Top 10 Faces in New Places
Caleb Desjardins
2026-03-09
This week, we will be looking back on the NHL Trade Deadline and some of the big trades that we saw take place. What trades had the biggest impact on the fantasy hockey landscape? Let's take a look at some of the top players who have found new homes following the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey
10. Andrew Mangiapane, LW, Chicago Blackhawks, Rostered-1.3%
Things didn't work out as hoped for Andrew Mangiapane during his tenure with the Oilers. The team opted to ship him out during the first of a two year deal signed back in the summer of 2025. The trade sent Mangiapane and a 1st round pick to Chicago in exchange for Jason Dickinson and youngster Colton Dach. Mangiapane needed a change of scenery and he will be given a bigger role on a thin Blackhawks forward group. He could play top-six minutes, potentially seeing time alongside Connor Bedard. He has scored 30+ previously, and Chicago is hoping he's able to unlock the offensive play we saw earlier in his career. Mangiapane's fantasy ownership should increase significantly down the stretch.
9. Bobby Brink, RW, Minnesota Wild, Rostered-1.5%
The Flyers opted to move on from the 24-year-old Bobby Brink as they sent him to Minnesota in exchange for former top-pick David Jiricek. Philadelphia has an abundance of young forwards and the move makes sense to try and improve upon their future defence core with the acquisition of Jiricek. Brink will look to add some secondary scoring to one of the NHL's juggernauts down the stretch. He hasn't been a relevant fantasy option this year for managers. However, a change of scenery, joining one of the league's best offensive groups should see an increase in his production.
8. Corey Perry, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning, Rostered-5.4%
Corey Perry finds himself in familiar territory as he rejoins the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Kings moved on from him and acquired a second-round-pick as a result. Perry was a solid fit during his time in Tampa, and managers can expect him to pick up right where he left off. He'll take his place as a net front option on a lethal Lightning powerplay. His fantasy value should increase from his time in Los Angeles. Even at 40 years old, he continues to factor in on the scoresheet. He'll be a valuable addition for the team as he continues to chase an elusive second Stanley Cup Championship.
7. Bobby McMann, LW, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-12.3%
The Maple Leafs found themselves in an unexpected position come the deadline, as they were likely out of the playoff race and as a result, forced to face reality and embrace becoming sellers. Bobby McMann was the team’s most valuable trade chip and fetched both a second and fourth round pick from the Kraken. He has scored 19 goals already on the season and proved to be a solid secondary scoring option for the Leafs. Playing alongside the team’s star forwards made him a relevant fantasy option this season. However, Seattle doesn't have the same play drivers up front. McMann is a worthy addition for Seattle but it will be interesting to see if he maintains his production with new linemates. Still, he is worth a pick-up in larger fantasy league formats.
6. Brayden Schenn, C, New York Islanders, Rostered-28.4%
With names like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou rumored to be on the trade block, it came as a bit of a surprise to see the Blues captain as the only big-name forward to be moved out of St. Louis. Brayden Schenn was acquired by the Islanders for a large haul, including a first round pick, third rounder, and forward Jonathan Drouin. Schenn isn't putting up the offensive numbers that managers came to expect earlier in his career. However, the Blues struggled this season and heading into a new environment could bolster his production. He'll slot down the middle for New York as the teams new second line centre during their playoff push.
5. Justin Faulk, D, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-80.3%
Justin Faulk was one of the bigger name defencemen on the market and the veteran is capable of helping any team at both ends of the ice. The Detroit Red Wings were in desperate need of a right shot defender, and Faulk fits the bill. He was acquired by the Wings from St. Louis in exchange for Justin Holl and both a first and third round draft pick. Faulk's offensive production should only increase on the Wings and he is a must-target for managers looking to round out their defensive core.
4. Conor Garland, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets, Rostered-42.6%
The Conor Garland trade came the night before the deadline as he was traded from Vancouver to Columbus in exchange for two draft picks. His offense dropped off considerably this season with the Canucks as he only found the scoresheet seven times. However, the same drop in offensive production can be said for most of the team as they find themselves in the basement of the NHL. Garland has six years left on his new contract extension he signed last summer. Joining the Blue Jackets should be the spark that Garland needs to find his game. Fantasy managers should consider picking him up on the free agent market.
3. Mackenzie Weegar, D, Utah Mammoth, Rostered-92.7%
Weegar was one of the bigger names we saw moved around the deadline, but the deal came as no surprise. The Flames sold off several pieces and Weegar netted them a hefty package in return that included Olli Maata and three second round picks. Right shot defensemen are hard to come by via trade and Weegar is one of the best shutdown blue-liners in the NHL and the same can be said in fantasy hockey. His offense should return to his career pace now that he is joining the Mammoth.
2. John Carlson, D, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-96.3%
John Carlson being traded from Washington to Anaheim in the wee hours of the night leading up to the deadline was by far the wildest trade that took place. He was traded in exchange for a first and third round pick. The deal came virtually out of nowhere and a player who had been in Washington for the better part of two decades all of a sudden had a new home. Carlson's impact on the game can't be understated and his departure basically signifies a forfeit of the season for Washington. The veteran blue liner will immediately become the top option on the Ducks defence. He's had a productive season in Washington amassing 46 points in only 55 games. Once the initial shock of the deal wears off, expect John Carlson to continue to be one of the most valuable assets on the back end for fantasy managers.
1. Nazem Kadri, C, Colorado Avalanche, Rostered-83.9%
A Nazem Kadri trade came as no shock to anyone as he was the biggest name on trade bait boards heading into the deadline. However, nobody anticipated a reunion with the Colorado Avalanche who he won a Stanley Cup with back in 2022. The rich get richer as Kadri joins an already impressive forward group in Colorado. The team is the favorite to go all the way this season and acquiring Kadri for a first, third, and Victor Oloffson is a small price to pay for Kadri's services. He can slot down the middle for Colorado or alongside centers Nathan Mackinnon and Brock Nelson on the wing. All are enticing options for fantasy owners. Kadri's offense should find another gear with the Avalanche, a team he is very familiar with and where he recorded his career best season.
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