The NHL has halted trades until December 28, but fantasy hockey leagues aren’t bound by this pause. The league will take a three-day break starting Wednesday, with games in the East resuming on Saturday night, giving fantasy managers ample time to negotiate trades without missing any action.
Good luck with your trades this week!
Trade Targets
Jesper Bratt, RW, Devils (94% rostered)
I planned to highlight Bratt last week, but with Jack Hughes sidelined due to finger surgery, I thought we had more time. However, Hughes was activated unexpectedly on Sunday, and Bratt’s performance improved. Since December 1, Bratt has struggled with just one goal and two assists in 10 games. Previously nearly a point-per-game player, with 317 points in 321 games over four seasons, Bratt has 29 points in 37 games this season. He really missed having Hughes on center during the latter’s 18-game absence and should regain his offensive spark soon.
Recent trade example: Bratt was traded for Pavel Dorofeev, although Bratt’s higher scoring output makes this a questionable swap.
Matthew Tkachuk, RW, Panthers (91% rostered)
Tkachuk hasn’t played yet this season, recovering from offseason surgery to fix a torn abductor muscle. He’s been skating since November 26 and appears close to returning. If healthy, Tkachuk will be a major asset for the Panthers and fantasy players, having posted over 100 points in two past seasons and 57 points in 52 games last year despite injury.
Recent trade example: A trade involving Drew Doty and Sam Lindsell for Tkachuk and Jackson Lacombe, with Tkachuk being the clear asset.
William Nylander, RW, Maple Leafs (99% rostered)
Nylander’s value rose after scoring two goals and two assists against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, snapping a slump that began after a November 26 goal. He currently has 13 goals and 40 points despite a rough patch and remains hard to acquire, even on a struggling Leafs team.
Recent trade example: Nylander was traded for Andrei Svechnikov, with Nylander’s consistent offensive production outweighing Svechnikov’s current performance.
Players to Trade Away
John Gibson, G, Red Wings (46% rostered)
Gibson has won eight straight games, including a 4-3 overtime victory over Dallas Tuesday, but his underlying stats—such as a 3.01 goals-against average and .891 save percentage—are below average. His record stands at 12-7-1 with two shutouts, so selling him while his winning streak holds value makes sense.
Recent trade example: Gibson was traded for Bo Horvat, who’s about to return from injury and is a valuable fantasy asset.
Rasmus Andersson, D, Flames (89% rostered)
After a strong start last season and decent production this year, Andersson might be tradeable due to his potential free agent status at season’s end. However, it’s uncertain if he’ll keep a top power-play role on a new team.
Recent trade example: Andersson was exchanged for Clayton Keller, who consistently puts up high point totals.
Roope Hintz, C, Stars (92% rostered)
Hintz has been performing well, tallying 12 goals and 31 points in 33 games, though his career high is 75 points in 73 games. He remains a fair trade candidate now.
Recent trade example: Hintz was traded for Artemi Panarin, a star with consistently higher production, despite a recent slump.
Fan Take:
This trade freeze and player updates offer fantasy hockey managers a strategic window to reassess and act, which could shake up team dynamics significantly. For hockey fans, these moves highlight how player health and timely returns can dramatically influence both real and fantasy hockey landscapes, keeping the sport thrilling and unpredictable.
