Fantasy - Dump and Chase: 3 players to target in a trade
Every Thursday, we examine three players you should consider acquiring on the trade front in your pool.
The NHL's trade deadline is days away, with fantasy leagues set to follow suit shortly thereafter.
Time is running out, then, for managers to make a splash and solidify their rosters in advance of the playoffs.
Here's a look at three players to target in a trade this week.
Stars F Jamie Benn
When Tyler Seguin fell to a knee injury, one could have logically assumed linemate Jamie Benn's production would take a hit.
Instead, the Dallas Stars captain has stepped up his game in a big way, ranking fourth among all forwards in Yahoo leagues over the past 14 days. In six games without Seguin in that span, Benn has recorded four goals and six assists.
Going back further, Benn has recorded seven goals and eight assists in 12 February games, and he's the third-ranked forward in fantasy hockey over the past 30 days.
With Seguin set to return prior to the end of the regular season, look for Benn to keep it going as his Stars attempt to claw back into the playoff race.
Kings G Jonathan Quick
The Los Angeles Kings are hockey's hottest team, and Jonathan Quick is rounding into the kind of form that fantasy managers were hoping for from the two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Quick has won eight straight starts, and has allowed only five goals in his past five appearances, including a shutout victory over Detroit on Tuesday.
In the month of February, his save percentage sits at .925, and he's the top-ranked goalie in Yahoo leagues over the past two weeks.
His season save percentage of .914 is more in line with his career mark of .915, meaning managers may be looking to sell high - so he could be had if the price is right.
Quick seems to be at his best in the latter parts of the season, meaning it's not a bad idea to float an offer if you're in need of help at that position.
Blues D Alex Pietrangelo
The sixth-ranked defenseman heading into the season, Alex Pietrangelo's numbers make him more of a No. 2 or 3 fantasy defenseman.
With five goals and 27 assists in 60 games for the St. Louis Blues, Pietrangelo is on pace for 44 points, down from his career-high 51 (set in two different seasons).
What bodes well for increased production down the stretch is his shooting percentage of 3.4 percent, well below his career average of 5.4. On pace for 204 shots - which would be a new career high - Pietrangelo could be in line for a bump in goal scoring should the bounces start to go his way.
As such, Pietrangelo is a top buy-low option on the blue line.