Welcome to Fantrax’s NHL usage trends for October 28th — a tactical breakdown of deployment trends that matter. We’re spotlighting key ice-time changes, power-play promotions, and line shakeups that could swing matchups and unlock hidden value. Whether you’re grinding in deep leagues or scanning for streaming upside, these shifts offer actionable insight for fantasy managers looking to stay ahead of the curve.
More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | NHL Injury Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire | NHL Usage Trends
NHL Usage Trends
Oliver Bonk (D, Philadelphia Flyers)
Bonk has been one of the Flyers’ few bright spots early this season. After being cut in training camp, Bonk needed only two games in the AHL to earn a recall. Since the call-up, his responsibilities have continued to grow. He is now riding shotgun to Travis Sanheim (D) on the Flyers’ top pair and has found a spot on the second power-play unit. Since then, he’s produced five assists in eight games.
That changed with the return of Cam York (D). Bonk moved off the top pair and slid down to the third pair. Jaimie Drysdale took his spot alongside Sanheim. York played alongside Nick Seeler on the second pair.
With Drysdale and York ahead of him on the right side, Bonk is likely ticketed for a third-pairing role to begin the season. The bigger fantasy storyline is Philadelphia’s top power-play unit. None of Sanheim, Drysdale, or York has secured the quarterback role, leaving the door open for Bonk to earn valuable special-teams opportunities if he gets the chance.
Keifer Sherwood (RW, San Jose Sharks)
Recently, Sherwood skated on the left wing alongside Michael Misa and Ivar Stenberg. Last night, the Sharks juggled their lines, moving Sherwood down to the third line and Mason Marchment onto the second line. The Sharks are still looking for the right combinations and chemistry. Expect the line juggling to continue in the short term.
The bigger news for Sherwood: four games ago, he moved onto the second power-play unit and is receiving a 38% share. Sherwood brings something very different to the power play than most others on the roster. There’s a real opportunity for him to carve out a meaningful role, most likely on the second unit. Remember, he had 19 power-play points last year.
Charle-Edouard D’Astous (D, Tampa Bay Lightning)
Victor Hedman has lost a step, well, maybe two. John Carlson hasn’t found real chemistry with Nikita Kucherov (RW) and the gang on the first power play, yet.
So, Jon Cooper is doing Jon Cooper things, and has given D’Astous an opportunity with the first unit. The early returns suggest the experiment is working. D’Astous has a power-play assist in each of his last three games. Now, this isn’t earth-shattering news. Cooper gave D’Astous looks last year as well. He always returned to Darren Raddysh (D, Toronto Maple Leafs). That said, as long as D’Astous remains productive, he should continue to get looks.
Just remember, money talks. Carlson is making $8.5 million this year, versus D’Astous, who’s making $875 000. Cooper will find a way back to Carlson, who will regain the top power-play role.
D’Astous is the perfect example of a sell high. Right now, he has trade value. I’d cash in while you can. In six weeks, Carlson will be back on the top unit, and D’Astous will move back to his regular role.
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
