The fantasy hockey season is often won or lost on the waiver wire. While your stars provide the foundation, it is the strategic mid-season additions that propel a team into the playoffs. As we head into another busy week of NHL action, identifying the right fantasy hockey pickups is essential for managers looking to maximize games played and statistical categories. This week, the spotlight shines on a mix of veteran reliability and emerging talent, led by Anthony Cirelli, Cam York, and Mason Marchment.
Top Forward Targets: Cirelli and Marchment Lead the Way
When looking for fantasy hockey pickups in the forward department, Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a premier option. Cirelli has long been known for his defensive prowess, but his offensive contributions have made him a versatile asset in most league formats. Playing significant minutes in the Lightning's top six and seeing time on the power play, Cirelli provides a steady stream of points, shots, and faceoff wins.
Joining him as a top priority is Mason Marchment. The Dallas Stars forward has proven to be a multi-categorical beast when healthy. Marchment offers a unique blend of scoring touch and physicality, making him particularly valuable in leagues that track hits and penalty minutes alongside goals and assists. With the Stars' offense firing on all cylinders, Marchment is in a prime position to produce.
Other notable forwards to consider this week include Trevor Moore and Anthony Duclair. Moore continues to be a high-volume shooter for the Los Angeles Kings, while Duclair’s speed makes him a constant breakaway threat. For managers in deeper leagues, Mats Zuccarello and Boone Jenner remain reliable veterans who can stabilize a roster, while Corey Perry provides a niche boost for those needing grit and veteran savvy in their lineup.
Bolstering the Blue Line with Cam York
Finding consistent production on defense can be a challenge, but Cam York of the Philadelphia Flyers is emerging as a top-tier waiver wire target. York has seen his ice time climb as he takes on a larger role in the Flyers' defensive rotation. His ability to move the puck and contribute on the man-advantage makes him a high-upside play for managers lacking defensive depth.
If York is already rostered, Erik Gudbranson offers a different kind of value. While he won't provide the same offensive ceiling as York, Gudbranson is a reliable source of peripheral stats, including blocked shots and hits. In head-to-head categories leagues, these "glue" players are often the difference between winning and losing the defensive categories for the week.
Goaltending Solutions: Nedeljkovic and Korpisalo
The goaltender carousel continues to spin, and injuries or inconsistent play often force managers to look for streaming options. Alex Nedeljkovic and Joonas Korpisalo are two names currently surfacing as viable fantasy hockey pickups. Nedeljkovic has shown flashes of the brilliance that once made him a Calder trophy finalist, and he is seeing enough starts to warrant a roster spot in most medium-to-large leagues.
Meanwhile, Joonas Korpisalo provides a veteran presence in net. While his save percentage can fluctuate, his ability to rack up wins when supported by a strong offensive team makes him a valuable secondary or tertiary goalie option. Additionally, Lukas Dostal and Anton Forsberg are worth monitoring for managers desperate for saves and starts, as both are capable of putting up strong performances in short bursts.
Deep League Sleepers and Future Assets
For those playing in dynasty formats or extremely deep seasonal leagues, the waiver wire requires a bit more digging. Justin Sourdif and Collin Graf represent the next wave of talent looking to make a permanent mark on their respective rosters. While they may not provide immediate elite production, their upside makes them intriguing stashes.
Finally, Lawson Crouse remains a perennial favorite for managers who value high hit totals paired with respectable goal-scoring. Crouse's role as a power forward ensures he stays relevant even when he isn't finding the back of the net. As you set your lineups for the week ahead, prioritizing these fantasy hockey pickups will ensure your team remains competitive across all statistical categories.
Sources & Original Reporting
