*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey

It's been quite a week in the National Hockey League, which has been nothing short of chaotic. Blockbuster trades, including top 10 picks and prominent players, have made draft week feel more like the trade deadline. With all the movement across the league, it has afforded some new opportunities for several players. Let's take a look at the top ten recent fantasy risers.

10. Sebastian Cossa, G, Utah Mammoth

After being amongst the rare goaltenders to be selected in the first round, Cossa was pegged as the starter of the future for the Red Wings. However, it's been a goaltender carousel for Detroit over the last several seasons. Now, after acquiring John Gibson, the team opted to move on from Cossa as his path to the NHL became uncertain. The Mammoth gave up a first-round selection to acquire the young netminder and will afford him every opportunity to have success at the NHL level. Cossa should become a relevant fantasy option this year in Utah.

9. Darren Raddysh, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

Darren Raddysh is the definition of a late bloomer. He burst onto the scene for Tampa Bay this season and was one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL. As a result, he earned himself a massive payday, one that the Lightning couldn't afford. The Maple Leafs acquired Raddysh and immediately signed him to a long-term deal. Raddysh is a significant upgrade over Morgan Rielly on the power play. His point shot should add a new element to the Leafs man advantage and revitalize a group that has all the pieces to have success.

8. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

It was no secret that Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had a desire to leave Ottawa and join forces with his brother Matthew in Florida. After the blockbuster deal that united the two, the Panthers are expected to regain their contender status. Playing on a line with his brother should light a spark under Brady. The Tkachuk's will become the real-life version of the bash brothers. Their unique style of play already made them fantasy darlings; however, together they could have an even greater impact.

7. Connor McMichael, LW, St. Louis Blues

It's a bit surprising that the Capitals were so quick to give up Connor McMichael, who was really coming into his own at the NHL level. He will now join a younger forward group in St. Louis and take over as a top-six option in place of Jordan Kyrou. McMichael was a fantasy breakout player two seasons ago, and in a new jersey, expect him to put the league on notice again.

6. Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Seattle Kraken

Samoskevich was an underrated part of the Florida Panthers forward group. He produced at a decent level, despite minimal usage behind some elite players. He now goes to a team that is lacking star power. At only 23 years old, there is still some untapped potential for Samoskevich. With more usage, his offensive numbers should reach a new level and make him a relevant fantasy option.

5. Pavel Dorofeyev, LW, New York Rangers

After trading Artemi Panarin to Los Angeles at the deadline, the New York Rangers have acquired another star russian winger. Pavel Dorofeyev showed throughout the regular season and playoffs that he is amongst the premier goal scorers in the NHL. At only 25 years old, the Rangers locked him up to a seven-year, 11 million annual deal. Dorofeyev will take over Panarin's position as the number one option on the team. After being hidden behind the likes of Eichel, Marner, and Stone in Vegas, he is now the go-to guy in the Big Apple.

4. Jordan Kyrou, RW, Washington Capitals

Jordan Kyrou has been a consistent producer throughout his career; however, he is coming off a disappointing campaign. This was partially due to his usage under a new coach, as he saw his minutes decline. As a result, it’s been inevitable that Kyrou was on his way out of St. Louis. He heads to Washington, who have a deep group on the wing, especially after acquiring Alex Tuch as well. However, the Capitals wouldn't have made the Kyrou acquisition if they didn't plan on putting him in a position to succeed offensively. Fantasy managers should anticipate Kyrou to return to his normal production, as he should see major minutes, especially if Alex Ovechkin plans to call it a career.

3. Mason McTavish, C, St. Louis Blues

Mason McTavish was expected to be a big part of the Ducks young core as they head into a new era. Unfortunately, he took a step back this season and was used sparingly by new head coach Joel Quenneville. For McTavish, his departure has been rumored since the deadline, and he is heading to St. Louis, where he should immediately step in and become the number two pivot behind Robert Thomas. Fantasy managers should expect McTavish to have a rebound campaign in a new organization.

2. Simon Nemec, D, Calgary Flames

Nemec was selected second overall back in 2022 by the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, things haven't gone as hoped in his development, as he has been stuck behind several other blueliners on the team. This season, he showed flashes of why he was selected with the number two pick, and the Flames liked what they saw. Despite having Zayne Parekh also on the right side, Nemec should see heavier minutes in an offensive role in Calgary. This could be the breakout campaign that we've been hoping for from the young Slovak.

1. Bowen Byram, D, Chicago Blackhawks

RFA Bowen Byram wanted out of Buffalo as he has aspirations of being a number one defenceman. He will certainly be that as he immediately becomes Chicago's best player not named Connor Bedard. The Hawks gave up a massive package that included the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft to acquire Byram. They are also expected to make him their highest-paid player in short order. However, the team needed to start insulating its young core with NHL-level players. Byram should be valued as a number one defenceman in fantasy and is poised for the best season of his career.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67