Fantasy Hockey Trade Strategy: Nine Players to Target or Move

It`s never too soon to identify potential trade targets, especially given how many fantasy managers frequently jump to conclusions. A player with just five shots and no points in four games, regardless of their past performance or reputation, is almost guaranteed to be traded across fantasy leagues. ESPN Fantasy`s transaction data confirms this trend, showing that even prominent players are being moved constantly.

Capitalizing on such impulsive reactions, here are five prominent players who are currently underperforming and could be valuable trade acquisitions. Additionally, there are a few players who are highly rostered but show little sign of improvement, making them ideal trade-away candidates.

Trade For: Buy Low Opportunities

Elias Pettersson, F, Vancouver Canucks

Yes, it feels like a familiar scenario for Vancouver Canucks fans, and not in a good way. With only two assists and four shots in four games, Pettersson is again off to a slow start. After last season`s disappointing campaign, both fantasy managers and Canucks fans have every right to be frustrated. But why target him? His potential remains incredibly high. At just 26, Pettersson delivered 102 points three seasons ago and 89 two seasons ago. Former Canuck Jannik Hansen recently stated on Sportsnet radio that Vancouver`s top center must perform better for the team to succeed this year. He`s correct. While acquiring No. 40 is a risk, it`s a worthwhile gamble if your fantasy team is stuck in the middle of the pack. What`s the point of just finishing fifth?

Alex Ovechkin, F, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin is no stranger to slow starts. Two seasons ago, the NHL`s top goal-scorer netted only two goals in his first twelve games but still finished with 31. Last year, he scored just two in his initial seven games before racking up 44 in 65 games. With his sights set on 900 goals and beyond, Ovechkin is certainly not ending his career quietly. A full recovery from a minor training camp injury and increasing his shots on goal will undoubtedly help.

Artemi Panarin, F, New York Rangers

Perhaps he`s still dealing with minor injuries sustained during training camp. Or maybe ongoing contract negotiations and trade rumors are more of a distraction than either party cares to admit. Regardless, two assists on 13 shots through six games isn`t acceptable. On the bright side, the Rangers` top power play, with Panarin quarterbacking it, looks promising. Their 11.8% success rate won`t last much longer. Furthermore, the 33-year-old likely isn`t too hobbled if he`s consistently logging over 21 minutes per game. Panarin has maintained a point-per-game pace or better since his second season in 2026-17, averaging 1.27 points per game since then. With upcoming games against the Canadiens, Wild, Sharks, and Flames this week, now is the time to make an offer.

Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers

The start to the season for Edmonton`s top defenseman has been anything but smooth. Beyond his current point drought, Bouchard`s overall play has been subpar, notably struggling in Thursday`s defeat to the Islanders. However, we`ve seen this kind of inconsistent play from the talented offensive-defenseman before. As long as he continues to play significant minutes, generate quality scoring chances with the team`s star forwards, and quarterback Edmonton`s top power play, Bouchard is bound to resume consistent scoring soon. As fellow defenseman Mattias Ekholm commented, “I`m pretty sure we`ll see a different Bouchard on Saturday.” Fantasy managers should consider making a reasonable offer for this top-tier blueliner before his scoring touch returns.

Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings

Take a deep breath; the situation in Los Angeles isn`t as dire as some might believe. The Kings have essentially lost their last three games by a single goal (with the Penguins adding an empty-netter), largely due to poor special teams play and, in Thursday`s game, uninspiring goaltending from backup Anton Forsberg. Encouragingly, the Kings` 5-on-5 play is starting to look solid. Once they address these other issues, the team in Southern California will stabilize. Last year, Kuemper was nominated for the Vezina Trophy and ranked among the top three goalies in ESPN Fantasy standard leagues. How significant a drop do you realistically expect from him? If your goaltending unit lacks star power, try to acquire L.A.`s number one goalie while he recovers from a minor lower-body injury.

Trade Away: Sell High Candidates

Carter Verhaeghe, F, Florida Panthers

We often allow a player`s postseason achievements to overly influence our perception. Following an impressive run the previous year, Verhaeghe`s 23 points in 23 games last spring were crucial in helping the Panthers secure their second consecutive Cup. While undeniably clutch, this is irrelevant in the regular-season fantasy context. In 2024-25, the Florida winger recorded 20 goals and 33 assists with a minus-14 rating, averaging only 1.6 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard leagues. Now, the team is missing key players like top center Aleksander Barkov (months), Matthew Tkachuk (many weeks), and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (months). To address other roster needs, leverage Verhaeghe`s name recognition and playoff reputation to get a decent return.

Frank Vatrano, F, Anaheim Ducks

He`s averaging 12:35 on the third line, with virtually no power-play time (only 35 seconds total so far), and leads the team with a worst-in-class minus-4 rating. Vatrano`s 37-goal, 60-point campaign in 2023-24 feels like a distant memory now. You can try to trade him, but good luck. There are likely better options available on the waiver wire.

Brock Faber, D, Minnesota Wild

Without a doubt, Faber is an excellent hockey player, a valuable asset for any NHL team. However, rookie Zeev Buium currently quarterbacks the Wild`s top power play, while Jared Spurgeon handles the second unit. Therefore, unless Faber significantly increases his shot-blocking, which isn`t his usual style, fantasy managers should consider putting him on the trade block. There`s a good chance another manager will be enticed by his rookie production of 47 points (2023-24) and his current high 86.2% roster percentage in ESPN Fantasy leagues.

Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders

Predictably, the Islanders played their best game of the season with backup David Rittich in net. The three preceding losses before Thursday`s 4-2 win against Edmonton, where Sorokin appeared far from stellar and, worse, terribly lacking confidence, told a very different story. It`s one thing to benefit from a strong team easing any doubts; Sorokin is a great goalie who currently doesn`t feel great, playing for a team that is definitely not great. You`ll have to decide how patient you want to be with this situation.