Waiver Wire Pickups, Adds and Sleepers for Fantasy Hockey (Week 7)

Welcome to my week 7 edition of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. Below are a few skaters at forward, defense and goalie who will help steer your fantasy hockey team in the right direction.

Whether your fantasy hockey team is in need of production or dealing with injuries, these NHL skaters can be considered waiver wire pickups or sleepers depending on the league format, size and depth.

Be sure to check back each week for waiver wire recommendations.

 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards

Brad Richards (F, CHI) - 42% Owned

Now in his 14th NHL season, Brad Richards continues to show the offensive skill that made him a star in Tampa Bay and Dallas. The Blackhawks signed Brad to a one-year deal this offseason. He started slowly but has come on as of late, finding his groove with Patrick Kane on the Hawks second line. Richards has six points in six games and eight over his last nine. Richards has also been seeing time at the point for the top power-play unit. Pick him up now if he is still available.

 

Tomas Tatar (F, DET) - 26% Owned

With 15 shots and four points over his last three games, Tomas Tatar is starting to find some consistency in Detroit. A year ago, Tatar scored 39 points in his first full season. This year, Tomas is getting more of a chance to contribute on the Red Wings power-play, and is on pace to match (if not surpass) last year's point total. He has scored at least one point in seven of his last nine contests, and is a worthwhile fantasy player going forward.

 

Kris Versteeg (F, CHI) - 11% Owned

After spending a few seasons away, Kris Versteeg is back in Chicago where his career began. The 28-year-old winger struggled last season after recovering from a knee injury, but is off to a good start this year. Versteeg has scored 10 points in 14 games, with seven of those coming in his last six games. With the recent injury to Patrick Sharp, Versteeg has been playing well on the second line and power-play. Pick him up now and ride his current hot-streak.

 

Tyler Ennis (F, BUF) - 31% Owned

The top line of Tyler Ennis, Zemgus Girgensons and Matt Moulson has been producing quite a bit as of late. Ennis has five points and a +3 rating over his last four games. He had a rough start to the season but has been playing well over the past few weeks. Ennis averages around 18:00 of ice-time per game and has contributed 21 penalty minutes and 42 shots this season. The one downside to his game is his -8 rating that likely won't improve much on a poor Buffalo team. Tyler is a decent pickup for owners in need of some secondary scoring.

 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen

Aaron Ekblad, (D, FLA) - 57% Owned

The number one overall pick in last year's draft is starting to show his potential. He leads all rookie defensemen with 10 points. Aaron has totaled eight points (2G, 6 A) in his last eight games. He skates around 22:00 each night and is sporting a +1 rating on the season. He is an excellent option in all fantasy formats. Pick him up if he is still available.

 

Jake Muzzin (D, LA) - 66% Owned

Jake Muzzin is currently one of the league's hottest defensemen. He has eight points on the season, all of which have come in his last six games. Muzzin skates over 23:30 per game and is part of a strong Kings team. He is owned in about two-thirds of fantasy formats. Grab him now if he's still sitting on the waiver wire.

 

Michael Del Zotto (D, PHI) - 16% Owned

Despite some off-ice issues, Michael Del Zotto has arguably been the Flyers best defenseman so far this season. He doesn't have eye-popping numbers, but he has been solid on the blue line for Philadelphia. He has eight points in 16 games and is skating over 21:00 of ice-time per game. He is steady and reliable. Fantasy owners could do much worse on the back-end.

 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goaltenders

Devan Dubnyk (G, AZ) - 15% Owned

Devan Dubnyk started two games last week, winning both while stopping 68 of 69 shots on goal. Mike Smith has struggled all year long, and Dubnyk now has four wins in six starts on the season. Devan is likely to get more playing time going forward, and could even earn the starting gig if his strong play continues.

 

Antti Raanta (G, CHI) - 3% Owned

The Blackhawks are embarking on their yearly circus road-trip to the West Coast. They play six road games over the next 10 days, including two back-to-back scenarios. Raanta figures to start at least two of those six games. He recently was sent down to the AHL just to play a game, as Corey Crawford has been a workhorse over the past month. However, with the rough schedule ahead, Raanta is an excellent play this week for a solid Chicago team.