Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups, Adds and Sleepers for Fantasy Hockey

Joe Hannon analyzes some NHL forwards for Week 6 that are fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups, adds and potential sleepers for your fantasy hockey teams off the waiver wire.

We're more than a month into the NHL season, and at this point in the season, all of the stud players are owned and the pickings are slim on the waiver wire. Here are a few sleepers that may still be available. These players can add value to your fantasy team off the waiver wire in a variety of ways.

Whether your team lacks point production, penalty minutes or ice-time, there is something here for every need. Look for my waiver wire and sleeper recommendations every week to keep your team in contention.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards

Marcus Johansson (F, WSH) - 19% Owned

Now skating on the Capitals top power-play unit, Marcus Johansson is currently on a scoring binge. Johansson has 8 points (5 G, 3A) in his last 6 games and has been getting more playing time as a top-six forward. His value is on the rise and owners should pick him up now and play him while he's hot.

Antoine Roussel (F, DAL) - 33% Owned

Another player that has earned some power play time as of late is Antoine Roussel. More known for his skills as an agitator, Roussel has an assist in each of his last three games while racking up 14 penalty minutes. Roussel is still averaging over 15:00 of ice time per game despite having served 43 minutes in the sin bin. He has 9 points on the year and could produce more regularly if he continues to see time with the man advantage. Antoine is a worthwhile pickup for owners looking to add some grit and penalties minutes without sacrificing too much on the offensive end.

Johnny Gaudreau (F, CGY) - 65% Owned

Despite being just 5'9'', which is incredibly small in stature for an NHL player, Johnny Gaudreau has been producing in a big way. With 9 points over his last 7 games, Gaudreau has been the Flames most impressive forward this month. The rookie has 12 points and a +9 rating in 16 contests, and his fast start is showing why he was an easy choice for the 2014 Hobey Baker award as the NCAA's top hockey player. Johnny has a promising future and should continue to improve as the season wears on. He's only available in 1/3 of leagues on Yahoo, but you should pick him up now if he is still available.

Carl Soderberg (F, BOS) - 74% Owned

Carl Soderberg has been reliable on a team fighting to stay healthy this season. The Bruins center has 13 points on the season, including 6 in his last 5 games. Fantasy owners should take advantage of his recent production if he is still listed on the waiver wire. He may not be the most exciting skater on the ice, but he's a great short term pickup and has value as long as his scoring trend continues.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen

Cody Franson (D, TOR) - 59% Owned

Cody Franson has been producing in all facets of the game lately. Franson has 8 points in 13 games this season, with 5 of those points coming in his last 4 games. His time on ice is hovering right around 20:00 per game as he skates on the top pair with Dion Phaneuf and he is sporting a +5 rating. All around, Franson has plenty of value as a defenseman in all fantasy formats. Add him now and roll him out with confidence.

Justin Faulk (D, CAR) - 60% Owned

Carolina has been inconsistent during the early part of this season, but Justin Faulk has been one of the few bright spots. The young blue-liner and US Olympian has 5 points in his last 2 games, including a 29:48 showing against the Capitals last week. Faulk will log heavy minutes throughout the entire year, he is one of those under-looked defenseman who is a top guy at his position but plays for an all around terrible team. He is a valuable skater for owners looking for more production on the back end.

Justin Braun (D, SJ) - 27% Owned

Justin Braun has been a steadying force on the Sharks blue line this season. Braun has 4 A, +2 rating over his last seven games. He continues to see over 21:00 of ice-time just about every night. He has 7 A, +7 rating through 16 games and can bring stability on the back end for owners in need.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goalies

Cam Ward (G, CAR) - 70% Owned

A winner of five straight starts, Cam Ward has been brilliant between the pipes as of late. Ward has posted nothing but solid outings since starting the season 0-3-1. He has allowed just seven goals over his five straight victories and the Hurricanes have been playing much better in front of him as well. Pick him up now if he is still available.

James Reimer (G, TOR) - 34% Owned

Jonathan Bernier remains the Leafs' starter for now, but James Reimer has been getting more of a chance in net lately. Reimer has won two of his last three starts and now has 4 wins in 7 appearances. He is sporting a .925 save percentage and a 2.65 goals against average on the season. James has value as a backup goaltender and is good for an occasional spot start in favorable match-ups.