RADIO
What’s up RotoBallers? Welcome to my week 23 edition of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. Below are a few skaters at each position that can help 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 - Forwards
Jordan Eberle (F, EDM) - 71% Owned
In shallow leagues, it's worth checking to see if Jordan Eberle is on the waiver wire. He's still available in a significant amount of leagues despite being on an absolute scoring rampage. Eberle has 12 points in his last six games, including four multi-point efforts. His plus/minus is a bit low, but it's worth the gamble for a player contributing at such a torrid pace. If he's there, Eberle is worth adding immediately.
Jakob Silfverberg (F, ANA) - 9% Owned
Each year it seems like Jakob Silfverberg contributes more and more. He has been one of the Ducks most effective forwards in recent weeks with eight points in his last eight games. Silfverberg has four points and is a +4 in his last three games. He consistently puts the puck on net with 163 shots on goal in 71 games. He is available in the majority of fantasy leagues and could provide an offensive boost.
Nail Yakupov (F, EDM) - 6% Owned
It has been an up-and-down season for Nail Yakupov, but he has been producing as of late. He has points in five straight games and seven in his last seven. He hasn't been consistent this season but he certainly has the hot hand right now and could help fantasy owners down the stretch.
Ryan Spooner (F, BOS) - 7% Owned
Since being recalled from the AHL in late February, Ryan Spooner has been solid. He has 11 points in 13 games and is starting to show some serious offensive upside. His playing time is still a bit low, but fantasy owners should keep an eye on him over the last few weeks. He could be a fantasy stud next season as well.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - Defensemen
Sami Vatanen (D, ANA) - 46% Owned
After sitting for more than a month with a lower-body injury, Sami Vatanen is set to return Friday night. He was enjoying a solid year before missing time, posting 34 points, 34 penalty minutes, a +6 rating and 21:40 minutes of ice-time in 57 games. Vatanen should provide a blue line boost to fantasy owners in all formats.
Marek Zidlicky (D, DET) - 57% Owned
The Red Wings acquired Marek Zidlicky at the trade deadline and he has not disappointed. Zidlicky has seven points in eight games with his new team and is a +3 during that span. He has 30 points in 71 games and is averaging 21:30 on the season. He looks to be a good fit in Detroit and is a solid fantasy option for the rest of the year.
David Savard (D, CLS) - 20% Owned
For fantasy owners in need of a steady blue liner, David Savard is a solid pickup. He has three points and a plus-four rating in his last five games and is averaging over 22:00 minutes of ice-time. He also has 59 penalty minutes in 71 games. Savard isn't flashy, but he gets the job done.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - Goaltenders
Andrew Hammond (G, OTT) - 49% Owned
Make that seven straight wins for Andrew Hammond. The "Hamburgler" now has 12 wins in 14 games played. The rookie has been standing on his head and is still available in over half of standard fantasy hockey leagues. There aren't many better options out there at the moment.
John Gibson (G, ANA) - 32% Owned
Most people assumed Frederik Andersen would run away with the starting goaltender job once he returned from injury, but John Gibson wasn't buying any of that. He has rattled off three straight wins and has won five of his last six starts. The Ducks are looking to lock up the top seed in the Western Conference and need all the points they can get down the stretch. They will ride Gibson's hot hand as long as the wins keep coming.
