From the trades and coaching hires from the past week, let's evaluate the fantasy stock of certain impacted players.

One caveat: It might be better to wait until the dust settles on activity to completely evaluate offseason moves. In my experience, if a team makes a real head-scratching move or one that leaves more questions than answers, that might be an indication that they are not done yet (as we found out with the Maple Leafs this week). Teams always have options to solve their problems, such as turning to a trade if the free agent market is tapped out.

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Emil Andrae

Toronto targeted Andrae specifically for his puck‑moving ability and mobility, which aligns with what new analytically-driven GM John Chayka would want on the back end. Although the trade might be weighted toward the Flyers in terms of players involved, Andrae is the key piece of the deal.

In 61 games and limited minutes for the Flyers this past season, Andrae posted a plus-15 rating and 13 points. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but Andrae provides the Leafs with a skill set they could use. At 24 years of age, Andrae is at least five years younger than any defenseman on the Leafs' roster.

I had prewritten a nice paragraph about how Andrae's value could skyrocket in Toronto, but then the Leafs went out and acquired Raddysh. Even then, it sounds more and more likely that Morgan Rielly will be moved this offseason. That could leave a spot on the third pair for Andrae, which might be enough reason for you to buy low on him in a deeper dynasty format.

Stock: UP

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Charle-Edouard D'Astous

As I mentioned yesterday, the Lightning could turn to John Carlson as a potential Darren Raddysh replacement. But what if they don't land Carlson or can't add offensive-minded defenseman? Then the hope would be that D'Astous can become a Raddysh 2.0. Like Raddysh, D'Astous is a late bloomer, playing his first NHL season in 2025-26 after spending time in both the AHL and Europe. D'Astous was a popular waiver-wire add late in the season, finishing with 10 points in 22 games. He was also used on the power play at times. Assuming no other additions, Victor Hedman would probably be back on the Bolts' top power play, but D'Astous should be a fixture on the second unit.

Stock: UP

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Joseph Woll

Woll lands in a solid spot for his fantasy value, which is a stable defensive environment. Dan Vladar was able to thrive under Rick Tocchet's system, so the hope is that Woll will upgrade and stabilize the backup role or even split starts with Vladar. Compared to the belief a year ago, goaltending is now a strength for the Flyers with a Vladar-Woll tandem.

The main challenge for Woll has been staying healthy. He has never played in more than 42 games in a season, but the Flyers don't need him to be the starter unless Vladar is injured. If Vladar has another great season, the Woll may only be needed for 30-35 games. Vladar's value may decrease slightly for volume-based stats, but quality should be the deciding factor over quantity when it comes to goaltending anyway.

Woll could be drafted as a third goalie in 12-team leagues, and he'd be a must-add if Vladar regresses or gets hurt. His down year (3.31 GAA, .899 SV%) is partly attributed to Toronto's defensive issues. The Leafs could improve defensively under Jim Hiller, but the Flyers still have to be considered the better defensive team.

Stock: UP (slightly)

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Auston Matthews

The initial reaction might be to assume that Hiller's system will kill scoring in Toronto, which would mean down times for the likes of Matthews and William Nylander. However, there are a few reasons that Hiller could help Matthews bounce back (assuming the Leafs don't trade Matthews this offseason).

For starters, Hiller has already coached Matthews during his previous stint as a Leafs assistant from 2015-2019, so Hiller should already be familiar with how to deploy Matthews. Hiller emphasizes clear structure and player connection, which typically stabilizes usage for elite forwards. Matthews' floor should at least improve, assuming he can stay healthy. Matthews hasn't appeared in 70 games in either of the last two seasons.

As Alex mentioned in the Fantasy Take of the Leafs coaching change, Hiller is known for improving a team's power play. That's good to know, as Matthews' power-play production dropped to just 12 power-play points in 2025-26 after at least 25 power-play points in each of the last four seasons. Power-play points will likely drive any bounce-back for Matthews, although the effect of not having Mitch Marner anymore means 100 points is likely out of reach. A point-per-game output of 80 points is a safer bet, and that would be an improvement over 2025-26.

Stock: UP (slightly)

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Samuel Ersson

Ersson struggled badly in 2025-26 (.869 SV%), which is the worst save percentage among the 51 goalies that appeared in at least 30 games. Now he joins a Leafs team with no clear commitment to him. In fact, Toronto may not even re‑sign him because he's an RFA coming off a poor year.

The Leafs may let Ersson walk to free agency because they already have internal goalie prospects in Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov, who could both push for NHL time next season. Akhtyamov is this year's version of Arturs Silovs in that he is trying to leverage an AHL Calder Cup run into a full-time NHL job next season. That makes Ersson undraftableuntil we know his contract situation and depth‑chart placement. Ersson will at best be a low-end backup goalie somewhere next season.

Stock: DOWN

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This is my last Ramblings before the draft. I won't do a full-on mock draft, but this is a sense of how I think the first five picks will go. This is who I think the teams will pick and not necessarily who I think they should pick. You can find full mock drafts in lots of different places.

1. Toronto: Gavin McKenna

Some might think that John Chayka will use an elaborate mathematical formula to pick a player completely out of left field. However, I don't think he'll overthink this pick. It's hard not to bet on talent and upside. You should probably be familiar with McKenna by now.

2. San Jose: Chase Reid

The Sharks decide to draft positional need and secure Reid, who should be the first defenseman drafted in a deep draft at that position. Expect multiple other defensemen to go later in the top 10 as well, although it's not easy to tell which ones will go where.

3. Vancouver – Caleb Malhotra

Yes, there's the obvious family tie here with father Manny Malhotra as the new head coach. However, the Canucks could very well start their rebuild by focusing on the all-important center position. Malhotra's stock has skyrocketed over the past year from so-so results in the BCHL (26 PTS in 44 GP) to star potential in the OHL (84 PTS in 67 GP).

4. Chicago – Ivar Stenberg

The Blackhawks can't believe their luck, grabbing Stenberg without hesitation. They've done everything right in accumulating assets, but they still appear to be a way away from competing in a nasty Central Division.

This is how I see the ideal lines as of right now and potential holes pic.twitter.com/6uVIgGtDio

— History Racer (@TeacherJEvan) June 16, 2026

5. NY Rangers – Viggo Bjorck

The Knicks are the toast of New York right now, so the Rangers draft a player that they hope will sell tickets. With Artemi Panarin already traded away and Vincent Trocheck possibly on his way out, the Rangers will hope that Bjorck's experience as a 1C for an SHL playoff team will translate quickly to the NHL.

For more on the top draft-eligible players, I encourage you to read The Journey from the last two weeks. Victor has ranked forwards and defensemen from both a real-life and a fantasy perspective.  

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Here's Nicolas Deslauriers announcing a two-year extension at the Stanley Cup parade. I'm thinking the real contract was signed earlier and this was just done for effect.

The Carolina Hurricanes are out here signing players at their Stanley Cup parade.

Nic Deslauriers just got a contract extension in the middle of the celebration.

This is the hockey equivalent of a fantasy GM making waiver pickups while at a family birthday party that is still… pic.twitter.com/QhbhCqWG5A

— Dobber (@DobberHockey) June 20, 2026

I don't recall seeing Deslauriers at all during the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's because he played only one game during the playoffs. Deslauriers played 31 games during the regular season, strictly providing toughness to the Carolina lineup.

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