Welcome back for more fantasy hockey waiver wire chatter. This week we have some rookie forwards making a name for themselves and a strong option in net that may surprise you.
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Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire for Week 8
Forwards
C Kirby Dach, CHI (42% owned): It may be hard to believe, but Dach already has 10 points in 15 games. That’s the same amount as Jack Hughes, and one more point than Kaapo Kakko. Seven of Dach’s points have been generated during a five-game point streak. He’s managed this level of production despite playing 11:25 of averaged ice time per game. There will be highs and lows with any rookie, but he’s worth taking a chance on given his current success.
LW Zach Parise, MIN (37%): Yes, the 35-year-old Parise still has more to give. He has four goals and an assist over his last three games. He’s a lock to get prime minutes and power-play opportunities with the Wild. Let’s not forget that he racked up 61 points just a season ago. It’s taken him a while to get going this year but he’s found his groove again.
LW Robbi Fabbri, DET (36%): The trade to Detroit has worked out wonderfully for Fabbri. He was riddled with injuries and never really fit in well with the Blues. He made an immediate impact with the Wings, netting a pair of power-play markers, including the game-winning goal. That momentum has carried on, as he has seven points in six games with Detroit. He’s only been held off the scoresheet once during that span. Fabbri is finally looking a lot like the player he was drafted to be.
LW Anthony Beauvillier, NYI (35%): The 22-year-old has recorded three straight two-point performances — five of those six points being goals. He, like everyone on the Islanders, is on a roll. He’s up to 14 points in 19 games, with a plus-nine rating and 20 hits. The shifty winger is on pace for 60 points. While he might not get that many, he should easily surpass his previous career-high of 36 points.
RW Emil Bemstrom, CBJ (18%): The Jackets were hoping this fourth-round pick from 2017 would be able to crack the lineup this year. While he did, he also didn’t have a great start. He had just a pair of points in his first 15 games — while being utilized in the Jackets’ bottom-six forward group. Then he was moved to the top line alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois and has rewarded his coach. Bemstrom has three goals and three assists in a five-game point streak. He’s worth taking a flier on as long as he’s on that top line.
Defensemen
D Ben Chiarot, MTL (19%): Chiarot has been an excellent fit in Montreal. He already has eight points in 22 games — including three points in his last four appearances. He should have no trouble surpassing the career-high 20 points he set last year. He’s also racked up 49 hits and 32 blocks, giving him some category coverage. A lock in the Habs top four, he’s playing a career-high 21:49 per game. It’s a noticeable jump from his previous high of 18:37.
D Matt Grzelcyk, BOS (14%): Grzelcyk had a rather slow start, which saw a stretch of 15 games where he was held to just one point. He’s turned it up recently though, posting four points in his past five contests. The defender is playing on the Bruins top power-play unit with Torey Krug out with an upper-body injury. Fresh off a two-goal performance, there won’t be a better time for him to accumulate points.
D Joel Edmundson, CAR (11%): The physical blueliner has some offensive capabilities as well. He has just six points on the year, but they were all generated in the last four outings. His main value comes in the form of peripherals though. He has 23 PIM, 34 hits, and 32 blocks. He plays in the top four of one of the best defense corps in the league.
Goaltending
G Anders Nilsson, OTT (34%): The 6’6″ netminder has won five of his past six starts. Aside from the blowout loss to Carolina, Nilsson has been lights out. In those five wins, he’s averaging a .946 save percentage. The Senators are playing good hockey and developing a reputation that they’re a young, hard-working team. They’ve won seven of their last 10 and could continue to rise if others persistently doubt them. Another noteworthy factor: their next four games are on light schedule days (Friday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
Also, check out last week’s waiver wire picks to see if any of those players are still available.
Got another name or two for the fantasy hockey waiver wire? Let us know in the comments below. We promise we won’t tell anyone in your league.
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