NHL Hockey Column: Studs & Duds

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Know Your Roots - Trade Game II

Gates Imbeau

Hockey Writer, Fantrax

To best succeed in Fantasy keeper leagues, you need to have a specific path in mind. Every transaction made has to stay on that path to eventually reach the desired result. There are certain strategies that can help you to properly manage your assets and avoid making costly mistakes. Use this series to guide you into making those sound decisions.

In continuation of last week’s report, the following is a great example of a successful string of trades done by seeing a plan through and taking risks to get the there.

In any given year, the time of season will heavily influence certain managers to get trigger happy. In this particular league, it was a combination of a trade freeze (for playoff reasons) and the prospects draft in June. Taking that into consideration, one GM decided it was the perfect time to execute a handful of trades that would play off of everyone’s needs, and meet their asking prices, but would ultimately have him sitting on top when the dust settled.

Trade One

GM Z trades away :

Eric Staal

Second Round Pick in 2014

Receiving :

Alex Galchenyuk

Gustav Nyquist

David Rundblad

As it stands, this trade can be seen as a step back in terms of a win now mentality. The pieces coming back have a lot of potential, but they will not produce like Eric Staal. At least not this season, or next.

The first trade is obviously the biggest risk, as if done incorrectly or followed up poorly, the GM in question could lose a lot of net worth and a very valuable piece to the puzzle. However, GM Z knew this, and already had a reversal trade in mind.

Less than one week later…

Trade Two

GM Z trades away :

Alex Galchenyuk

Gustav Nyquist

Third Round Pick in 2013

Receiving:

Mike Richards

Filip Forsberg

As seen throughout the series, whenever an important reversal of talent is made, a recap keeps things in check.

Out : Eric Staal, 2nd, 3rd
In : Mike Richards and prospects Forsberg, Rundblad.

As a strictly win now move, Forsberg and Rundblad, may or may not make Richards for Staal worth it. One aspect that needs to be addressed is that if the two prospects net a roster spot, how would their production compare to two players off of the waiver wire? Obviously their name and youth status carry a lot weight, but prospect value does not win championships if sitting on a farm team.

As an overall view, GM Z has done a good job in his reversal as Richards, who likely has dual eligibility, will upgrade his wingers. The slight drop off in points from Staal is not enough to shadow the fact that Forsberg and Rundblad, in exchange for later picks, is a nice addition to the team, even if they sit on the farm for the time being. Finally, the per asset worth is much more valuable on the receiving end.

Before going into the next trade, note that one of GM Z’s biggest needs were between pipes. In a 20 team league, he stood with the Detroit tandem of Jimmy Howard and Jonas Gustavsson. Yes, this duo could surely win some of the categories in a weekly, start one goalie nightly, head-to-head league. However, most of the relevant competition would enter the season with two strong starters. Come playoffs, it is a huge gamble to march in with just one tandem. That is why this next move seemed rather important.

Trade Three

GM Z trades away :

Filip Forsberg

Jake Paterson

3rd Rounder in 2013

Receiving :

Robin Lehner

Calle Jarnkrok

2nd Rounder in 2013

Trade Four

GM Z trades away Calvin Pickard

Receiving Ben Bishop

The combined pair of trades secure the backup role, and hopefully the future tandem in Ottawa. Forsberg for Lehner is clearly a deal based on trading strength for weakness help. Though, an upgrade in pick as well as landing Jarnkrok is a good catch depth wise.

Now all of the above trades resulted in a net gain of two prospects. With a cap on farm team spots, GM Z needed to trim down his roster with one final transaction.

Trade Five

GM Z trades away :

Richard Panik

Stefan Noesen

V ictor Rask

Receiving Valtteri Filppula

The result of this trade is pretty evident - GM Z definitely came out on top. In reality, only one (or possibly none) of the three prospects going away will turn out to be a quality player like Filppula, making this is a big boost for the win now squad. Add in the fact that ties needed to be cut in order to make room for incoming assets and that this trade would bridge the gap left at center. Smooth move all around.

A final full recap of the five trades will show that GM Z successfully upgraded in all areas.

Received : Mike Richards, Valtteri Filppula, David Rundblad, Robin Lehner, Ben Bishop, Calle Jarnkrok, 2nd.
Sent out : Eric Staal, Stefan Noesen, Victor Rask, Richard Panik, Jake Paterson, Calvin Pickard, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd.

To further break it down, look at it this way :

Richards and Filppula for Staal
Lehner and Bishop for Paterson, Pickard and two third rounders
Rundblad and Jarnkrok for Noesen, Rask and Panik

Well done sir, well done.

Next week will conclude this chapter of the “Know Your Roots” series with a recap on all parts after seeing the bigger picture.

In addition to the Studs and Duds, Gates Imbeau serves as the assistant manager of Dobber Sports (www.dobbersports.com). Catch him on twitter at @GM_Gates or by email at gates@dobbersports.com.

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