While some of the bigger names such as Jaromir Jagr, Erik Cole, Keith Yandle, and Jeff Petry are expected to have an increase in fantasy value with their new teams, today we’ll look at other players in the Eastern Conference that should see a boost in their fantasy value.
Players That Should Thrive With Their New Team – Eastern Conference
Curtis Glencross, Washington Capitals
Glencross was falling out of favour in Calgary, seeing less ice time than he did in his previous three seasons, and often finding himself in the bottom six forward group. He has now been given a fresh start, one that should spark an increase in offence. He is already fitting in nicely, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 3 games. Currently on the second line and second powerplay unit, he could a very serviceable secondary scorer for the Capitals. With opposing teams saving their top defensive units for Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, Glencross could take advantage of playing against lesser competition on a regular basis.
Devante Smith-Pelly, Montreal Canadiens
Another player who was falling out of favour with his old team; although Smith-Pelly was given time on the top line in Corey Perry’s absence, he was most often used in a depth role, sometimes even as a healthy scratch. There are many other players on the Ducks roster that play a similar style, but not so much for Montreal. It has been well documented that the Canadiens have been in need of more size and physicality in their lineup, and Smith-Pelly’s 6’ 220 frame is exactly what they need. Over the course of the season he has amassed 169 hits, which puts him in a tie for 18th among forwards in the league, but most importantly, is the most among Canadiens players. If he is ready to be relied upon more than he was in Anaheim, he should fit in quite comfortably in Montreal.
Marek Zidlicky, Detroit Red Wings
While he hasn’t been producing at the same rate as last year (12 goals, 42 points), moving to a more offensive minded Red Wings team should help him recapture that scoring touch. In just 3 games, Zidlicky already has 2 powerplay goals, one of which being an overtime game-winner (which also happened to be the first time any player scored an overtime winner in his debut with a new team since 2003). He is known for his offensive skill, and heading to the team with the number one ranked powerplay should make opponents think twice before giving Detroit an opportunity with the man-advantage.
Braydon Coburn, Tampa Bay Lightning
Coburn isn’t exactly a household name in terms of fantasy value, but a move to the league’s highest scoring team should help him increase his production. He has 1 assist and a plus-3 rating in his first 3 games, and while it’s unlikely he gets powerplay minutes, being used as a secondary defenceman could help ease him into the role the Lightning want of him. Tampa Bay turned a defensive-minded Anton Stralman into a point producer, and could do the same with Coburn.
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