Fantasy Impact: Nashville Acquires Wayne Simmonds
Cam Robinson
2019-02-25
Fantasy Impact: The Nashville Predators acquire Wayne Simmonds from the Philidelphia Flyers for Ryan Hartman and a conditional fourth-round draft pick.
The Flyers Receive: 24-year-old, Hartman who can replace Simmonds on the right-wing in the middle six. He provides size, grit, and some offensive upside. He joins his third team in the last 12 months and the second deadline day he's been dealt.
The Predators Receive: A boon to their 31st ranked power play. For years, Simmonds has been one of the most effective net-front power-play producers in the NHL. His role was reduced this season with the acquisition of James van Riemsdyk as a free agent last summer. Additionally, Simmonds has plenty of hard miles on his odometer, so his decrease in effectiveness may be the result of that. Regardless, the Preds needed to improve their play on the man-advantage and Simmonds should aid in that. Simmonds can slide anywhere in your lineup, bring energy, finishing ability, and a boatload of hits and PIMs
Fantasy Players Impacted: Suddenly, Kyle Turris has a glut of options on his right-wing. With the acquisition of Simmonds and Mikael Granlund, Calle Jarnkrok's grip on a top-nine job just became a lot looser. Simmonds may fit better with Turris as he's a finisher besides a pass-firth pivot. Expect Nick Bonino to be bumped from the top power-play unit.
Hartman is unlikely to move anyone out of the Flyers top-six or power play units. This move will facilitate JVR's role as the net-front presence on the Flyers' top unit. He had bounced between both units while healthy, averaging 2:30 per night on the PP. That number should jump to over three minutes per game now.
Fantasy Players This Helps In Order:
Fantasy Players This Hurts In Order:
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