The trade deadline is fast approaching and all of you armchair general managers who are keen to make the blockbuster deal might want to take a closer look at the free agent pool. Before you offer up a star to fill a void in your roster, take a closer look at some of the retreads that could supplement your squad and take them to the promised land.
The actual NHL trade deadline might be something to consider as well since players sometimes flourish in a new environment. A player that has been a disappointment could come to life if he gets moved to a contender and has something to play for.
Additionally, if your league has some basement dwellers that appear to be more interested in the upcoming baseball or NASCAR season, you might want to float out a trade for one of their best players. Heck, the worst thing that can happen is that your trade offer of Nail Yakupov for Steven Stamkos could get rejected.
Here are five players that are looking for a home that could really help your team. Yes, they are potty trained and come with all their current shots and registration.
5. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Columbus Blue Jackets
His numbers are better than Jonathan Quick and he has carried Columbus to a nine game streak of games where they have earned a point. Look out Chicago! Seriously though, the young Russian goaltender has been lights out for the Blue Jackets over the last ten games.
4. Justin Williams, RW, Los Angeles Kings
The resurgence of the defending Stanley Cup champs has helped players like Williams and Dustin Brown back into the good graces of your fantasy roster. Williams who has always been more of a setup man than a sniper is piling up the shots and assists so far. His plus/minus is nice even if his goal scoring totals aren’t.
3. Blake Wheeler, RW, Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have their sights set on the playoffs and Evander Kane, Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien are a huge part of it. The Jets are playing well as a team and the three lead Jets are piloting their squad to the postseason for the first time since the NHL returned to Manitoba.
2. Carl Hagelin, LW, New York Rangers
Just because you can skate faster than everyone, doesn’t mean you have the skill to be a great NHL player. The fastest skater in the NHL, Hagelin, hasn’t been able to find the net with the type of consistency that the Rangers would prefer, but seems to have found the scoring touch.
1.Chris Stewart, RW, St. Louis Blues
Playing in a contract year often brings out the best in players. With his deal set to expire this summer, Stewart has been an offensive juggernaut for the St. Louis Blues at the halfway point. He had a hand in all three St. Louis goals against Phoenix Thursday night scoring twice adding an assist on the third.