Fantasy Hockey Buy Low Sell High

With the fantasy hockey playoffs looming and the NHL regular season nearing its end—most teams have just 10-15 games left—it’s crunch time for managers. The community’s fickle nature has turned stars into trade bait and sleepers into hot commodities. Here’s a look at seven buy-low candidates who could still turn your season around and five sell-high players to cash in on before the final buzzer.

Buy-Low Opportunities

Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks

Zegras went from highlight-reel darling and EA Sports NHL cover star to a punching bag for fantasy fans. At 24, he still has the tools to bounce back. His 35 points in 65 games this season aren’t lighting the world on fire, but trade rumors persist—NHL insiders suggest a 40% chance he’s moved by the deadline—and a fresh start could unlock his 60-point upside from 2021-22. Ducks coach Greg Cronin’s defensive shell has handcuffed Zegras and others, but he’s a buy-low worth gambling on. Even in Anaheim, his talent makes him a stash candidate for a late-season surge.

Elias Pettersson – Vancouver Canucks

Social media has been a warzone for Elias Pettersson, with the J.T. Miller saga fueling endless debates. Love him or hate him, the 26-year-old’s 65 points in 70 games this year pale next to his 102-point masterpiece in 2022-23. He’s too skilled to stay in this rut—his 11.8% shooting percentage is down from 15.2% last season, but his shot volume and playmaking scream a hot streak waiting to happen. Disgruntled Canucks fans or managers fed up with the drama might let him go cheap. Grab him now; even a 75-point pace down the stretch could swing your playoffs.

Igor Shesterkin – New York Rangers

The Rangers’ rollercoaster season has dragged Igor Shesterkin into the mud—his .908 save percentage and 2.90 GAA through 50 starts are a far cry from his Vezina-winning .935 in 2021-22. Yet, at 29, he’s still an elite netminder capable of stealing games. The outside noise around coach Peter Laviolette and GM Chris Drury might spook owners, but Shesterkin’s career norms (2.40 GAA, .921 SV%) suggest a rebound is imminent. With the Rangers pushing for playoff seeding, pounce on him for the stretch run.

Miro Heiskanen – Dallas Stars

Heiskanen’s injury earlier this year—he missed 15 games with a lower-body issue—has tanked his trade value, but he’s back and remains a dynasty darling at 25. His 40 points in 55 games are below his 0.74 points-per-game career average, yet his 24:50 average ice time and PP1 role remain rock-solid. Contending teams might ditch him to avoid an IR headache, but his on-ice impact hasn’t dipped. He’s a buy-low stud for the stretch run and beyond.

Brock Faber – Minnesota Wild

Reddit and forums keep labeling Brock Faber as “better in real life than fantasy,” and his 30 points in 70 games don’t exactly argue otherwise. Still, at 22, his insane deployment—averaging 25:15 per game, he’s locked into PP1 until prospect Zeev Buium arrives, and residual points will pile up. Kirill Kaprizov’s injury earlier this year hurt Faber’s power-play output, but he’s a basement-value flyer with top-pairing upside.

Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks

Carlsson, the 20-year-old No. 2 pick from 2023, has battled inconsistency and Anaheim’s stifling system, managing 25 points in 65 games. His flashes of brilliance—like a four-point outburst in November—hint at a breakout around the corner. With the season winding down, impatient managers might cut bait on the rookie. Stash him for a late push or bank on his dynasty potential as he matures.

Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks

Another Ducks youngster, Mason McTavish, 22, has underwhelmed with 30 points in 68 games after a 43-point 2022-23 campaign. His size (6’1”, 213 lbs) and skill scream untapped potential, but Cronin’s defensive focus has muted his offense. A trade or late-season role bump could spark him—buy low from a frustrated owner and hope for a payoff.

Sell-High Candidates

Simon Edvinsson – Detroit Red Wings

The 22-year-old blueliner has surprised with 20 points in 60 games, but his spot behind Moritz Seider limits his ceiling. His smooth-skating profile from his draft year pegged him as a puck carrier and offensive hub, but coaching restraints have shifted him toward a stay-at-home role. Prospect sites and managers enamored with his name might overpay—cash out before his hype cools.

Mark Scheifele – Winnipeg Jets

Scheifele’s 75 points in 70 games have him on pace for a career year at 33, including 35 goals that rank him third in the NHL. Winnipeg’s early dominance has faded, and his 15.5% shooting percentage is ripe for regression (career average: 13.8%). Cash out while he’s a hot commodity—contending teams might splash big for his scoring punch.

Roope Hintz – Dallas Stars

Hintz’s 60 points in 68 games are solid, and Dallas’s depth keeps him productive, but his 16:45 average ice time is low for a top-six center. Emerging prospects like Logan Stankoven, and Wyatt Johnston could push him down the depth chart. Sell now while his name carries weight.

Artturi Lehkonen – Colorado Avalanche

Lehkonen’s 35 points in 50 games since returning from injury look juicy alongside MacKinnon, but Colorado’s depth and his injury history—he’s missed 20+ games in two of the last three seasons—make this peak value. Move him before he fades.

Zach Benson – Buffalo Sabres

The 19-year-old’s 25 points in 65 games have dynasty owners buzzing, but his 14:00 average ice time caps his short-term upside. Flip him to a rebuilding team banking on his future. I suspect Benson will settle as a checking defensive forward with minor offensive upside—the prospect community may have overhyped him. Whether it’s Buffalo’s development or his 5’10” frame not translating, people might still pay for his name over his current output.

Final Thoughts

The season’s almost over, but the fantasy game is far from decided. These buy-lows could be your ticket to a championship, while the sell-highs might fetch you the final piece you need. Who’s on your trade block as the clock ticks down?