Building off last week's Top 10, this time we are diving into some players who could benefit from a change of scenery. The key here was to keep things grounded in reality, so while some of these names might raise an eyebrow, I aimed for trades that actually make sense given where these players are at right now. Below is a breakdown of the Top 10 fantasy players who could see their stock rise with a trade before the deadline. Just a heads-up, I am writing this on Sunday evening so if any trades happen between now and tomorrow morning, it is out of our hands. Now, let's jump in and see which players are due for a fresh start and a fantasy boost!

10. Mike Matheson (Montreal Canadians)

Mike Matheson has taken a backseat since Lane Hutson's breakout, with the rookie quickly becoming a Calder frontrunner. While we knew Hutson had star potential, his rise has been quicker than expected. Matheson, still with a year left on his deal, has lost his top powerplay spot to Hutson. Despite this, he remains the team's ice time leader, but a repeat of his career-high 62 points seems unlikely. That said, Matheson still provides strong peripheral stats in blocks, hits, and shots. If he can find a new team with a top powerplay role, he could be a valuable fantasy asset down the stretch.

9. Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres)

At this point, who isn't trade bait in the Buffalo Sabres organization? Unless your name is Tage Thompson or Rasmus Dahlin, you’re probably on the radar. But let's focus back on Alex Tuch. He's been a fantastic addition to the team, bringing leadership, playoff experience, and strong two-way play, all while contributing offensively. With a $5.75 million contract set to expire next season, the Sabres do not have to trade him, but they could certainly fetch a solid return. If he does get moved to a contender, his fantasy value could potentially see a nice boost. While his ice time may take a hit, the upside is more consistently producing linemates and thus more scoring opportunities.

8. Lukas Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks)

Lukas Reichel is still early in his career, but 147 games in, he has not done much to justify his top-six potential. With just 48 points and multiple healthy scratches or AHL stints, he has not been the complementary scorer Chicago hoped for alongside Connor Bedard. Instead, he's looking more like a bottom-six depth piece. While development is not always linear, the competition is only getting tougher. Frank Nazar and Colton Dach have already jumped ahead of him for ice time, and with Oliver Moore, Cole Guttman, and Nick Lardis on the way, Reichel's window to lock down a key role is closing fast.

7. K'Andre Miller (New York Rangers)

With the recent addition of JT Miller, the overall play of the Rangers has improved. That might make it unlikely that Miller gets moved this trade deadline. However, I have always maintained that if Miller ever gets a consistent shot as a top-pairing defenseman, he could break free from playing behind Adam Fox. We have seen those flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. With his unique blend of talent, physicality and agility, he has the potential to be a top D-man on any team. Given the Rangers’ current trajectory, they might not shake things up, but if Miller gets that chance, he could really shine.

6. Casey Mittelstadt (Colorado Avalanche)

Casey Mittelstadt was traded to Colorado for Bowen Byram last year and initially showed promise as a second-line center, especially with Valeri Nichushkin suspended and Artturi Lehkonen injured. However, as the Avalanche got healthier, his role and play dipped. Now, he's a middle-six center with power-play time on the second unit. While he's posted 32 points in 57 games, he's struggled to generate shots or scoring chances and his defensive play has been a point of contention. At 26, with two years left on his deal, his $5.8M cap hit could be tough to move unless the Avs retain salary or add sweeteners to make a deal more attractive.

5. Kyle Palmieri (New York Islanders)

At 34, Kyle Palmieri has 16 goals and 37 points through 55 games, putting him on pace for a similar 55-point season as last year. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, he’s still a valuable middle-six scorer and steady veteran presence for any team eyeing a playoff run. Fantasy-wise, there’s still some upside here. If he gets moved, it’s likely to a contender, which could give his production a slight boost.

4. Dawson Mercer (New Jersey Devils)

Despite 13 goals and 12 assists this season, Dawson Mercer has been stuck in a third-line role on a loaded Devils roster, limiting his offensive upside. Recently bumped up to the second line due to Nico Hischier's injury, Mercer's lack of power-play time continues to hinder his production. While Timo Meier is in a similar spot, Mercer's entry-level contract makes him an affordable option for teams looking for a skilled, young forward. With the Devils eyeing a Cup, moving Mercer for a proven top-six player could be an option and a change of scenery could benefit both Mercer's production and the Devils' push.

3. Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)

Like John Gibson, Trevor Zegras' name has swirled around for nearly a year now in trade rumors but an injury in December sidelined him until late January. Since returning, he's flown under the radar, though he has five points in his last eight games. Still, his season totals of 15 points in 32 games puts him on pace for just 38 for the season, a steep drop from his breakout 65-point campaign in 2022-23. Injuries and declining production have defined his last 12-18 months, raising questions about his future in Anaheim. The Ducks might need to explore a trade, but with Zegras' value at an all time low, finding a worthwhile return will not be easy.

2. Alexis Lafreniere (New York Rangers)

Earlier this season, I suggested the New York Rangers should give Alexis Lafrenière a real shot on the top power play unit. He has the talent to be something special, but consistency has been an issue. Now, with JT Miller in the fold and a long-term contract, Lafrenière finds himself stuck in second power play purgatory. The top line is packed with Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, JT Miller, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox, limiting his role. His offensive zone starts are down, and that trend could continue. A trade might be exactly what Laf needs, especially if it means getting prime minutes at even strength and on the power play, like fellow departed winger Kaapo Kakko.

1. Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)

Let's be clear: While Nikolaj Ehlers hasn't been part of any trade rumors, his seven-year, $42 million deal expires this summer, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. For the first time in years, he's thriving with solid top power play time, which is helping both his real-life and fantasy value. However, he's still only averaging just over 15 minutes a night, ranking fourth among Jets forwards in points and ice time. With the Jets being the hottest team in the league and a powerhouse on the powerplay, they face a tough decision: keep him or trade him for assets. If he moves, Ehlers could finally earn that top-line role, though the real question is if his production will follow.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.