How to Win a Trade

Winning a trade in Fantasy Hockey simply isn't the same as real life. There are no financial agendas, no playoff implications, and no chemistry issues. It is simply a matter of both parties trying to win. Therefore, the only way a trade is going to take place is if both sides think they're winning. I will give you a step by step of how you should make a such a trade.


Do you lack depth? Is that why you are making the trade? Before you make a trade to get more depth in one position, stop yourself and think 'despite the fact that I need to trade for a guy in a certain position, am I getting the better players?' If the answer is no, don't do it. You're probably looking to trade with the wrong team.

ALWAYS trade fairly when you are trading across different positions. If you really want to make a big difference on your team, it won't necessarily happen with a single trade. Thus, to get more tradable assets, you are going to need to make a few 'fair' trades. If you make these, other managers will get the feeling that you are a trustworthy trader. Once you have made your fair trades to acquire depth in the positions you plan to exploit, wait to see what others lack.

Now, turn your attention to another team. Find who lacks depth at a certain position. They will likely be willing to trade and lose if it gets them more 'depth'. It is one of those nonsensical logics in fantasy hockey which managers tend to do to get the feeling that they're actually doing something healthy for their team.

Obviously, if they are a good manager, they will be unlikely to trade some talented stud who's on a cold streak for some unproven player who's on a bit of a roll. Therefore, do not risk breaking down the trade by sending an insulting offer. The number one priority at this stage is to create the illusion that the other team is - at best - getting a fair return. Once you have worked this out, you should end up with a slightly better roster overall.

At this stage you should probably not rush into another trade. Give it a week or two then start to think about things. I stress this because A) you need to see how your previous trade is working out and B) you don't want to appear like you're trying to ravage the league of good players.

Let's review the steps of how to win a trade:
Step One: Assess your teams strengths and weaknesses
Step Two: Make a fair trade to give more depth to your weak areas
Step Three: Make another trade, preferably with a different manager than before, to help them get 'depth' in which you slightly win
Step Four: Repeat the process when suitable

Obviously some leagues are different than the one's I'm basing this on, and so, I'm expecting everyone to use their head whilst trading. My main concern is that you don't make too many trades and end up losing talent. As a rule of thumb, I'm assuming everyone reading knows a thing or two about the players in the NHL and their fantasy worth. Good luck!

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Crosby vs. Lecavalier meets a fine point on Friday

I remember back in the rookie season of Sid the Kid, things seemed to be all about Crosby and Ovechkin.

Well, with that season well in the past and Crosby well ahead in both points and attention, its easy to see why the media has looked for others to compete with him for superstardom. As it stands, Lecavalier and Crosby are part of a three way tie for first with Ilya Kovalchuk.

On Friday we will see the two play each other in what may turn out to be an interesting game. Sure, neither of the two turned up on the scoreboard after their last matchup, but boy was it ever evident that they wanted to. Whether he likes to admit it or not, Crosby has an insatiable desire to be better than everyone else. With the scoring lead in sight in 06-07, he put up 6 points to get himself there. And while playing Ovechkin and the Capitals he has always pulled out the theatrics as well as the points.

In the previous game between the Penguins and Lightning, there were an uncommon number of memorable moments. One minute Sid was taking a shot with one hand on the stick and the next Vinny was getting robbed by Conklin. Even if neither puts up points - which is statistically almost impossible to happen for a second time - it is sure to be an exciting game.

Tampa Bay will be at Pittsburgh on Friday the 18th of January at 7:30 PM ET. Not to be missed.

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Why Sidney Crosby Will Win the Art Ross

Everyone in the NHL knows its going to happen soon. They're not sure if it will happen in a day or a month, but the general consensus should be that sooner or later, Crosby will be in the scoring race lead.

Why? It's obvious. He's the best player. As it stands Crosby is one point behind Ilya Kovalchuk whom he has two games in hand over, and two points behind Lecavalier who has played one extra game.

Reasons why he will win again:

• Crosby is the top assist getter. Sometimes he can't find the back of the net, but his ability to help others light the lamp is almost always there.
• Kovalchuk on pace for 66 goals halfway through the season? Not likely to actually happen.
• Lecavalier is not as consistent, and may rely too much on other teammates. Who knows if he goes through a point drought in the last few games of the season.
• Pittsburgh are on a roll; Tampa Bay are doing terribly. As we know Crosby doesn't like losing. A winning environment and a playoff contender is a great place for youngsters to flourish.

This may all seem relatively obvious, but as it currently stands, Lecavalier is above Crosby on the Yahoo! Big Board. Watch for that to change, just like the perspectives of everybody who said Lecavalier was the better player.

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