Each week, we explore the waiver wire to find under-rostered players who can benefit fantasy teams across various leagues. We also highlight strong streaming options for the upcoming week.
As the fantasy season nears its end, game schedules and opponents become crucial, especially for those in head-to-head playoffs. While players like Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Moritz Seider are performing well, the Detroit Red Wings have only two games this week against tough opponents. Less prominent players with more game opportunities might offer greater fantasy value. If you anticipate a challenging head-to-head matchup, consider making strategic roster adjustments.
This week, ten teams play four games, with six of them (Bruins, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Lightning, and Maple Leafs) having games on lighter schedule days. Consider this when seeking waiver wire additions to maximize your daily lineup.
Also note that the Hurricanes, Panthers, and Golden Knights start their week on Thursday but then play three games in four days. Managers with daily roster flexibility can capitalize on this by swapping in players from these teams for equally skilled but less active players, or for underperforming roster members.
Forwards
Quinton Byfield, F, Los Angeles Kings (54.4% available): Byfield is on a six-game goal streak, averaging 2.7 fantasy points per game in standard leagues, yet is still available in over half of ESPN Fantasy leagues. Acquire him before the Kings face the Wild, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, and Bruins this week. Playing with Kevin Fiala and Trevor Moore, Byfield is currently a scoring threat.
Nick Schmaltz, F, Utah Hockey Club (69.6% available): Schmaltz is on a hot streak, typical of his past productive runs. Since returning from a break, he has tallied five goals and seven assists. Playing on the top line and power play with Clayton Keller, he`s receiving significant ice time and shooting frequently.
Mason McTavish, F, Anaheim Ducks (87.4% available): Playing with Cutter Gauthier, McTavish has accumulated five goals and eight assists in his last twelve games. If your roster is stable, consider adding McTavish next week when the Ducks have three home games on less busy nights.
Casey Mittelstadt, F, Boston Bruins (80.4% available): The Bruins play four games this week, including matches against the Sabres and Sharks. Among Boston`s available forwards (excluding David Pastrnak), Mittelstadt, the new second-line center, offers the most fantasy potential. On the top power play, he has contributed a goal and two assists since joining from Colorado.
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Dylan Cozens, F, Ottawa Senators (42.2% available)
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Ryan Donato, D, Chicago Blackhawks (70.8% available)
Defensemen
Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils (57.4% available): Hughes has been productive with a goal and ten assists in his last ten games since February 23rd, including four power-play assists since Dougie Hamilton`s injury on March 4th. He now exclusively leads the Devils` top power-play unit. If available, add him quickly.
Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, San Jose Sharks (99.0% available): Consider Mukhamadullin for the future, not necessarily this week. He has seven assists in his last eleven games, but the Sharks only play twice this week on busy nights. He is likely to be available next week when San Jose plays three games in four days.
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Alex Vlasic, D, Chicago Blackhawks (66.8% available)
Goaltenders
Pyotr Kochetkov, G, Carolina Hurricanes (55.7% available): Add Kochetkov on Thursday before Carolina plays the Sharks, Kings, and Ducks in four days. Likely to start in two of these games, Kochetkov is 5-0 with a .948 save percentage and 1.19 GAA since February 25th.
Sam Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens (67.6% available): Montembeault is on a 6-0-1 run since the 4 Nations break, with a .928 save percentage and 1.96 GAA. After a near-perfect game against the Panthers, he`s a valuable addition for any fantasy team needing goaltending help.
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Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Hockey Club (83.2% available)
Short-term streamers
Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (67.0% available): Jarry has a 4-0 record since returning from the AHL, with wins against strong teams. He could be a good streaming option when the Penguins host the Blue Jackets on Friday.
Mackie Samoskevich, F, Florida Panthers (91.2% available): The Panthers play the Blue Jackets, Capitals, and Penguins this week starting Thursday. Consider adding Samoskevich for this stretch as he plays on the second line and gets power-play time. He`s averaging 2.2 fantasy points per game this past month.
St. Louis Blues: The Blues are currently scoring and winning, going 8-2-2 since the 4 Nations break, averaging a league-leading 3.92 goals per game. Consider adding Brayden Schenn, Jake Neighbors, or Alexey Toropchenko depending on availability. St. Louis plays the Blackhawks, Canucks, and Predators (twice) this week.
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Scott Wedgwood, G, Colorado Avalanche (96.3% available)
