NHL's Unplucked Gems: Five Underperforming Star Trade Candidates

It’s the start of the second half of the NHL season and stretch run for fantasy leagues. Unplucked Gems will take a look at player having disappointing season for some top round fantasy picks. These players have played below expectations, some due to poor performance teams, some failed to back up last season, and they make for grade trade candidates to get your team into the playoffs and win your league.

(Check out our past Unplucked Gems archives and other features by Patrick Baker at Unplucked Sports. For all your fantasy hockey advice, following us on Twitter @unpluckedsports)

Ilya Kovachuk

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 20: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils skates after the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center on January 20, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Image

Oh what a season it’s been for the former 1^st overall pick. The New Jersey Devils $100 million dollar man has been the biggest disappointment for fantasy owners this season. Going in the 1^st round in most fantasy drafts, he is just now starting to score goals and put up points.

There is really nowhere to go up this season for Kovalchuk, he’s heard boos from the Devils fateful and questions about his enormous contract that‘s on the books for 15 years. Don’t look at the overall numbers, it will only depress you, look at the past month and Kovalchuk is scored 10 points in 13 games and posting power play points.

He’ll skate in all offensive situations and the low overall numbers should help you acquire as most owners want to abandon ship.

Miikka Kiprusoff

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Goalie Miikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames watches the puck roll into the corner after making a save against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on January 22, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouv

Wins in Calgary won’t be plentiful in the second half of the season but if you can be sure Kipper will be in net when they happen. The oft used Finnish goaltender has been one of the most dependable netminders in the past few seasons but franchise turmoil and the possibility of depleted rosters for the Flames have left tough times in Cowtown.

Kiprusoff should end up with 30+ wins, a serviceable save percentage and a good buy low candidate or low cost trade throw in.

Drew Doughty

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings plays the puck around the net so start the breakout play from the Kings zone against the San Jose Sharks during their NHL game at Staples Center on January 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, Ca

High expectations were placed on Doughty this year after this big season last year. While LA has been a great source for fantasy talent, Doughty hasn’t put up the consistent numbers of a top defenseman.

He’s had a few short point streaks but his low point total and few shots on goal; he often ends up with the dreaded 0 stat line.  The ability is certainly there for Drew and the talent around him on the Kings will make for a big numbers by the end of the season.

Tyler Myers

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 11: Tyler Myers #57 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at HSBC Arena on December 11, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Pittsburgh won 5-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

After digging himself a deep hole with a horrendous start to the season, the 6”8 Sabres defenseman has been showing flashes of his Calder Trophy winning play.

He has also shown flashes of a sophomore slump and making more defensive mistakes make him a risk for plus/minus. Myers is more suited for head-to-heads leagues were it is easier to handle a minus player and the Sabres have found their scoring ways again so expect him to put together a point streak or two.

Martin Brodeur

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 01: Goalie Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils plays the puck behind the net during an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at the Prudential Center on February 1, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill

Marty has been one of the victims of the New Jersey struggling, frustrating owners with the worst season of his career. The future Hall of Famer sports an ugly .895 save percentage and only 10 wins on the season.

The good news is with the Devils improved play, Marty has picked it up lately and could pull in wins down the stretch. Most fantasy owners will be happy to ship out Brodeur and the Devils should stay with him as they don’t have a standout backup in Johan Hedberg and there has to be some reason to attend a Devils game for fans.