Heading into the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, it was expected that several teams were set to make major moves, and they didn’t disappoint. Between Mikko Rantanen being traded to the Dallas Stars, Brad Marchand officially leaving the Boston Bruins, and Scott Laughton becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf, this year’s NHL Trade Deadline was one that fans, coaches, and general managers will not soon forget.
That said, there were also some trades that flew under the radar, with many players from lackluster teams being acquired by playoff contenders. Teams like the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins sold at the deadline, but the players they traded were already performing well despite competing for a losing squad. Now with only a quarter of the season left to play, many of these players have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a possible Stanley Cup contender, but also provide value to Fantasy Hockey managers looking to add some depth heading into the playoffs. This article will outline three players who were acquired by contending teams at the NHL Trade Deadline, who could be game changers in the remainder of the Fantasy Hockey season.
3 Players to Add After NHL Trade Deadline
Fabian Zetterlund – Ottawa Senators
Throughout the last two seasons, Fabian Zetterlund has quietly impressed on the San Jose Sharks, proving he can be a productive goal-scorer as well as a physical threat on the ice. In 64 games, Zetterlund managed to score 17 goals with 19 assists, and was shockingly a +8 rating, despite playing on a Sharks team that is a -72 in goal differential.
In addition, the 25-year-old has accumulated 115 hits this season, which is definitely something the Ottawa Senators were looking for, especially as they fight for a playoff spot down the stretch. The Sens traded some depth as well as a 2nd-round pick for Zetterlund, and with Ottawa most likely looking to slide him into a middle-six role, the former Shark definitely has Fantasy Hockey value going forward.
The Swedish-born player has proved he can provide consistent point production, and if the Sens choose to use him on the power play, managers can expect Zetterlund to increase his man-advantage numbers as well. Most importantly, goal-scorers who throw the body on a regular basis is hard to come by, making Zetterlund an efficient option for those looking to gain more hits.
Brandon Carlo – Toronto Maple Leafs
Brandon Carlo has been a Bruin for his entire career, but on Friday the Maple Leafs made a move to acquire one of the tallest right-handed defencemen in the league. Although Carlo doesn’t provide much when it comes to points, his fantasy value often lies from a physical perspective.
The 28-year-old has accumulated 64 hits and a whopping 119 blocks in 63 games played this season. Most impressively, Carlo has never been on the negative side of the plus/minus category, going nine straight seasons with positive numbers in the stat. Finding defencemen who can both hit and block this late into the Fantasy Hockey season is rare, making Carlo a great option for managers looking to add a physical threat, and improve from a plus/minus perspective.
Charlie Coyle – Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche did not hesitate to upgrade at the deadline this year. Despite trading Rantanen earlier this season, Martin Necas has performed well on the team in return, and after acquiring Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders on Friday, the Avs look scary down the middle of the ice. However, they continued to improve their center depth by trading for Charlie Coyle from the Bruins.
Like Zetterlund, Coyle has quietly been a productive goal-scorer this year, potting 15 goals throughout the 2024-25 campaign. That said, the 33-year-old’s value comes from contributing in every aspect of the game, making him a useful option for fantasy rosters as well. Coyle proved this season that he hasn’t physically slowed down, posting 93 hits and 49 blocks in 64 games played, but most importantly, playing for the Avalanche will undoubtedly improve his point production. If Coyle managed to score on 15 occasions playing for the Bruins, fantasy managers should consider picking up Colorado’s new third-line center, who should produce both offensively and physically.
The playoffs are on the horizon for many Fantasy Hockey leagues this time of year. Although several managers already have their roster set to contend for a championship, adding the likes of Zetterlund, Carlo or Coyle can be the last-minute depth needed heading into a playoff series. It remains to be seen how each player will perform, but with all three assets being traded to contending teams and moving into a prominent role on each respective roster, their value has skyrocketed following the trade deadline.
