RADIO
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Joe Hannon analyzes some NHL forwards for Week 5 that are fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups, adds and potential sleepers for your fantasy hockey teams off the waiver wire.
The first month of the NHL season is in the books and players are starting to find their niche within their respective teams. Below are a few forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders who can add value as waiver wire sleepers to your fantasy hockey team.
Whether your team is in need of scoring, ice-time, or quality goaltending - there is something here for every fantasy team. Keep an eye out for my waiver wire recommendations each and every week to stay on top of the fantasy standings.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards
Nikita Kucherov (F, TB) - 74% Owned
![By Connor Mah (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](http://www.rotoballer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Nail-Yakupov-Edmonton-Oilers-150x150.jpg)
Off to a promising start in his second NHL season, Nikita Kucherov is a must-add in all fantasy formats. The 21-year-old forward is absolutely on fire as of late. Kucherov has 9 points (5 G, 4 A) in his last 5 games. He and center Tyler Johnson have developed some serious chemistry over the past week. Johnson now has 13 assists on the season and Kucherov has been the recipient of many of those scoring opportunities. As long as Kucherov continues to finish at the net, his ice time will continue to climb. Add him immediately if he is still available.
Nail Yakupov (F, EDM) - 6% Owned
After finishing fifth in votes for the 2012-13 Calder Trophy awarded to the league's most proficient rookie, Nail Yakupov had somewhat of a disappointing sophomore season. The young winger has plenty of skill but has lacked discipline and consistency at times especially on the defensive side of the puck. While his first 11 games this season have left something to be desired, Yakupov now finds himself on the Oilers top line following an injury to Taylor Hall. Yakupov was on the ice for 20:25 in his first game skating with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. It was the first time this season Yakupov saw more than 15:00 minutes of ice time, and he recorded four shots on goal and created several scoring chances. The opportunity for production is there and the numbers should start to reflect that.
Tomas Tatar (F, DET) - 26% Owned
After posting 19 G and 20 A in 73 contests a year ago, expectations were high for Tomas Tatar entering this season. Tatar started slowly, with just one point in his first nine games. As was the case last season, he endured long pointless stretches before scoring in clusters. He has now potted a goal in two straight games and has been Detroit's most assertive forward in those games. The goals should start to come more frequently, making Tatar somewhat of a waiver wire sleeper.
Brandon Saad (F, CHI) - 88% Owned
It is no secret that Brandon Saad has been struggling to score over the Blackhawks' first dozen games, but there is simply too much talent for that scoring draught to continue. He is strong with the puck and has offensive skills that few possess. Saad may be skating with the bottom six for the time being, but it won't be long before he's back on the top two lines. He was rostered in 100% of fantasy leagues as recently as last week, but his percentage owned has dropped steadily since then. If he has hit the waiver wire in your league, he is worth stashing on the bench immediately. Saad could end up carrying your fantasy team down the stretch.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen
Marco Scandella (D, MIN) - 62% Owned
Yet to post a minus rating in any game this season, Marco Scandella is a solid defenseman. He may not post huge offensive numbers, but he has registered at least one shot on goal in every game. He is averaging over 21:00 of ice time and has collected 2 G, 2 A, 7 PIM, 21 SOG, and is a +9. He may not be the flashiest guy on the ice, but he gets the job done. For owners looking for stability on the back end, Scandella is your guy.
Dan Girardi (D, NYR) - 45% Owned
In fantasy hockey, a defensemen that skates a lot of minutes can help make up for talented wingers that see less ice-time. Dan Girardi epitomizes the role of a blue-line workhorse. Girardi has seen 32:58 and 34:50 in his last two contests, respectively. With the recent injury to fellow defenseman Ryan McDonagh, Girardi's playing time should consistently stay above the 26:00 minute mark. He doesn't provide much in the way of scoring or penalties, but there is still value here.
Dennis Seidenberg (D, BOS) - 41% Owned
Between offseason trades and early injuries, the Boston blue line is nearly depleted. Dennis Seidenberg now finds himself taking on a bigger role and it is paying dividends. He has 3 points in his last 4 games while skating as a part of the top defensive pairing. His ice-time and shots on goal have increased as well. He is currently worth adding in all fantasy formats.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goalies
Michael Hutchinson (G, WPG) - 1% Owned
The Winnipeg coaching staff spoke very highly of Michael Hutchinson following his impressive shutout against the Chicago Blackhawks. The young goaltender is sporting a .945 save percentage and a 1.80 goals against average in three games played. Hutchinson is expected to be the Jets future between the pipes and could start to see more starts in place of Ondrej Pavelec.
Cam Ward (G, CAR) - 21% Owned
Neither Carolina netminder has played lights out during first month of the season, but Cam Ward appears to have emerged as the number one goaltender going forward. Ward has won two straight games, stopping 55 of 57 shots in that span. Carolina figures to remain near the cellar of the Eastern Conference throughout the season, but Ward still possesses some fantasy value. However, owners would be wise to pick and choose which games to roll him out for.
