The NHL is in its third week of action, and already, you should have some ideas as to the strengths and weaknesses of your fantasy hockey lineup. It’s a lot tougher to compete in deep leagues, as there are fewer good players on waivers requiring a trade or two to improve your roster.
Here are some players that you could deal for and trade elsewhere.
TRADE FOR
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Oilers (89% rostered)
Nugent-Hopkins is off to a terrible start, like many of his Edmonton teammates. Scoring once and adding three assists in four games. He has been held off the scoresheet the last two games, but previous to that, the 31-year-old had a three-game point streak.
Nugent-Hopkins is just one year removed from scoring 37 goals and adding 67 assists. He dropped last season to 18 markers and 67 points, which isn’t too bad. Nugent-Hopkins will see plenty of time the rest of the season alongside Connor McDavid — when McDavid recovers from his ankle injury that is now expected to keep him out for 2-3 weeks. Nugent-Hopkins sees plenty of time on the first power play, which will come in handy once the Oilers return to form. He had 53 power-play points in 2022-23 and dropped to 26 points last season.
Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Nugent-Hopkins for Erik Karlsson
Dougie Hamilton, D, Devils (98%)
The Devils have Dougie Hamilton back this season after he missed the last 62 games of the 2023-24 campaign with a torn pectoral muscle and he has taken off lately after a slow start. The defenseman was held without a point in his first six games but he has managed a goal and five assists in his last six appearances.
Hamilton has always been an offensive force, but that really came to the forefront two seasons ago when he had 22 goals and 52 assists in 82 regular-season games for the Devils. He was a huge part of the power play with eight goals and 20 assists. Hamilton was strong last season as well — until he got hurt — scoring five times and adding 11 assists in 20 games, including eight points on the power play.
Hamilton has started to be a force again with the man advantage, as he has four of his six points this season with the extra attacker.
Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Hamilton for Neal Pionk