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As a change of pace from my usual daily notes, I'm going to focus on one player on each NHL team whose value has changed recently, or could as the trade deadline approaches.  Let's get to it! In his last four games, Mason McTavish has four goals and three assists.  His line has dominated despite Anaheim's overall struggles.  McTavish is still available in over 50% of leagues, and if anything, his minutes should increase down the stretch once Henrique is moved out.  I have confidence in McTavish becoming a top 50 player sooner than later, potentially next season.  For now, I would definitely own him if your league doesn't have plus-minus.  If it does, he's on the fringe.
Last season, Alex Lyon saved Florida by getting them into the playoffs until Bob returned from injury.  While I'm not predicting a Stanley Cup run from the Red Wings, Lyon has saved somebody for the second straight season.  The Red Wings were in a massive downward spiral, and Lyon has stepped in to get them back into the playoff picture.  Lyon had a 30 save shutout in the 3-0 win over the Flyers on Thursday.  He's won 12 of his 19 starts, and is currently sitting at a .920 save percentage.  So why is he available in 70% of leagues?  He's clearly a #2 goalie in 12'ers at the very least, and I'd argue that he's near the top end of #2's right now.  If you need goaltending help and Lyon is available, consider it your lucky day and pick him up.  Let's take a look at what else happened over the last two nights:
It's hard to imagine the first half of the season going any worse for the Devils.  In terms of points percentage, they're in the second wild card spot in a season that many expected them to push for the Metro Division title and to be one of the Cup favorites.  They've been brutalized by injuries, but their main offseason acquisition rescued them on Monday.  After giving up four straight goals turning a 3-1 lead into a 5-3 deficit, Tyler Toffoli scored with 16 seconds left in the second period, and eventually completed a hat trick in overtime to beat the Golden Knights 6-5.  That brings Toffoli to 20 goals on the season, ahead of last season's 34 goal pace.  The loss of Hamilton for the regular season has been massive, and J. Hughes being out is too much for them to stomach.  The good news for the Devils is they only have two more games before they have 10 days off.  There's a chance that Hughes will be back at that point.  As for Toffoli, he's a bit behind the pace that I hoped for, but overall, it's hard to complain when he's on pace for 37 goals.  Here's to hoping he keeps the shot rate up, as getting back to last season's rate would give him a good chance of maintaining his current level of play.  It's the difference between being a potential top 50 player and a bottom end hold.  Let's take a look at what else happened the last couple of nights:
The Devils have built arguably the best young core in the league.  There's a lot of talk about Hughes and Hischier leading the way now, with Nemec and L. Hughes on the way.  There's Meier and Bratt also playing a huge role.  However, there's another former first round pick making a huge charge in his sophomore season.  Dawson Mercer scored a hat trick on Tuesday in the 5-1 win over the Penguins.  I had to do a double check because I did not realize this, but Mercer now has 27 goals on the season.  I knew he was having a good year, but man, that's a huge jump for the 21 year old.  Mercer is a natural center, but with the two former #1 picks in the fold, there's no reason to put Mercer on the third line right now.  He's thriving on Hischier's wing, and is definitely worth a middle to late round pick in drafts next season.  I'm not sure how much better it will get other than a potential increase in ice time because his skating is below NHL average, but his playmaking in traffic is so good and his compete level is so high that incremental increases help a lot to get into the 70 point range.  Let's take a look at what else happened over the last two nights:
There used to be a time where players received a massive fantasy boost playing with Tyler Seguin.  That time has now passed, but right now, he's getting the boost playing with Robertson.  With Hintz injured, Seguin has moved onto the first line centering Robertson and Pavelski, and he's blown up.  On Thursday against the Kings, Seguin had two goals and an assist with five shots and two PIM.  In the six games since Hintz was out of the lineup, Seguin has five goals and three assists with 22 shots on goal.  It's unclear when Hintz will be back, but until he does, Seguin is an automatic hold in all fantasy formats.  Let's take a look at what else happened over the last two nights:
It took a few injuries, but we finally had some goaltender movement.  Petr Mrazek, who appeared to be Detroit's franchise goalie less than two years ago, is now a member of the Flyers.  In return, Detroit received two conditional draft picks.  Best case scenario, they'll get a 2nd and 3rd round picks.  Worst case, they only get a 4th.  So what is the fantasy impact?  I've been writing for a few weeks that Mrazek should be owned everywhere because he was finally playing well.  That's clear as day now going to a much better situation in Philly, so grab him if he's still available.  As for in Detroit, it should be Jimmy Howard's show.  He has a .910 save percentage this season, which is closer to his career norm than last season's .927 in 26 games.  I don't see him as being much more than a desperation play going forward outside of the best matchups.  Let's take a look at what else happened over the last two nights: