This might be the season's trickiest forecasting piece to assemble in that, only a handful of hours from now, several key fantasy figures are almost certain to be surrounded by different teammates, holding down changed roles, leaving altered situations behind with their respective former squads. Names like Tyler Toffoli, Pavel Buchnevich, Frank Vatrano, and maybe even Jacob Markstrom - plus many others, inevitably - could/should be on the move in a matter of minutes or hours, depending on when your eyeballs land here. If they haven't been dealt already.
Which means it's all the more important to check back with our fantasy fallout analysis [link: https://www.espn.com/fantasy/hockey/story/_/id/39674529/nhl-trade-deadline-2024-fantasy-hockey-live-recap-reaction-vegas-golden-knights ] up to and shortly following today's 3pm ET deadline. For now, here are a few players to consider within this weekend's schedule, featuring four games Friday, a whopping 13 on Saturday, followed by five Sunday. Including a pair of figures who have already been shipped elsewhere.
Other weekend docket highlights include nine back-to-back sets, meaning we're in for the usual weekend parade of No. 2 netminders. Some - like those with Edmonton or Winnipeg - face more favorable situations than others (Pittsburgh's Alex Nedeljkovic, for one). Only three clubs play Friday and Sunday, with the day of rest between, including the Ducks and Coyotes. The third, Minnesota, might be staring down a pair of games that could go a distance, or much the reverse, in helping them remain in the playoff fight. The Wild are in Colorado Friday before hosting the Predators Sunday.
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Stock Up
Bowen Byram, D, Buffalo Sabres: A good start, anyway. Skating two seconds shy of 25 minutes on the top pair and power play with Rasmus Dahlin, Byram collected a goal and assist on three shots in his Buffalo debut versus the Predators. As of early Friday morning, the Sabres' newest defender remains available in 40% of ESPN.com leagues.
Michael Bunting, F, Pittsburgh Penguins: The combination of a fresh start, reunion with GM Kyle Dubas, and opportunity to play on a top scoring line with Sidney Crosby is intriguing indeed. Especially that last bit. After a ho-hum run in Carolina - particularly of late - Bunting will want to make the most of what's left of 2023-24. The scrappy forward is worth keeping an eye on, in any case.
Ondrej Palat, F, New Jersey Devils: As discussed earlier in this space, forward Timo Meier appears to have rediscovered how to score again; Thursday's hat-trick strengthening an argument already gaining steam this past week. But while you might be hard-pressed to find Meier available in your own league - by all means, check - there's an excellent chance his new linemate could be there for the snagging. While Tyler Toffoli sat out for trade-related reasons, Palat provided the primary assist on both of Meier's even-strength goals against the Blues. As such, new (interim) bench boss Travis Green is likely to leave that top line, centered by Nico Hischier, alone for a bit.
Hendrix Lapierre, F, Washington Capitals: If he continues to play on a line with Alex Ovechkin, sure. Plus, the 22nd overall draft pick (2020) has four goals and two assists in his past six games. Hendrix could be worth a look in deeper leagues, even in the here and now. The Capitals host Chicago on Saturday.
Casey Mittelstadt, F, Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche's projected new second-line center is expected to make his Denver debut against the Wild Friday. He remains available in 83% of ESPN.com leagues. Forward Valeri Nichushkin could also suit up in his first game since exiting the league's Player Assistance program.
Stock Down
Linus Ullmark, G, Boston Bruins: He hasn't won a game since Feb. 8 (most of those losses in OT, mind you). Jeremy Swayman is 5-0-1 in his past six. If this trend continues, don't be surprised if we see a little more Swayman down the stretch while Boston fights to overtake Florida for top spot in the East.
Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins: Coach Mike Sullivan himself said his charges are reeling following the talk of, and eventual deal, sending Jake Guentzel to Carolina. Then there's the recent 1-4 record, comprising losses to the Kraken, Flames, Oilers, and Thursday's 6-0 walloping at the hands of the Capitals. Next up? Bruins and Oilers (again).
Streamer Specials
Laurent Brossoit, G, Winnipeg Jets: Toss him out there against the Kraken Friday if Hellebuyck gets a rest ahead of Saturday's tete-a-tete in Vancouver. Brossoit has been better-than-good in his most recent three-straight victories.
Calvin Pickard, G, Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton's No. 2 likely gets the chance to redeem himself Sunday in Pittsburgh after Thursday's loss to Columbus. Pickard stopped 22 of 23 shots in beating those same struggling Penguins this past Sunday.
Scott Wedgwood, G, Dallas Stars: Again, if he gets the nod in Anaheim Friday ahead of Saturday's game with the Kings, I like Wedgwood as a streaming asset. Even looking past how the Stars are better with Chris Tanev and fresh contributions from rookie Logan Stankoven, the (remaining) Ducks are badly banged up and could see their lead scorer Frank Vatrano traded beforehand.
Nick Schmaltz, F, Arizona Coyotes: Clayton Keller's linemate is shooting and scoring often enough -four goals and four assists in seven games - to roll out against the Red Wings Friday and Blackhawks Sunday. Plenty of potential for valuable points when most of the rest of the league is idle.