Carlson to Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks acquired puck-moving defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals on Friday, boosting their chances of winning the Pacific Division and also their power-play outlook. Carlson should be considered a top 15 fantasy defenseman for the rest of the season upon joining Anaheim.

Carlson, who had become Washington’s No. 2 defenseman behind Jakob Chychrun in the fantasy rankings over the past two seasons, could either fill a similar role for Anaheim or even take on first power-play duties over Jackson LaCombe. Playing on the first unit would bring exposure to three of the NHL’s elite young forwards in Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and rookie Beckett Sennecke. Since 2010-11, Carlson ranks fourth among defensemen in power-play points (273).

The Ducks have been one of the biggest turnaround teams in the NHL this season under new coach Joel Quenneville and rank 13th in goals per game (3.25), but their power play (18.2 percent; 23rd out of 32 teams) has room for improvement. Since entering the NHL in 2009-10, Carlson ranks among the defenseman leaders in points (771; fourth), assists (605; third), shots on goal (2,635; fifth), goals (166; sixth) and power-play points (273; sixth). Carlson also won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.

Key EDGE stats: Carlson ranks third among defensemen in high-danger shots on goal (15) this season. He also ranks in the 90th percentile or higher among defensemen in hardest shot (97.53 mph; 92nd percentile) and midrange goals (four; 90th percentile). Other categories in which Carlson ranks highly at his position include power-play skating distance (19.29 miles; 88th percentile), midrange shots on goal (23; 87th percentile), max skating speed (22.52 mph; 86th percentile), long-range goals (three; 86th percentile) and long-range shots on goal (48; 85th percentile).

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Kadri rejoins Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche acquired center Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames on Friday, solidifying their status as the front-runner to win the Stanley Cup and giving them arguably the best center depth in the NHL.

Kadri, who won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, rejoins Colorado’s elite core of center Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar; Kadri was also teammates with wings Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog, and, since Colorado’s championship, the Avalanche also made impact trades for Martin Necas and Brock Nelson last season.

Kadri, who is likely to play a second or third-line role with Colorado but also see significant power-play time after the trade, will likely see fewer overall minutes per game compared to his role with the Flames this season (19:22 per game). That said, he should remain a top 150 fantasy player in standard leagues and also see positive regression in shooting percentage (6.9 this season; 10.8 career average; 12.5 last season).

Key EDGE stats: Avalanche remain Stanley Cup front-runner after Kadri trade

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Weegar to Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth acquired MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, and his well-rounded advanced metrics could make them a dark horse contender in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Over the past three seasons combined (since 2023-24), Weegar was the only NHL player with at least 30 goals (31), 500 hits (547) and 500 blocks (535) prior to the trade. The 32-year-old now joins the Mammoth, who were already one of the stingiest defensive teams in the NHL; prior to the trade, Utah was allowing the fifth-fewest goals per game (2.77) and fifth-fewest shots on goal allowed per game (26.0) this season.

Key EDGE stats: Mammoth dark horse contender after Weegar trade

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Faulk to Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues on Friday, strengthening their chances of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Faulk, who provides strong category coverage, should be considered a top 40 fantasy defenseman for the rest of the season and Detroit’s No. 2 option at the position behind Moritz Seider.

Faulk was one of seven NHL defensemen with at least 10 goals (11), 100 shots on goal (116) and 100 blocks (102) prior to the trade. He also has nine power-play points this season but is more likely to play on the second unit for Detroit after the trade. Faulk also brings plenty of playoff experience to Detroit; he has 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 45 career playoff games spanning five postseasons.

Key EDGE stats: Faulk has outstanding shots by location metrics; he’s among the defenseman leaders in midrange shots on goal (42; 97th percentile), midrange goals (six; 96th percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (10; 94th percentile). Faulk also ranks highly at his position in total skating distance (189.64 miles; 89th percentile), 20-plus mph speed bursts (60; 91st percentile), max skating speed (22.73 mph; 90th percentile) and hardest shot (96.15 mph; 86th percentile).