This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
This would normally be the edition where we discuss what happened at the trade deadline Unfortunately, due to the underwhelming player haul, the regular review will have to do. And you should already be aware of Alex Burrows' instant impact in Ottawa and Valtteri Filppula's upgrade in Philly. Although – and this is a major spoiler – there may be someone listed below who switched teams in the last week.
Let's dive right in and pick a few forwards that meet requirements, trigger alarms, and pique interest:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay
Injuries and lineup changes have prevented the Triplets from joining forces all season, but they've been reunited (hopefully) for good. While the early returns (six points in the first 18 games) left owners disappointed, Palat was eventually able to break through. The latest stats (seven in 10, 25 shots) have been promising, while the minutes are increasing (averaging 20 since Feb. 10). Of note, Palat is only one power-play point away from matching a personal peak (11, set in 2013-14 and 2014-15). And with the Bolts fighting their way into contention, the Czech winger and his linemates will probably be given free rein on the offensive end.
Broken Wing: Scott Hartnell, Columbus
Hartnell has led a long and memorable career, but recent numbers (two points in 13 contests) hint at him being primed for the pasture. The former Flyer was once a lock to rack up points on the man
This would normally be the edition where we discuss what happened at the trade deadline Unfortunately, due to the underwhelming player haul, the regular review will have to do. And you should already be aware of Alex Burrows' instant impact in Ottawa and Valtteri Filppula's upgrade in Philly. Although – and this is a major spoiler – there may be someone listed below who switched teams in the last week.
Let's dive right in and pick a few forwards that meet requirements, trigger alarms, and pique interest:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay
Injuries and lineup changes have prevented the Triplets from joining forces all season, but they've been reunited (hopefully) for good. While the early returns (six points in the first 18 games) left owners disappointed, Palat was eventually able to break through. The latest stats (seven in 10, 25 shots) have been promising, while the minutes are increasing (averaging 20 since Feb. 10). Of note, Palat is only one power-play point away from matching a personal peak (11, set in 2013-14 and 2014-15). And with the Bolts fighting their way into contention, the Czech winger and his linemates will probably be given free rein on the offensive end.
Broken Wing: Scott Hartnell, Columbus
Hartnell has led a long and memorable career, but recent numbers (two points in 13 contests) hint at him being primed for the pasture. The former Flyer was once a lock to rack up points on the man advantage; these days, he sits and waits for scoring opportunities. Hartnell remains feisty (83 PIM, 65 hits overall), but the rapidly diminishing ice time (11 on average over the last month) remains a concern. Perhaps the veteran doesn't care about his stats, feeling this may be his best shot of returning to the Cup Final. And if this gig doesn't work out, he can always go back to working as a bearded stand-in for Carrot Top.
Between the Lines: Colin Wilson, Nashville
Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen may be the stars, but the Preds' secret to success can be found in their dependable depth. Included in this collection is Wilson, who has served all eight of his NHL years in the Music City. He has never been an elite scorer (topping out at 42 two years ago), but chips in where necessary (10 points in his last 17 appearances). Thanks to a solid frame (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) and soft hands, Wilson has earned a spot on the second line and received valuable power-play time (six of his 11 goals have come with the extra man).
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: David Backes, Boston
Backes has been known to overpower opponents, but the offensive side of his game has often been overlooked. To shed light on that last point, his previous five full seasons have proven how valuable he can be around the net (averaging nearly 55 points). After a brief acclimation period, Backes settled in on the top unit with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand and has produced in all areas (nine points in 11 games, with a plus-11 and 44 hits). It's unknown whether the US Olympian will be able to maintain this pace as he approaches his mid-30s, but stick with him as long as the fantasy points continue to flow.
Broken Wing: Kris Versteeg, Calgary
When Versteeg once again hit free agency last summer, several teams passed on him. It wasn't until October when the Flames took a chance, providing the veteran a seventh stop on his pro tour. After returning in late November from a prolonged injury spell, he was able to make his mark (14 points in 16 matches, including seven power-play points). But soon enough, reality set in and the production started to vanish (five in his next 24). Despite goals in his last two and a regular appearance on Calgary's top power play, Versteeg will probably end up reverting to earlier form.
Between the Lines: Jarome Iginla, Los Angeles
It's no secret Iginla struggled this season in Colorado (18 points in 61 contests). As their parting gift to the 39-year old, Avs management sent him to Southern California for another chance at a deep playoff run. There may not be a lot of upside for Iginla, but at least he starts his LA career in a favorable position (alongside Anze Kopitar). With the Kings hanging around the postseason perimeter, having another veteran around – even if only acting as a supplementary character – should help the cause.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Bo Horvat, Vancouver
Featured earlier as one to watch, Horvat has made good on his potential. Now in his third season, the ninth pick of 2013 has already shattered his career high in points (currently at 45) and earned the right to represent the Canucks at the All-Star Game. Horvat (with 15 points in 17 games) looks destined to be a star in this league and an important component of Vancouver's rebuilding process.
Broken Wing: Matt Duchene, Colorado
A team's failure is a built-in excuse for personal problems. And while some have at least salvaged some form of passable performance in Colorado, others have fallen short. The Avalanche have problems putting the puck in the net (worst in the league at 1.91 goals per game), but a steady scorer like Duchene (at almost .75 points-per-game in his career) should be able to do more with the chances he's been given (four points in 15 with an 18:23 average in ice time, no PPPs). It was assumed a contender would snap him up in a deal, but the reported asking price was too steep. Perhaps it's for the best, as Duchene can become a role model for the next wave of incoming talent.
Between the Lines: Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa
Since performing arguably his best-known achievement, Pageau has either been demoted or forgotten. Last year, he impressed by appearing in all 82 games and posting some decent stats (19 goals, 24 assists, 133 shots, plus-17). The expectation of growth didn't manifest itself early this season (four points in the opening 17 contests), but progress was made as the responsibilities increased (nine in the next 18). Pageau has made a name for himself on the penalty kill (seven goals there last season) and is slowly building the other half of his special-teams resume. As Ottawa's No. 3 center, the hometown boy has less pressure to perform, which should allow for easier development.
