RADIO
What's up RotoBallers? Welcome to my week 15 edition of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. Below are a few skaters at each position that will steer your fantasy hockey team toward a championship.
Whether your fantasy hockey team is dealing with injuries or lack of production, these NHL players will help you get back on track. These players can be considered waiver wire pickups or sleepers depending on the league format.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards
Josh Bailey (F, NYI) - 4% Owned
One of the most intriguing forwards over the last week of action has been Josh Bailey. The Islanders winger has six points in his last three games and 11 points over his last 11 contests. Bailey continues to skate on the Islanders top line alongside John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. The talent surrounding him should allow Bailey to continue producing consistently. It's hard to believe Bailey is owned in so few fantasy leagues. Any player skating on a line with John Tavares is going to see some scoring chances and Bailey has the skill to finish at the net. He is worth adding in all fantasy formats as long as he remains on the Islanders number one line.
Mikael Backlund (F, CGY) - 13% Owned
After returning from an abdominal injury that caused him to miss all of November and December, Mikael Backlund has made his presence felt around the NHL. Backlund has seven points in six games and has helped Calgary win four straight contests. He now has 11 points in 17 games on the season and could be a key contributor for the Flames in the second half. Backlund seems to have a hot hand and fantasy owners may want to add him during this current stretch.
Michael Frolik (F, WPG) - 11% Owned
Now one of Winnipeg's most consistent skaters, Michael Frolik is quietly putting together an impressive season. Frolik has 26 points, 115 SOG and a +7 rating in 47 games played. Frolik has been especially productive as of late, posting six points in his last six games. He has been putting the puck on net with regularity and it has been paying off. Frolik has 15 shots on goal in his last four contests. Fantasy owners looking for some offensive skill and a solid plus/minus rating should add Frolik off of the waiver wire.
Erik Cole (F, DAL) - 12% Owned
After scoring 29 points in 75 games last season, Erik Cole has already produced 23 points in just 43 games so far this year. Cole and fellow veteran Jason Spezza have found some chemistry skating on the Stars' second line. Cole has been magnificent in January, scoring 10 points (6 G, 4 A) in eight games. He has not posted a negative plus/minus rating in 16 straight contests. At 36 years old, Cole may not be the answer in hockey dynasty leagues, but he certainly has value in standard league formats.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen
John Klingberg (D, DAL) - 19% Owned
Virtually unknown among fantasy owners heading into this season, John Klingberg has emerged into a reliable defenseman for the Dallas Stars. The rookie still doesn't even have a picture on his ESPN player profile yet, but the fans in Dallas have certainly gotten to know his face. Klingberg has five points in his last four games and has 18 points in 31 games on the year. He is carrying a +9 rating on the season and is averaging over 21:00 of ice-time per game.
Kevin Klein (D, NYR) - 11% Owned
Kevin Klein has 17 points so far this season. His previous career-high is 21. Just as impressive as his new-found scoring prowess is his outstanding +16 rating through 42 games. Klein's one drawback is his low time-on-ice, a number that has been on the rise over the last month or so. He has five points in eight games since the turn of the new year. Fantasy owners looking for help on the blue line should consider adding Klein.
Kyle Quincey (D, DET) - 2% Owned
With five points over his last four games, Kyle Quincey is going through one of the most productive stretches of his career. Quincey has 12 points on the year after totaling just 13 all of last season. He is sporting a +2 rating and has amassed 39 penalty minutes in 42 games. He has skated over 20:00 minutes in five of his last seven games. Fantasy owners looking for some grit and production on the back end may want to add Quincey during this recent scoring trend.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goaltenders
Joni Ortio (G, CGY) - 10% Owned
Last week, Joni Ortio was featured as my goaltender to watch after posting a 36-save shutout in his first appearance of the year. Ortio has won three straight starts since that game and is now 4-0 with a .958 save percentage and a 1.23 goals against average. The goalie position is now very crowded in Calgary. Karri Ramo has been activated from injured reserve and Jonas Hiller remains in the mix as well. The Flames will carry three goalies for now, as Ortio's play has forced their hand. Ortio has stopped 115 of 120 shots for the Flames over the last four games and should continue to play as long as the team keeps winning. Fantasy owners should add Ortio with the realization that he may be sent back down to the AHL despite his stellar play. He is certainly worth owning for the time being.
Michael Hutchinson (G, WPG) - 54% Owned
Michael Hutchinson has been featured in my waiver wire articles a few times this season. Despite posting wins in 13 of his 20 appearances and a .932 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average, Hutchinson is owned in just over half of standard fantasy hockey leagues. The Jets are playing great hockey and Hutchinson has won seven of his last nine starts. He hasn't been in net for consecutive losses since his first two appearances of the season, which both came in relief of Ondrej Pavelec. Hutchinson is a must add for owners looking for a solid goaltender to ride throughout the second half of the season.
