RADIO
What's up RotoBallers? Welcome to my week 16 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
Patrick Maroon (F, ANA) - 7% Owned
The Anaheim Ducks are experiencing another successful season and Patrick Maroon is developing into yet another impressive forward for the talented club. After netting 29 points and 101 penalty minutes in 62 games last season, Maroon is showing that he can do more than drop the gloves. He has 23 points in just 40 games and has already matched his assist total from a season ago. Maroon has been especially productive as of late, posting seven points in six games. His ice-time is on the rise and he can still mix things up when needed. Maroon is a solid option for fantasy owners looking for secondary scoring with a physical edge.
Evander Kane (F, WPG) - 57% Owned
Another skilled forward who is no stranger to the penalty box is Evander Kane. Kane missed a few games with a lower-body injury, but has stood out since returning to the Jets lineup. He has seven points in his last seven games, including three assists in his first game following the all-star break. Kane now has 10 G, 12 A, 54 PIM, 115 SOG and a +2 rating in 34 games. He has also averaged over 20:00 of ice-time over his last four outings. Kane will be a key cog in the second half as the Jets continue their playoff push.
Sean Monahan (F, CGY) - 44% Owned
The Flames are having a bounce back season and some credit is due to the development of some of their younger skaters. Sean Monahan is improving on what was already an impressive rookie campaign last year. After notching 34 points, 140 SOG and a -20 rating in 75 games a season ago, Monahan has 31 points, 119 SOG and a +8 rating in just 48 games thus far in 2014-15. He is also skating over 19:00 minutes per game after averaging less than 16:00 minutes last year. Monahan also already has more power-play points this year as compared to last season. The future is bright for the 20 year-old forward.
Mark Stone (F, OTT) - 7% Owned
As the season wears on, Mark Stone is showing more and more promise. The young winger is gaining more confidence and ice-time in his first full NHL season. Stone has 26 points and a +9 rating in 44 games. He is currently riding a seven game point-scoring streak and has nine points over his last nine games. Fantasy owners may want to cash in on Stone's productive surge.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen
Jacob Trouba (D, WPG) - 25% Owned
Go check the waiver wire right now. If Jacob Trouba is still available, add him. Trouba missed over five weeks with an upper body injury, but tallied a point and was a +1 in each of his first two games upon returning. Trouba is averaging 23:23 minutes per game and has 14 points and a +5 rating in 33 games on the year. He is owned in just a quarter of all fantasy leagues. There aren't too many skilled defensemen who log heavy minutes that are so readily available. He is worth a look in all formats.
Anton Stralman (D, TB) - 47% Owned
Anton Stralman is already averaging over 22:00 minutes per game, but that number will likely rise with the recent injury to teammate Matt Carle. Carle will miss six-to-eight weeks and Stralman's numbers could go up as the Lightning lean more heavily on him in all situations. Stralman has 22 points and a +15 rating in 49 games and should be in line for more power-play opportunities.
Michael Del Zotto (D, PHI) - 8% Owned
The Flyers may not be thrilled with what Michael Del Zotto has delivered since they acquired him, but he has been producing as of late. Despite being just 24 years of age, Del Zotto is now in his sixth NHL season. The veteran defenseman is skating over 20:00 per game and has 15 points in 37 games, including five in his last four. Fantasy owners looking for a hot hand may want to add Del Zotto to their fantasy blue line.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goaltenders
Curtis McElhinney (G, CLS) - 7% Owned
As Sergei Bobrovsky deals with the dreaded groin injury, Curtis McElhinney is in line to get the bulk of the starts for the Blue Jackets. McElhinney has not exactly been spectacular this year but his .906 save percentage and 2.98 goals against average are respectable. While he may not be posting frequent shutouts, he is certainly an option for fantasy owners for the next few weeks.
Steve Mason (G, PHI) - 30% Owned
After missing a few weeks with a lower-body injury, Steve Mason returned to the crease sooner than expected after Ray Emery was pulled early against the Coyotes. Mason allowed just one goal on 23 shots and picked up the victory. Philadelphia isn't exactly tearing up the Eastern Conference, but Mason's .921 save percentage and 2.41 goals against average should give the Flyers a chance to win most nights.
