As the NHL season heats up, savvy fantasy managers are always on the lookout for hidden gems on the waiver wire. While superstars carry your team, it’s often the shrewd pickups that can make the difference between a good season and a championship run. We’ve scoured the waiver wire to uncover some of the hottest players you need to add to your fantasy hockey roster immediately.
Forwards on Fire
The forward position is crucial in fantasy hockey, as goals and assists are the lifeblood of your team’s success. Here are some streaking forwards that are must-adds:
Kyle Palmieri, F, New York Islanders
Rostered in just 57.1% of ESPN leagues, Palmieri is criminally underrated. The veteran winger has racked up a sizzling 13 points in his last 12 games, finding the scoresheet in all but three contests since late October. Grab him before your league mates wise up to this scoring dynamo.
Mason Marchment, F, Dallas Stars
With four goals and five assists in his past three outings, Marchment is simply too hot to ignore. Skating on a line with playmakers like Tyler Seguin and Matt Duchene, the Stars’ winger is feasting on prime scoring chances. Add him for Dallas’ upcoming schedule against weaker defensive teams like the Ducks and Sharks.
Eric Robinson, F, Carolina Hurricanes
A relative unknown, Robinson is quietly thriving on a line with the scorching-hot Martin Necas. The 29-year-old journeyman has three points in his last two games, including two primary assists on Necas goals. He’s a sneaky-good add in deeper leagues while this duo stays hot.
Defenders on the Rise
While defensemen don’t often put up gaudy point totals, a productive blueliner can provide a big boost to your fantasy fortunes. Keep an eye on these emerging defenders:
Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators
Chabot is doing it all for the Senators and fantasy managers lately. Over his past five games, the skilled rearguard has notched five assists while firing 15 shots on goal. He’s also chipping in defensively with blocked shots, making him a well-rounded contributor.
Mikey Anderson, D, Los Angeles Kings
Barely rostered at just 5.4%, Anderson has sneaky value in formats that reward real-life defensive stats. The young Kings blueliner leads the NHL in blocked shots so far in November. He’s an unsung category-filler who can help shore up your team’s back end.
“Picking up a hot waiver wire player at the right time can be like finding a winning lottery ticket. It can change your whole fantasy season.”
– Veteran fantasy hockey manager
Goalies to Grab
In fantasy hockey, goalies are gold. A hot netminder can single-handedly win your weekly matchup. Here are two goalies to grab off the wire immediately:
Jonathan Quick, G, New York Rangers
The veteran backup is on fire, posting shutouts in back-to-back starts. On the season, Quick is undefeated in regulation with a microscopic 0.91 goals-against average. He could see an uptick in starts if star goalie Igor Shesterkin’s struggles continue.
Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals
Part of a goalie tandem in Washington, Thompson has been the decidedly better half so far. The 25-year-old is 5-0-1 with a stellar .913 save percentage, outplaying teammate Charlie Lindgren. Thompson is still available in over 40% of leagues.
To recap, here are the key fantasy hockey waiver wire targets you need to add to your roster right now:
- Kyle Palmieri, F, New York Islanders
- Mason Marchment, F, Dallas Stars
- Eric Robinson, F, Carolina Hurricanes
- Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators
- Mikey Anderson, D, Los Angeles Kings
- Jonathan Quick, G, New York Rangers
- Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals
Remember, snagging these hot commodities before your competition is crucial. Be proactive on the waiver wire and give your team the edge it needs to bring home the fantasy hardware. Happy picking, managers!
