Waiver Wire Pickups, Adds and Sleepers for Fantasy Hockey (Week 8)

Joe Hannon analyzes some NHL forwards, defensemen and goalies for Week 8 that are fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups, adds and potential sleepers for your fantasy hockey teams off the waiver wire.

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to my weekly edition of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. Below are a few skaters at each position that will help push your fantasy hockey team in the right direction.

Whether your fantasy hockey team is dealing with injuries or lack of production, these NHL skaters will get you back on track. These players can be considered waiver wire pickups or sleepers depending on the league format.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards

Nick Bjugstad (F, FLA) - 22% Owned

With eight points in his last five games, Nick Bjugstand is presently the Flordia Panthers' most dangerous weapon. His recent scoring trend has led to more time on the ice. Bjustad is skating 16:52 minutes per game on the season, but has averaged 18:37 over his last five contests. Nick now has 7 G, 4 A, 12 PIM, 54 SOG, and a +4 rating through 19 games. He is on pace to surpass all of his point totals from his promising rookie season in which he scored 38 points in 76 games a year ago. Nick is worth adding in all fantasy formats, at least until he cools off.

Justin Williams (F, LA) - 33% Owned

After a slow start to the season, Justin Williams is starting to find the scoresheet with regularity. The veteran forward has seven points in his last seven games and six in his last five. Last year's Conn Smythe Trophy winner appears to have finally gotten on track and is worth starting in all fantasy formats going forward.

Curtis Glencross (F, CGY) - 13% Owned

Always described as a feast-or-famine type player, Curtis Glencross is currently feasting. The skilled forward has posted eight points in his last eight games. Now in his seventh season in Calgary, the 31-year-old has developed into a mainstay on the Flames top line. He has skated over 18:00 of ice-time per game and has a +3 rating on the season. Glencross is good for 40-50 points every year and is a solid option for fantasy owners looking for some offense.

Nino Niederreiter (F, MIN) - 26% Owned

In addition to having one of the best names in sports, Nino Niederreiter has been finding the back of the net. The young winger has seven points (6 G, 1 A) in his last six games. After potting 14 goals in 81 games last season, Nino has lit the lamp 10 times in just 20 contests so far this year. He is a great option in deeper leagues or for fantasy owners in need of a goal-scorer.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen

John Klingberg (D, DAL) - 16% Owned

In eight games this season, John Klingberg has eight points and a +6 rating while averaging over 23:00 of playing time. All eight of his points (3G, 5A) have come in his last five games. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect this type of production all year long, but he has proven that he is more than just a flash in the pan. Klingberg will continue to log heavy minutes for the Stars, which bodes well for sustained offensive production. If you're in need of a playmaking defenseman, look no further.

Marco Scandella (D, MIN) - 21% Owned

Marco Scandella has been playing a solid, all-around game for the Wild this season. In 18 games, Marco has 4 G, 3 A, 30 PIM, 39 SOG, and a +5 rating while averaging over 21:30 minutes per game. His offensive numbers aren't eye-opening, but his consistency and ability to stir things up makes him a valuable fantasy blue-liner. Scandella is a steady presence for fantasy owners searching for a low-risk option on the back-end.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic (D, SJ) - 33% Owned

Another defenseman quietly posting a strong season is Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks D-man is averaging 22:22 minutes per game and is sporting a +10 rating. Those two stats alone have fantasy value. While his offensive production won't surprise anyone, he does have six points on the year and possesses the ability to jump into the play from time to time. Vlasic is a sound option for owners looking to increase their overall time-on-ice and plus/minus rating.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goalies

Jaroslav Halak (G, NYI) - 80% Owned

Amazingly enough, Jaroslav Halak is still available in about 20% of fantasy hockey leagues. He has been a brick wall as of late. Halak has won seven straight starts, allowing just eight goals while posting three shutouts. Normally, I don't write about players that are this highly-owned, but it is worth noting in this case. So go ahead, check your waiver wire.

Michael Hutchinson (G, WPG) - 7% Owned

Last week, I mentioned Michael Hutchinson as my rising goaltender and he continues to impress. He has won four of his five starts this season and has allowed just five goals over those five games. Though Andrej Pavelec remains the starter for now, he is winless in his last five appearances. Look for the Jets to turn to Hutchinson on a more regular basis in the near future.