign.
Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Lehkonen and Mikhail Sergachev for Quinton Byfield and K’Andre Miller