This article is part of our The Daily Puck series.
Around the League
It's just not fair.
The Chicago Blackhawks have loaded up at the trade deadline once again, this time landing Andrew Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets, making it an annual exercise for Stan Bowman to see how many players he can fit under the cap.
Ladd, depth defenseman Jay Harrison and depth forward Matt Fraser will head to Chicago, in exchange for prospect Marko Dano, a 2016 first-round pick and a conditional 2018 third-round pick, which will only be realized if the Blackhawks win the Cup. The Jets will also provide some financial relief by retaining 36 percent of Ladd's salary.
The trade certainly puts Chicago ahead of all the other Western Conference teams. Even though there are still some big names out on the trade market, including Jonathan Drouin and Eric Staal, Ladd was one of the most sought-after players, an all-round winger who should be able to slide seamlessly to Jonathan Toews' left wing, giving Chicagao arguably the best top-six in the league.
Even if Ladd falters, he can move up and down the lineup with relative ease, and Joel Quenneville may even opt to play him on the third line to balance things out. Whatever the case may be, Ladd's fantasy value has increased tremendously by virtue of being on a stronger team surrounded by elite players. Familiarity should be the key to Ladd's success, because unlike most new additions he won't have to spend half his time trying to figure out a new system.
The team that should be panicking the most is the Kings, who should provide the biggest challenge to the Blackhawks' quest for a fourth Cup in seven years. Dean Lombardi is never shy when it comes to pulling the trigger, but Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn are hardly considered pieces that can alter the balance of power, and neither will Marian Gaborik's return from injury. The Blues and Predators have holes in their lineup, and it bears reminding that the high-flying Ducks were horrific at the beginning of the season.
But let's not forget that this is a really good return for the Jets, especially for a guy who may end up being a rental. The first-round pick, although a late pick, will certainly come in handy for a team that has drafted quite well in recent years, and Dano is an excellent prospect, a player whose speed and skill matches the type of high-octane game the Jets like to play. Of course, Dano won't be an impact player now, but by 2020 the Jets should be one of the best teams in the league. Forwards Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele, Nic Petan, Joel Armia, Chase De Leo and outstanding college freshman Kyle Connor should yield an excellent young core up front.
Props to Kevin Cheveldayoff for pulling off the deal, who is proving that he's one of the brightest minds in hockey but often overlooked in a very tough division.
Projected Goalie Starters (all times Eastern)
For updates on the projected goalies later in the day, check our Projected Goalies Grid
Lightning (Ben Bishop) at Devils (Keith Kinkaid), 7:00 PM
Wild (Darcy Kuemper) at Capitals (Braden Holtby), 7:00 PM
Bruins (Tuukka Rask) at Hurricanes (Eddie Lack), 7:00 PM
Oilers (Anders Nilsson) at Ducks (John Gibson), 10:00 PM
Sabres (Robin Lehner) at Sharks (Martin Jones), 10:30 PM
Injury News For Teams Playing Friday
Tampa Bay Lightning
Jason Garrison, D (lower body) – no return date set but is traveling with the team.
Nikita Kucherov, RW (lower body) – no return date set but is travelling with the team.
Jonathan Drouin, LW (suspension) – still awaiting trade after going AWOL in AHL.
New Jersey Devils
Michael Cammalleri, LW (hand) – will not play.
Jiri Tlusty, LW (right wrist surgery) – out 3-to-4 months.
Patrik Elias, LW (knee) – skating, but no return date set.
Stefan Matteau, LW (face) – placed on injured reserve; no return date set.
Minnesota Wild
Zac Dalpe, C (torn labrum) – no return date set.
Zach Parise, LW (upper body) – no return date set.
Jason Zucker, LW (upper body) – no return date set.
Jonas Brodin, D (broken foot) – expected to resume skating soon.
Washington Capitals
Jay Beagle, C (hand) – game-time decision; questionable.
Boston Bruins
Chris Kelly, LW (left femur fracture) – out for the season.
Carolina Hurricanes
James Wisniewski, D (knee) – skated Tuesday; no timetable for return.
Justin Faulk, D (leg) – did not play Thursday; no return date set.
Andrej Nestrasil, C (lower body) – left Thursday's game; questionable.
Jay McClement, C (upper body) – left Thursday's game; questionable.
Edmonton Oilers
Andrew Ference, D (hip surgery) – out for the season.
Eric Gryba, D (knee) – out for a month.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C (hand) – skated Wednesday; no return date set.
Oscar Klefbom, D (infection) – expected to return in March.
Anaheim Ducks
Shawn Horcoff, C (suspension) – will not play.
Chris Stewart, RW (fractured jaw) – out 4-to-8 weeks.
Buffalo Sabres
Cody McCormick, C (blood clots) – no timetable for return.
Cody Franson, D (neck) – did not play Wednesday; no return date set.
Tyler Ennis, LW (upper body) – no timetable for return.
Ryan O'Reilly, C (lower body) – out 3-to-4 weeks.
San Jose Sharks
Tommy Wingels, RW (upper body) – skated Wednesday; questionable.
Matt Tennyson, D (upper body) – no return date set.
Hot
Brent Burns, D, SJ – He has a point in three straight games and has played over 27 minutes in seven of his past eight games, including 32:47 in a 2-1 win against Florida. While Erik Karlsson and Drew Doughty have dominated Norris Trophy talks this season, it would be blasphemous if Burns doesn't get a few votes this year.
Andrew Ladd, LW, CHI – He re-joins the Blackhawks in the midst of his three-game goal streak. Despite a down year in which he's only scored just 17 goals and 17 assists, Ladd has been a contributor in all areas for the Jets and all categories for fantasy owners. With the trade back to Chicago, it is very likely his fantasy will increase. He's expected to get the coveted spot on Jonathan Toews' left wing.
Cold
Marc-Andre Fleury, G, PIT – Fleury gave up five goals against Boston, his first loss in three games, though it's important to note that he's allowed 11 goals in that span. He simply has to be better if the Pens want to make the playoffs. Though he's certainly not in danger of losing the No. 1 job, even with the emergence of Matt Murray, his regular season numbers have dropped to a 2.43 goals-against average and .919 save percentage – not the kind of production for fantasy owners who have pegged him as an elite starter.
Ryan Johansen, C, NSH – He hasn't scored a goal since Feb. 4 and hasn't recorded a point in six straight games following last night's win against Chicago. He has continued to be a productive member of the Predators, but still lacks consistency and defensive awareness, things that prevent him from becoming an elite No. 1 center. Whether or not he can ever put it all together is still a mystery.
Recommended Pickup
Boone Jenner, RW, CLB –Without Johansen, the Blue Jackets are a team that scores by committee, with each of their numerous two-way forwards stepping up game after game. Jenner was held without a point in last night's 6-1 win over New Jersey, but has three goals in his past three games. He shoots, he hits and he fights – things that John Tortorella and fantasy owners love because even when he doesn't score he manages to contribute in other ways.
