RADIO
What’s up RotoBallers? Welcome to my week 20 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
Kyle Turris (F, OTT) – 50% Owned
With 10 points in his last seven games, Kyle Turris is absolutely rolling right now. He has three multi-point games and is a +6 over that span. Turris has registered five shots on goal in each of his last three games. The talented forward is in a groove. Owned in roughly half of standard fantasy hockey leagues, Turris is an excellent option if he is still available.
Kris Versteeg (F, CHI) – 33% Owned
The recent injury to Patrick Kane opens up a second line wing spot for Kris Versteeg. Versteeg has seen time on each of Chicago’s lines this season, but he figures to get a full-time shot at a top six role with Kane on long-term injured reserve. Versteeg has been solid since returning from injury, lighting the lamp four times over his last six games. He has 31 points and a +13 rating in 41 games this year. Versteeg is likely to see more power-play and overall playing time going forward. Fantasy owners should take advantage of his expanded role.
Mikko Koivu (F, MIN) – 49% Owned
Much like his team, Mikko Koivu started the season slowly before revving his engine in recent weeks. The Wild have been excellent since the All-Star break and Koivu is playing a large part in their success. He has 10 points over his last nine games and 17 in his last 18. Koivu has been a consistent scoring threat every night and will play an important role in the Wild’s playoff push.
Mike Cammalleri (F, NJ) – 49% Owned
Though his best years are behind him at this point, Mike Cammalleri still has the scoring touch. The veteran winger has six points, including five goals, in his last four contests. He has 23 G, 8 A, 106 SOG and a +2 rating in 49 games this season. Cammalleri is averaging 18:24 minutes per game and is one of the Devils’ most consistent offensive threats.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - Defensemen
Andrej Sekera (D, LA) – 18% Owned
A recent trade to LA should provide a boost to Andrej Sekera’s fantasy value. Sekera will likely be in one of the Kings' top two defensive pairings and now has significantly more offensive skill in front of him. Sekera already skates heavy minutes, but could also improve on his plus/minus rating and point totals as well.
Morgan Rielly (D, TOR) – 8% Owned
Despite being featured in the media for something other than his play, Morgan Rielly is still a solid fantasy option. The young defenseman is really blossoming into a solid all-around skater. He has logged over 20:00 minutes in 15 straight games and has 10 points over that span. Rielly has a really bright future and is an excellent option for the remainder of this season as well.
Marc Staal (D, NYR) – 7% Owned
Normally known more for his defensive mindset, Marc Staal has been contributing on the offensive end as of late. Staal has six points in his last eight games and now has 16 points and a +15 rating in 59 games this season. Staal is averaging 21:33 minutes per game and is a steady option in deeper fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - Goaltenders
Eddie Lack (G, VAN) – 18% Owned
With Ryan Miller sidelined for another month or so, Eddie Lack will see the majority of time between the pipes for the Canucks going forward. He has been solid this season, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.40 goals against average in 21 games played. He stopped all 27 shots he saw against the Islanders in relief of the injured Miller and followed that up with a 40 save victory against the Bruins. Fantasy owners can roll him out with confidence.
Scott Darling (G, CHI) – 7% Owned
After two sub-par outings from Corey Crawford, the Hawks recalled Scott Darling from the AHL. Darling was brilliant in two short stints earlier this season, posting six victories in eight starts. He has a 1.96 goals against average and has looked very big in the crease. Darling picked up the victory while stopping 34 of 36 shots against the Panthers on Tuesday and earned himself another start. If the wins keep piling up, Darling will continue to be in net. He is an excellent fantasy option any time he gets the start.
