Here are the fantasy-related consequences of defenseman Dion Phaneuf heading to the Ottawa Senators in a nine-player blockbuster with Toronto:
Daily Fantasy
Of all the players moved, the much-maligned Phaneuf is easily the most fantasy relevant. Though the rebuilding Leafs have struggled to score this season, ranking 27th with just 2.29 goals per game, Phaneuf led the team's defensemen in scoring, with three goals and 21 assists in 51 games.
As a mid-priced player on most DFS sites, he provided a solid floor by averaging 2.28 shots and 1.22 blocks per game. He should continue to be productive as part of the Senators' second pairing alongside Cody Ceci. Use him in all formats until his salary catches up with his expected value growth.
21-year-old Morgan Rielly would seemingly be in line to feature as the Leafs' power-play quarterback, given that his five goals and 18 assists rank just behind Phaneuf's total output. His shot and block averages are similar as well, and could benefit from a higher-profile role. Still, Rielly likely has more value in season-long leagues due to Toronto's inconsistent game-to-game offense.
As the Leafs deal with injuries to forwards Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul and Shawn Matthias, new arrivals Colin Greening and Milan Michalek, while bit players in Ottawa, could have some daily fantasy relevance in Toronto as budget options.
Michalek has six goals and four assists in 32 games this season; in 2014-15, he had 13 goals and 21 assists in 66 games. His days of being a reliable 20-goal scorer are likely over, but injuries may afford him a greater role in Toronto's lineup out of necessity. Don't be afraid to pounce in tournament play if Michalek ends up on one of the top two lines.
Greening had played in just one NHL game this season, and has failed to live up to his 2011-12 campaign, in which he put up 17 goals and 20 assists in 82 games. Since then, he's had just 37 points in 150 games, spread across four seasons. Unless he's given a top-six role, he won't be a viable DFS option, though he's likely to be priced at the minimum level, if nothing else.
Cowen, a 2009 first-round pick, has just four assists in 37 games this season. Having never registered more than 17 points in a single season, he, like Greening, isn't a viable fantasy option unless he's handed an unexpectedly heavy workload. His most relevant DFS asset is his 1.6 blocks per game.
Redraft Fantasy Leagues
Owners who have stuck with Phaneuf this season have to be thrilled with his move to the free-flowing Senators, who average 2.83 goals per game, fifth-most in the NHL.
While the ex-Leaf was likely acquired to help shore up a defense that allows the most shots and third-most goals, his offensive production could receive a boost if occasionally paired with Erik Karlsson, whose 59 points tie him for second place in NHL scoring, at either even-strength or on the power play.
Rielly owners should also benefit from what should be a bigger special teams role for the young Leaf. He'll be a popular fantasy trade target, though you're taking a risk if you're in a league that counts plus-minus.
Michalek owners, though there aren't likely to be many of them, should be pleased to see him in a position to potentially receive a bigger role. Monitor his role and make a claim if the potential for a top-six role surfaces.
It's unlikely that Cowen, Greening or any of the other lesser names involved in the trade were owned in any standard leagues; they shouldn't be immediately picked up.
Waiver Wire Targets
- Toronto defenseman Jake Gardiner could also be worthy of a speculative add in deeper leagues, though expectations should be tempered due to Toronto's less-than-ideal offensive environment.
- Michalek becomes a target in deeper leagues, for the potential scoring punch he can offer the struggling Leafs.
