Fantasy Hockey Trade Deadline: Players of Yesteryear You Should Avoid | Taylor Hall, Kris Letang, Brent Burns and More

Hey folks, we're going to do something a little different. My next few articles are going to ramp you up for the NHL trade deadline and have you ready with a knowledgeable gameplan of what you want to accomplish. Today, we are going to focus on players who you should avoid, because they are hanging onto their legacy more than what they are producing today.

Sadly, even in the NHL, sometimes trade value doesn't always reflect the old adage; “what have you done for me lately,” but you can easily take advantage of this.

Some of your opponents will hang on to, or target players who they are nostalgic for. Do you ever wonder why Hollywood keeps rereleasing old movies with a new twist? It's because marketing to nostalgia works. I am here to ensure you don't fall into this trap!

Taylor Hall Fantasy Outlook

Former first-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers, now of the Carolina Hurricanes, Hall has really struggled to live up to the hype. Maybe this is a hot take, but I don't believe he actually ever met expectations. His best season was in New Jersey almost a decade ago where he put up 93 points, which is impressive, but it seems like that was a one off.

Hall has bet on himself signing short contracts, and for the most part, he lost. Somehow, he is still getting second line minutes, and second powerplay unit time, but whatever Hall's prime was, it is well past it. His value continues to ride his name value and not his actual production. Avoid Hall this trade deadline, even as a depth piece.

This year, he has nine goals, 16 assists, and three powerplay points in 53 games played. He also has 95 shots on goal, 29 hits, and 34 blocks.

Vladimir Tarasenko Fantasy Outlook

The former St. Louis Blues superstar, who helped take the team to win their only Stanley Cup in franchise history, now finds himself on four teams in four years. Vladdy used to be a perennial point per game player, but now has fallen from grace. 

Still drafted in mid rounds, this year he has really solidified his place as washed up. He has struggled to be healthy in the latter years of his career as he has played for the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers and now the Detroit Red Wings since only 2022.

Tarasenko has just seven goals, 17 assists, and eight powerplay points in 55 games played. He also has 95 shots on goal, 29 hits, and 34 blocked shots. While he has managed to stay healthy, his numbers are well short of his multi-year 70+ point stretch during his prime leading up to his Stanley Cup win.

Again, avoid Tarasenko as his time to shine is over. He is no longer a key piece to any team he is on, and continues to try to find a permanent home the NHL. Don't let him find one on your roster.

Corey Perry Fantasy Outlook

Controversy follows this guy like the Fountains of Wayne follow Stacey's Mom. Sadly, his game does not have it “going on” anymore. In today's game he is less “scorey Perry”, and more “the worm”.

Is Perry a grinder player who will help in the NHL playoffs because he is gritty and guys hate to play against him? Yes. Does that translate to fantasy league? No. Don't let this lone complement fool you, the Perry from the “death valley” Anaheim Ducks of old is long gone, and so is his offensive prowess.

From one Connor to another (Connor Bedard to Connor McDavid), the Chicago Blackhawks terminated his contract for “reasons” and Perry shortly thereafter signed with the Edmonton Oilers where he still currently plays.

This season, he has 12 goals, eight assists, and three powerplay points in 56 games played. He also has 66 shots on goal, but only 18 hits and blocked shots, respectively.

Brent Burns Fantasy Outlook

Remember how I talked about falling into the nostalgia trap? Burns is one of my nostalgia traps. I keep wanting him to have a resurgence and do well, but he keeps showing his age and slowing down, instead. Like, just bite into a Snickers and get after it, Burns!

Sadly another “death valley” California legend is slowly going to the wayside. His glory days of being an absolute offensive weapon for the San Jose Sharks are gone. He does still see a lot of powerplay time with the Carolina Hurricanes, but it just isn't enough.

He had an 89-point season with the Sharks in 2019, but has been on a decline ever since. This season, he is poised to have one of his worst point production seasons.

This season so far, he has just four goals, 17 assists, and two powerplay points in 57 games played. Yikes. He also has 137 shots on goal, nine hits, and 78 blocked shots.

Let's just quickly note that on 137 shots on goal. he has only four goals. And in 57 games, he has just nine hits. What happened? What is happening? Oof. Poor Burnsy.

Kris Letang Fantasy Outlook

Hot take. I think Letang is washed. Not just because he is on the dreadful Pittsburgh Penguins, but because he just isn't a good player anymore.

You'd think on a team with both Letang and Erik Karlsson (who could have easily made this list, but he's not quite there yet), on the blueline they should be scoring at will from the point. But, they aren't. Between the two, they can't defend themselves out of a wet paper bag, either.

Letang is the old guard, along with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin - the Pen's untouchables. The salary cap era dynasty pillars. Three-time Stanley Cup winner. Accolades aside, he just isn't the same player anymore.

Generally still a very high draft pick in fantasy, again because of name value, Letang has fallen off of his once high status as an elite offensive defensemen.

This season, he has eight goals, 13 assists, and nine powerplay points in 52 games played. He also has 119 shots on goal, 86 hits, 62 blocked shots.

Closing Thoughts

While these may all have been decent players in their prime, unfortunately their prime is past them. Each of them did have success, some more than others, but it's their past success that carries their trade value more than their current production on the ice.

You like some of these players, I like some of these players, but neither of us should roster any of these players. For free, as depth - sure! I would pick some of these guys up on the waiver wire as a streamer, or an injury fill in. But what I would never do is spend assets to obtain them, or let someone try to dupe me into taking one of them, even as an add in a trade.

Don't fall for nostalgia. Remember they were once great, but if you want to win, avoid these players and don't fall into the name brand trap.

One final fun fact for you NHL gamers out there. Tarasenko was on the cover of NHL 2016. He was that good and recognizable back then.