Top NHL Waiver Wire Picks for Fantasy Hockey: Scoring and Goaltending Gems Revealed

Waiver Watch: Scoring and Goaltending Help is on the Way

Every Monday, we delve into the waiver wire to uncover lesser-known players who can make a significant impact on your fantasy hockey team. This week, we spotlight a mix of rising stars and experienced players across forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders.

Forwards to Watch

• Matvei Michkov, F, Philadelphia Flyers (1.6 FPPG, 49.4% available): Michkov has been on fire recently, with five goals and five assists in his last six games. Slotting into the top six and the first power-play unit for a playoff-contending Flyers team, Michkov is a player you can't afford to overlook.

• Valeri Nichushkin, F, Colorado Avalanche (1.9 FPPG, 51.2% available): Back in action and already showing his dominant form, Nichushkin scored a goal in his first game back. His slow increase in rostership since February makes him a prime pickup before it's too late.

• Adam Fantilli, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (1.7 FPPG, 64.9% available): On a four-game point streak, Fantilli has been a consistent performer with seven goals and seven assists in his past 13 games. Paired with Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov, he’s a strong center option.

• Shane Wright, F, Seattle Kraken (1.5 FPPG, 90.7% available): Wright’s recent production is no fluke, with five goals and nine assists in the last 12 games. He’s leading his team in scoring and is a solid addition to your roster.

Also worth considering: Leo Carlsson, F, Anaheim Ducks (1.2 FPPG, 66.5% available)

Defensemen to Consider

• Alex Vlasic, D, Chicago Blackhawks (1.7 FPPG, 71.4% available): With Seth Jones no longer in Chicago, Vlasic has anchored the top power play and provided an assist in a recent win. He’s a valuable pickup in deeper leagues.

• Mason Lohrei, D, Boston Bruins (1.5 FPPG, 86.8% available): Since Charlie McAvoy’s injury, Lohrei has stepped up on the power play with five points in five games. His puck-moving skills make him a great option while McAvoy is out.

• Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Philadelphia Flyers (1.5 FPPG, 96.7% available): Rumors of a trade haven’t slowed Ristolainen, who has four points in his last four games. Whether he stays or moves, he’s in an inspired groove worth taking advantage of.

Also keep an eye on: Alexander Romanov, D, New York Islanders (2.2 FPPG, 41.5% available)

Goaltenders to Target

• Anthony Stolarz, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (3.8 FPPG, 39.9% available): With Joseph Woll struggling, Stolarz could see more action down the stretch. He’s been stellar since returning from injury with a 4-0 record and a .925 SV%.

• Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Hockey Club (1.9 FPPG, 87.3% available): Utah’s top goalie has a four-game winning streak, allowing only five total goals in those wins. He’s a strong addition if you can wait a few days with only two games this week.

Short-Term Streaming Options

• Teuvo Teravainen, F, Chicago Blackhawks (1.6 FPPG, 68.0% available): With a dozen points in eight games, Teravainen is on a hot streak. Take advantage before he cools off.

• Kyle Palmieri, F, New York Islanders (1.6 FPPG, 51.2% available): On another of his patented tears, Palmieri has five goals in his past six games. Whether he’s traded or not, he’s a strong play this week.

• Warren Foegele, F, Los Angeles Kings (1.5 FPPG, 94.5% available): Skating on a second scoring line, Foegele has five goals and three assists in eight games. He’s a great short-term addition for the Kings’ schedule this week.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, keep an eye on the waiver wire to ensure your fantasy hockey team stays competitive.