Capitalize on opportunity — that’s the name of the game in the fantasy world when it comes to the NHL trade deadline.

Even with this year’s list of potential trade targets lacking the exoticness of years past, there’s still plenty of value to be found and had. For example, Jason Zucker is off to a blistering start in Pittsburgh. Essentially, he’s Sidney Crosby’s new Jake Guentzel. Meantime over in Vancouver, Tyler Toffoli’s addition to the top-six has been a welcomed one, especially with Brock Boeser out indefinitely. For some reason, under the radar type of moves are usually the ones that end up providing the greatest impact. J.T. Miller can attest to that.

That’s solid information to keep in your back pocket as we inch closer to Monday’s deadline. Whether strategizing for daily fantasy or getting primed to put together next week’s Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool roster, take a shot on some traded players. At this point, an initial boost after a trade has become almost elementary. Just ask Alec Martinez. The stay at home defender tallied a goal and an assist in his Vegas Golden Knights debut on Thursday night.

Be mindful moving forward. With plenty of activity expected over the next couple of days, my next 20 Fantasy Thoughts will be fun to put together.

Now to your questions:

Yes, go out and get Toffoli immediately. Also, Kudos to Jim Benning for rewarding his squad and fan base. They have earned it.

Considering the top-six injury concerns in Vancouver right now, the world is Toffoli’s oyster. Essentially, he’ll fill Brock Boeser’s role; easier said than done, of course. The 27-year-old notched an assist and played 18:52 skating predominantly with J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson on Wednesday night versus the Wild. Long story short, he’ll get every offensive opportunity in the world to flourish with his new squad. Similar to Zucker in Pittsburgh, I love the Toffoli fit with the Canucks.

If it were up to me, I’d go with Toffoli and Anthony Cirelli.

For starters, Toffoli’s exposure to Miller, Pettersson and Quinn Hughes is extremely hard to pass up. In fact, I’d argue his current fantasy stock may be at an all-time high. We’ll see how he does with a new contract looming. Meantime, Cirelli is quietly turning into a fantasy monster and nobody is really talking about it. On a nightly basis, he’s providing extensive category coverage; an underrated gem, for sure.

For the record, you can’t go wrong here, but that’s who I’d pick.

Yup, I think now’s the time to make a play for Joe Pavelski. This hot streak was inevitable. The veteran is really starting to hit his stride for the Stars and could work out to be a key contributor for your fantasy squad down the stretch. Make the move.

As for the red-hot Oliver Bjorkstrand, he left Thursday night’s contest with a lower-body injury and it did not look good. Stay tuned for more on that front. On the other hand, Sanford should be viewed as a solid streamer option; nothing more, nothing less.

Pavelski is the easy play here.

Because Bjorkstrand got hurt, this now turns into a hypothetical question. Initially, my gut said Kessel without much doubt. That said, as the games go by, I just don’t like what I’ve seen from him – fantasy wise – all season long. The Coyotes are so defensive. Right now, he’s not really a good fit in that system.

Let’s revisit this down the road once we know more on Bjorkstrand.

As I’m sure you’re now aware, Mikko Rantanen has now been placed on injured reserve. After initial reports of a potential broken collarbone, recent talk is that he’s escaped serious injury. We should learn more in the coming days. Stay tuned.

Damn, hang in there!

First off, trade Elvis Merzlikins as soon as possible. As expected, the clock has struck midnight for the Blue Jackets goalie. In fact, he’s now lost six straight starts. Once healthy, I expect Joonas Korpisalo to assume his role as Columbus’ number one goalie. Merzlikins had a great run, but it’s time to move on from that file.

As for Perron, see what’s out there but I doubt you’ll be able to fetch anything worth your while.

It’s not the end of the world if you have to hold onto him. He’s just cold right now.

Lastly, the price to acquire Bishop won’t be worth your time. It all depends on the current status of your crease situation, however. Look for a cheaper option, maybe?

What's with all the Evan Bouchard hype? 3rd most added player in yahoo leagues wednesday — TAKING TROUT (@jeffreypperry) February 20, 2020

I saw this too. With Oscar Klefbom injured, I’m curious to see how the 20-year-old is deployed in Edmonton. For what it’s worth, he’s having a solid offensive year in Bakersfield – seven goals, 26 assists, 33 points in 50 games.

Considering the lack of blue line depth on most waiver wires, I’d take a flier on Bouchard. You have nothing to lose and that’s probably why most fantasy owners took the plunge.