NHL Waiver Wire: Trade Deadline Fallout

The outbreak of Deadline Day fever has officially been contained and cured. The whirlwind weekend that led into Monday's conclusion proved to be exciting, but fantasy owners should have already returned to focus on their own leagues.

With that in mind, we're switching our recommendations this week to those who recently changed cities. Here are some of the more prominent players involved to target/avoid for the remainder of the regular season.

NOTE: Mark Stone, Matt Duchene, and Mikael Granlund will not be mentioned, as they are significantly owned.

(Stats as of Feb. 28)


Add 'Em

Charlie Coyle, F, BOS

Even though Coyle's been installed as the third center on even strength, he debuted on the Bruins' top power play. After being used on the wing in Minnesota, the 6'3" power forward returns to his natural position down the middle. Even if Coyle remains in the lower half of the depth chart, he'll still earn enough chances to improve on his scoring totals with all of Boston's firepower.

Kevin Fiala, F, MIN

Fiala has displayed plenty of skill since his NHL introduction in 2015, but inconsistency – including four points in his final 16 Nashville games – proved to be his ticket out of town. The 22-year old joins a youthful Wild squad and started on the second unit for both five-on-five and man-advantage. The placement won't guarantee future success, but at least it's a fresh start on an exciting lineup.

Kevin Hayes, F, WPG

When the Jets acquired Paul Stastny at the last Deadline, he slotted in as the #2 center and went on to record 28 points over 36 outings. Hayes is essentially being asked to cover the same role, albeit with much less experience than the current Golden Knight. The big pivot is enjoying a career year with 42 points and looks to be on pace to break his career-high of 49. Hayes is projected to be involved less than he was on Broadway, but the improved supporting cast in Winnipeg should help him fill the scoresheet.

Marcus Johansson, F, BOS

Injuries have hindered Johansson's progress of late, but the numbers have proven solid when healthy with 100 points from two partial seasons and a third full one. He took advantage of Taylor Hall's absence by tallying six goals and six assists during his last 17 appearances in Jersey. Johansson was paired with David Krejci on Tuesday and registered an assist. Expect the Swede to continue producing in Boston with their collection of superior skaters.

Brandon Montour, D, BUF

Montour may rank third on the Sabres' order of offensive defensemen, but there will be plenty of opportunities for him to accumulate points. After all, the Brantford-born blueliner dominated the AHL from 2015 to 2017 by exploding for 99 points over 118 matches. Montour's minutes probably won't reach his normal level until he gets used to the new system, but a place on a talented second power play should eventually find its way to the scoring summary.

Wayne Simmonds, F, NAS

Even though his offensive totals haven't been impressive across his career, Simmonds has always epitomized a reliable roto player based on his knack of picking up PIM and putting pucks on goal. He's also been proficient while up a man, averaging 20 PPPs the previous seven seasons. With the Preds ranking last in this area, Simmonds should provide a boost with his imposing net-front presence.

Stay Away

Nathan Beaulieu, D, WPG

With Dustin Byfuglien still out and Josh Morrissey slated to be gone until April, there's a chance another recruit can fill a significant spot. Of Winnipeg's two most recent back-end acquisitions, Beaulieu would be the favorite to assume the bulk of the available ice time. Although the 2011 first-rounder registered 28 points – including 12 on the power play – during his Montreal finale, he was barely called upon in Buffalo. There's not much fantasy hope for Beaulieu unless one of Jacob Trouba or Tyler Myers goes down.

Derick Brassard, F, COL

A goal and three assists in 10 games wasn't enough to keep Brassard in Florida, although that has more to do with a forward surplus and a reasonable offer than anything else. The veteran was squandered by the Penguins as a third-line center, but is being presented a place on the wing with the Avs. Brassard may have potted a goal on his debut Monday, but it's likely he won't keep scoring without lining up alongside any of Colorado's Big 3.

Anthony Duclair, F, OTT

Duclair's pro career began with a bang after a move to the Desert, but he was forced to pack up and head to Chicago. The Blackhawks balked at retaining him, so Columbus stepped in and offered a minimum deal. Once again, Duclair would tease with early success and follow with uninspiring efforts. Despite notching a power-play marker during his Ottawa opener and skating on the first trio, the former QMJHL All-Star hasn't been reliable in the big leagues and will undoubtedly take a sizable plus-minus hit with the lowly Sens.

Ryan Dzingel, F, CLS

For someone who was selected 204th overall in 2011, Dzingel has definitely come a long way. He's already eclipsed his peak point total with 45 and will surely add a few more before the postseason. But with the collection of prominent forwards on Columbus, it appears Dzingel won't be given as much responsibility as in Ottawa. And as his ice time drops off, the stats will inevitably follow in the same direction.

Ryan Hartman, F, PHI

Hartman was coveted early on for an ability to combine offense and grit. But based on his underperformance while in Nashville, it's amazing to think he was acquired from Chicago for a package that included a first-round pick. The hard-nosed approach remains in the arsenal, but Hartman hasn't been collecting a lot in terms of the related fantasy categories. And he surely won't add much offensive output on the fourth line.

Tanner Pearson, F, VAN

As predicted, Pearson started his Canucks career on the top line Wednesday. He didn't chip in offensively, but directed two shots on goal while grabbing a minor penalty and two hits. After originally being traded by LA in November, he never really clicked with Evgeni Malkin during his brief Steel City stay. If Pearson's performance couldn't be boosted by one of the game's greats, there should be doubts as to how long he'll stick with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.