As the 2025-26 NHL season grinds through its most demanding months, the difference between a championship run and a mid-table finish in your league often comes down to savvy roster management. Identifying the right fantasy hockey pickups at the exact moment they are poised for a breakout is the hallmark of a successful manager. This week, the waiver wire is teeming with intriguing talent, ranging from high-upside prospects like the Dallas Stars' Mavrik Bourque to established playmakers like Matias Maccelli, who is adjusting to a new environment in Toronto.
Top Forward Fantasy Hockey Pickups to Target Now
Finding offensive consistency is the primary goal for most managers mid-season. Whether you are looking for long-term growth or a short-term boost based on schedule density, these forwards offer the best value on the wire this week.
Mavrik Bourque, Dallas Stars
At the top of the list for any manager looking for an offensive spark is Mavrik Bourque. The Dallas Stars prospect has long been touted for his high hockey IQ and elite scoring touch at the AHL level. As the Stars look to solidify their scoring depth for a deep playoff run, Bourque is seeing increased opportunities in the top nine. His ability to navigate tight spaces and create high-danger scoring chances makes him a high-ceiling option for those in deeper leagues looking for the next breakout star.
Matias Maccelli, Toronto Maple Leafs
Matias Maccelli continues to be one of the most underrated playmakers in the league, and his recent move to the Toronto Maple Leafs has significantly boosted his fantasy floor. Known for his elite vision and passing ability, Maccelli is a primary engine for transition play. Playing alongside the high-end finishing talent in Toronto, his assist potential is massive. If your roster is lacking in power-play points and helpers, Maccelli is one of the most reliable fantasy hockey pickups available.
Brayden Schenn and Dylan Holloway, St. Louis Blues
For managers seeking a more physical presence without sacrificing scoring, Brayden Schenn remains a vital target. Schenn provides a unique blend of veteran leadership, power-play production, and peripheral stats like hits and faceoff wins. His teammate, Dylan Holloway, also warrants attention. Holloway’s speed and north-south game allow him to create individual scoring chances, making him an excellent speculative add if he continues to see top-six minutes.
Conor Garland, Vancouver Canucks
Conor Garland remains a shot-volume monster for the Vancouver Canucks. While he may not always land on the top power-play unit, his even-strength efficiency is among the best in the league. Garland is a high-motor player who can stabilize a roster struggling with inconsistent shot totals.
Strengthening the Blue Line: Defensive Waiver Wire Adds
Finding productive defensemen on the waiver wire is notoriously difficult, but the 2025-26 season has seen several young players earn expanded roles. Focusing on those who contribute across multiple categories—shots, blocks, and hits—is key.
Logan Mailloux, St. Louis Blues
Recently joining the St. Louis Blues, Logan Mailloux is a name to watch, though managers should temper immediate expectations. Mailloux is currently operating as a developing blueliner in a depth role. While he possesses a heavy shot and offensive instincts that made him a top prospect, his primary value right now lies in deeper leagues where his physical play and occasional power-play looks provide a modest floor. He is a long-term developmental play rather than a high-production specialist at this stage.
Sam Rinzel, Chicago Blackhawks
In Chicago, Sam Rinzel is beginning to show why the Blackhawks are high on his future. While he is still acclimating to the pace of the NHL, his ice time has been trending upward. Rinzel offers a smooth-skating profile that helps with zone exits, making him a viable target for managers in dynasty or deep keeper formats.
Olli Maatta, Veteran Stability
If you aren't looking for upside but rather stability, Olli Maatta remains a reliable professional. He won't provide flashy offensive numbers, but for leagues that reward blocked shots and plus-minus, Maatta is a safe floor play who won't hurt your team's efficiency.
Goaltending and Depth: Stabilizing Your Roster
Goaltending remains the most volatile position in fantasy hockey, making the waiver wire essential for survival when starters falter or injuries strike.
Joel Hofer, St. Louis Blues
Joel Hofer has proven to be more than just a backup in St. Louis, often pushing for a larger share of the crease with his poised play. If you are struggling with save percentage or need a spot-start win, Hofer is a premier candidate. His technical soundness makes him one of the more reliable "1B" options in the league.
Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils
While often rostered, Jacob Markstrom occasionally becomes available in shallower leagues during cold streaks. His volume of starts alone makes him a priority whenever he hits the wire, as few goaltenders have the same guaranteed workload in the current NHL landscape.
Shane Pinto and Jake Evans
Rounding out the forward depth, Shane Pinto and Jake Evans are seeing significant ice time in key situations. Pinto, in particular, has the pedigree of a top-six center and can provide a boost in shots. Evans is a specialist for those in leagues that value faceoff wins and short-handed points, as he remains a fixture on the penalty kill.
Strategic Advice for the Week Ahead
When considering these fantasy hockey pickups, it is crucial to look at the upcoming schedule. To maximize your weekly matchup, prioritize players from teams with four-game weeks or those playing on "off-nights" (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). This allows you to fit these additions into your lineup without benching your established stars.
- Target Volume: Look for players like Ryan Strome who may be available and playing alongside elite talent.
- Watch the Crease: Goaltending wins are often found by tracking backup starts early in the week.
- Peripheral Stats: Don't ignore hits and blocks; they count just as much as goals in most standard formats.
Success in fantasy hockey is a marathon, not a sprint. By staying aggressive on the waiver wire and targeting high-upside players like Bourque or high-floor playmakers like Maccelli, you can ensure your team remains competitive through the dog days of the season.
Sources & Original Reporting
