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A handful of grizzled veterans are struggling to repeat their 2015-16 seasons. While age is catching up to all of them, they can still garner a decent return via trade based on their name value and pedigree. All of these players should be moved soon, even if it means swallowing your pride and selling low on them. Stick a fork in them - they're done. Remember, Father Time is undefeated.
Advanced stats courtesy of Corsica.Hockey.
C Joe Thornton, Sharks
Thornton followed up an 82-point season last year with his first trip to the Stanley Cup final. A combination of the two likely led to him being drafted too high in your league. With his highest shooting percentage since 2008-09 and nearly as many secondary assists as primary assists, he was due to regress.
Thornton has two goals and 16 assists in 28 games this year. With five of those points coming in his last four games, now is the time to deal the bearded wonder.
Packaging Thornton with a low-end player on your team could be enough to get Ducks C Ryan Getzlaf, who also has two goals, but 21 assists. Getzlaf, 31, is six years younger than Jumbo Joe and is a more well-rounded fantasy player with superior shots, hits, blocks and PIMs totals.
C/LW Patrick Marleau, Sharks
Marleau has just 10 points in 28 games, but seven of those points have been goals. His 67 shots on goal are a healthy amount, and he also has 31 hits, offering some contribution in banger leagues.
Even with his mediocre stat line, you should still be able to acquire some form of value for Marleau in 12-team leagues. Even if this value comes in the form of a one-category specialist like Oilers D Kris Russell (69 blocks), pull the trigger. Otherwise, you will end up dropping Marleau if you haven't already.
RW Jaromir Jagr, Panthers
It was incredible that Jagr was able to compile 27 goals and 66 points in his age-43 season. He did have some luck on his side, though. His 18.9 shooting percentage was his highest since 1996-97, when stand-up goalies were still a thing. He also had nearly as many secondary assists at primary assists.
It's no surprise that Jagr has just 15 points in 29 games this season; the guy is 44, for crying out loud. An early-season injury to LW Jonathan Huberdeau hasn't helped, either.
Be willing to take whatever you can get for Jagr. Targeting oft-injured Kings winger Marian Gaborik (6 GP, 1 G, 3 A) or Capitals rookie Jakub Vrana (6 GP, 1 G, 0 A) wouldn't be a bad idea. They rank first and second in the NHL in iSCF60 (individual scoring chances for per 60 minutes). Both players are worth targeting based on the upside they bring.
C/RW Jason Spezza, Stars
Spezza has a respectable five goals and nine assists in 23 games this season. Of those nine assists, just two have been primary helpers. He has 55 shots, but doesn't help you in any other category. His -15 rating is a killer in leagues with plus/minus. It is worth keeping in mind that Spezza is 33 with a history of back injuries. He has played 82 games just twice in his career.
It might be worth hanging onto the veteran for the time being. He is currently playing RW on a line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. A week-long hot streak could significantly increase his trade value. He likely won't stay on the top line for long, so as soon as a he strings together a couple multi-point games, get ready to deal him.
An interesting player to target in a trade is Rangers C/RW Mika Zibanejad, who seemed to be on his way to a breakout season with 15 points in 19 games before breaking his fibula. He'll be out another month, meaning he could come on the cheap. If his owner needs an IR spot for another player, he may be willing to give Zibanejad and another piece for Spezza.
LW Zach Parise, Wild
Parise might be one of the most overrated players in the entire NHL. He hasn't reached the 70-point plateau since 2009-10 and routinely misses 10-15 games per year due to injury. In 20 games this year (he has already missed seven with injury) he has four goals and six assists.
You should be able to retrieve a solid return for Parise, who is still just 32. You might have to add another small piece, but acquiring Penguins RW Patric Hornqvist would be a shrewd move. He has just six goals in 22 games, but is fifth in the NHL in iSCF60 and doesn't seem to be moving off of Sidney Crosby's line anytime soon.
G Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers
If it were to stand today, Lundqvist's .912 SV% would be the lowest of his career, and his 2.55 GAA would be the highest of his career. It isn't surprising considering he faced more shots than any other goaltender in the NHL last season and he is now 34 years old.
Antti Raanta has started New York's last three games, so it might be best to wait about a week or so until Lundqvist can build his value back up before trading him. Once he does, you should be able to haul in a nice return.
If you're in a 12-team league, there will always be somebody desperate for a goaltender. You could target a star who has slightly underperformed relative to their draft stock, such as John Tavares or Drew Doughty.
