NHL Trade Deadline day has arrived. Be sure to check out RotoWire’s hockey coverage for the latest news and transaction analysis.
This week’s column will focus on players already trending upward and/or set to get a boost from recent deals.
(Rostered rates and details as of 9 a.m. EST on Mar. 7)
Forwards
Will Cuylle, NYR (Yahoo: 35%)
Cuylle went scoreless for 13 straight games over December and January. And while the points haven’t necessarily been flowing throughout, he’s still posted six from the last eight to go with 18 shots and 26 hits. Cuylle’s stats have also been enhanced by increased ice time and a top-six promotion joining J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad. Let’s hope he remains in an advanced position as his cross-category production provides tremendous fantasy upside.
Josh Norris, BUF (Yahoo: 31%)
Injuries have played a significant role throughout Norris’ career as he’s never appeared in more than 66 contests during any season, yet he’s only missed eight so far this season. He returned on Saturday and notched a goal and assist Wednesday while dishing out seven hits across three and averaging 17:13 — 1:55 of that on the power play alongside his usual lead shorthanded spot.
Norris was traded to Buffalo on Friday, which isn’t a bad move for the center. In fact, he could move up to a first-line role, something that wasn’t going to happen in Ottawa, and link up with the No. 1 power-play unit. Playing with Tage Thompson isn’t going to hurt your productivity, that’s for sure. As long as Norris stays healthy, he’s a worthy recruit for your fantasy rosters.
William Eklund, SJ (Yahoo: 19%)
While it may be disheartening to see the Sharks projected for another last-place finish, their future up front looks bright. Everyone knows the talent Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith can offer, yet some will overlook Eklund even though he leads the team in scoring. And he’s been consistent in that area by delivering 21 points over 23 outings — including eight PPPs — with 49 shots while skating 19-plus minutes a night. Someone as potent and involved as Eklund shouldn’t be available in four of every five Yahoo leagues.
Kyle Palmieri, NYI (Yahoo: 16%)
Palmieri has found the back of the net in eight of the last 12 matchups on 32 shots. And like Eklund, he’s probably not the most popular fantasy prospect due to being fairly one-dimensional on a weaker…