Fantasy hockey can be a tricky game, and managers always have to be ready to make moves when necessary.
How do you know how long to stick with struggling players? What’s the best way to get maximum value out of players that are producing at a surprisingly high level?
I tend to follow a patient approach. If I’ve got players on my fantasy hockey roster that I like, I’m willing to give them every opportunity to overcome a slump that they may be in. With that said, sometimes it’s a good idea to pull the trigger on a trade while you can.
Which fantasy hockey players can you get top value for right now?
In this instance, I’m not talking about giving up on players that are starting slow this season, but instead attempting to move players while their value is at its highest.
The numbers that we’ve seen recorded through the first five weeks of the season won’t all hold throughout an 82-game campaign, so here are three players that you should sell high on.
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson is doing things this season that I didn’t think he was capable of doing anymore. He’s tallied more points than any other defenseman, and his goal-scoring has been historic.
Through 19 games, the San Jose Sharks defenseman has an astounding 28 points to lead his team. He leads the Sharks in goals (11) and assists (17) as well, and it’s not particularly close. His 28 points are tied for second among all NHL skaters entering play on Saturday.
He’s about 25 percent of the way through the season by now, and he’s still not slowing down. I have to think that given his injury history and the terrible team he plays on, his pace will slow down at some point, making him a fantasy hockey trade candidate.
Dominik Kubalik
Dominik Kubalik has been on fire since joining the Detroit Red Wings. In 17 games with his new team, he is leading the way offensively with eight goals, 12 assists, and 20 points.
Not only is he leading the Red Wings in all offensive categories, but he’s also on pace for the best season of his career, by far.
Two seasons ago, while with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kubalik set career-highs with 17 goals, 21 assists, and 38 points. Barring a meltdown or an injury, this will be the best season of his young career. Is that a reason to think you struck fantasy hockey gold or to move him for a high price?
Bo Horvat
The Vancouver Canucks captain has put up 20 points already this season despite his team struggling badly. What makes him such an attractive fantasy hockey option is the fact that 14 of his 20 points are goals.
Bo Horvat has rarely been the type of player to tally more goals than assists, but perhaps this is a new trend. Last year, he reached the 30-goal mark for the first time, adding only 21 assists.
One of two things will happen this year for Horvat, the NHL’s second-leading goal scorer as of Saturday: he will post a 50-goal campaign, or you’re going to wish you would’ve traded him while his value was at an all-time high.
It’s not easy to know when it is the right time to make a fantasy hockey trade. Sometimes, one trade can make or break your season, so always be looking for the appropriate opportunity to make a move.