Every week in the realm of fantasy hockey, savvy managers look to the waiver wire, seeking hidden gems that can elevate their rosters. While assessing player performance and potential is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when to act and who deserves a spot on your team. In this article, we will explore some under-the-radar players with potential for scoring and value in the immediate future, accompanied by an analysis of their current situations.
One of the most intriguing stories this season is Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars, who is currently rostered in just over 29% of ESPN Fantasy leagues. At just 21 years old, Stankoven possesses not just talent but also versatility, having played effectively alongside high-profile teammates like Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson, as well as Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston. With four assists already tallied in a few games, his early contributions herald a potential breakout season. His ability to mesh with established stars enhances his appeal as a reliable fantasy option.
Another forward worth considering is Jonathan Huberdeau from the Calgary Flames. Despite his past peak of 115 points, Huberdeau’s season opening with three goals and two assists signals he may be turning a corner after a couple of less productive years. A veteran with a career tally of 725 points in 834 games, his resurgence is not only plausible but exciting—even if he doesn’t return to his previous scoring heights. For those in deeper leagues, taking a chance on Huberdeau could yield dividends as confidence builds.
Casey Mittelstadt of the Colorado Avalanche is another talent on the radar, albeit with a caveat. Currently rostered in roughly 20.2% of leagues, Mittelstadt has made a strong start with two goals in as many games, including contributions during power plays. The impending return of Colorado’s top players may alter his role, but his early scoring could provide a valuable stop-gap in the meantime while bolstering team depth in the short term.
Defensive players often fly under the radar, yet pivotal contributions can swing a matchup. Consider Shayne Gostisbehere of the Carolina Hurricanes, pegged to anchor the team’s power play. Though his 56 points last season went virtually unnoticed, he remains a vital presence on the ice. Players like Gostisbehere offer significant value in leagues that reward offensive production from defensemen, particularly in power-play contexts.
On the other end of the ice, goalies often perform heroics that go unnoticed until they secure a win or a shutout. Anthony Stolarz from the Toronto Maple Leafs is stepping into the spotlight as the starting goalie in the absence of Joseph Woll, who is out with an injury. With a .940 save percentage and a 1.54 goals against average in his first few games, Stolarz represents an enticing option for fantasy managers searching for immediate goaltending help. Additionally, Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens is making waves; his impressive performance, including a shutout against the Maple Leafs, showcases his potential as a solid fantasy starter.
Seeking short-term gains through strategic streaming is essential in fantasy leagues, especially during peak matchups. Players like Ross Colton from the Avalanche are trending upward as Colorado prepares to face strong opponents in quick succession. With a scoring impact in games played over an intense schedule, Colton is a tempting pick as he frequently finds himself in situations to accumulate points.
Furthermore, don’t overlook Phillip Danault of the Los Angeles Kings, who is scheduled for a busy week with notable matchups against various teams. His dual-threat capability as a center allows him to contribute both in scoring and assists, making him a solid addition for managers looking to stack points efficiently.
Another interesting name is Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, who is stepping in on the top line. Coming off a productive stint last season with 60 points, Granlund now faces an opportunity to lead the charge for a Sharks team eager for offensive production. For fantasy leagues aiming for immediate value, exploiting this temporary elevation is essential.
With the fantasy hockey season heating up, the key to securing a competitive roster is balancing emerging talent with proven consistency. From the dynamic play of forwards like Stankoven and Huberdeau to defensive stalwarts like Gostisbehere, and confident goalies like Montembeault, finding and utilizing these players can transform your fantasy team.
By judiciously picking undervalued assets and strategically streaming players, fantasy managers can navigate the fluctuation of a long season. Keeping a finger on the pulse of player lineup changes and performance metrics is essential—after all, the right choice from the waiver wire could be the game-changer your fantasy team needs.
Leave a Reply