Projected Point Totals for Players Traded at Deadline: Mark Stone Set at 80.5

• Mark Stone and Wayne Simmonds highlighted the names on the move at the NHL Trade Deadline
• Stone has 62 points this season, with the O/U for his total set at 80.5
• Can Stone hit the over? What about some of the others who moved at the deadline?

The NHL Trade Deadline is firmly in the rear-view mirror. That means players like Mark Stone and Wayne Simmonds have gone from playoff afterthoughts, to being in the thick of the race. Both were traded on Monday, and are expected to play key roles with their new teams.

How big of a role should we expect for them down the stretch? If online sportsbooks’ odds are any indication, Stone could become a cornerstone.

Projected Point Totals for Players Traded at Deadline

*Odds taken on 02/26/19

Of the five players moved at the deadline, Stone has the highest point total at 62. He also has the biggest difference between his current point total and hitting his projected over.

He’s 19 points away. Boston’s Marcus Johansson has the smallest difference. He sits just nine points behind his projected over.

Mark Stone Will Get Opportunities to Produce

When the trade to Vegas was announced, everyone acknowledged Stone was going there to make a difference. Despite not knowing who he was going to be skating with, many project the Golden Knights to slot Stone in on the top line.

Mark Stone met with the media for the first time. Said he expects to be in the lineup tonight vs. Dallas. Doesn't know which line he will skate with. He did not skate this morning. Still waiting on his gear to arrive. #VegasBorn

— WillieGRamireZ (@WillieGRamirez) February 26, 2019

For a player who has yet to top 64 points in his career, that could put him in line for 80.

Vegas has 19 games remaining. Here are how his current projections have him finishing down the stretch:

Mark Stone’s 2018-19 Season vs Projections for Final 19 Games

If he’s on the top line with Jonathan Marchessault, the shot attempts may go down. Marchessault leads the team in shots, and while William Karlsson was feeding Reilly Smith, the chemistry may take a bit.

If he’s on the second line, he’ll be battling Max Pacioretty for shots.

Either way, Stone will put up Points, but he’s on a deeper team than he was in Ottawa. That, combined with the change of scenery may make the under the play here.

Pick: Under 80.5 Points

Could Wayne Simmonds Boost Preds’ Power Play?

The Jets went out and got Kevin Hayes, so the Predators countered by nabbing Wayne Simmonds.

A Peter Laviolette favorite, Simmonds should immediately boost Nashville’s league-worst power play.

Wayne Simmonds Power Play Production

Over the past four years, 43.6% of Simmonds’ goals have come on the power play. 40% of his points have come with the man advantage as well.

Even struggling through his worst full season since 2010-11, Simmonds was fifth on the Flyers in power play time on ice.

Predators' power-play rank this season: 31st

NHL power-play goal leaders since 2013-14:

1. Alex Ovechkin
2. Wayne Simmonds

— Matt Larkin (@MLarkinHockey) February 25, 2019

While he was fourth on the Flyers in power play shots (39), he immediately ties Filip Forsberg for second on Nashville in that category. Roman Josi leads the team with 47.

Simmonds likely slots into a bottom six role with Nashville, but he’s going to get power play time. If the Preds’ PP catches fire, it will be because of Simmonds.

Pick: Over 36.5 Points

Could Nyquist Mesh with Jumbo?

Looks like we have actual news on who Gustav Nyquist will line up with.

https://twitter.com/KKurzNHL/status/1100426037702348800

Nyquist is currently enjoying his best season since 2014-15. That’s the only other time he’s crossed 50 points, so it looks like the Sharks are buying high.

Is it a great sign that he’s on San Jose’s third line? Not really, but he’s an adaptable player that can move up and down the lineup.

Looks like Nyquist will begin with Jumbo’s line as predicted here.

➡️ https://t.co/4n8nPU8yHn pic.twitter.com/KGlo8pHN0r

— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) February 26, 2019

While Joe Thornton isn’t the player he once was, he’s been good lately. He’s got three goals and two assists in his last four games.

The Sharks have 19 games left for Nyquist to get 12 points. If he meshes well with Thornton, he should get there easily.

Pick: Over 60.5 Points