One of the challenges about successfully navigating the fantasy hockey waiver wire in most Fantrax leagues is the existence of the salary-cap format. It skews the ownership percentages of a number of fringe players signed to cheap contracts, whereas high-priced veterans are often owned in fewer leagues than they would traditionally be at other sites. Additionally, Fantrax leagues are often deeper than the default settings elsewhere.
It all adds up to more competitive leagues, which is exactly what fantasy players should be looking for. With that in mind, here’s a peek at a number of widely available players to consider scooping up.
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Fantrax Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Best Center Pickups
C Derek Stepan, ARI (47%): Following a horrible start to the campaign, Stepan has collected a goal and four assists through his past four contests. He’s logging 19:16 of ice time per contest with 3:02 on the power play and projects to remain a go-to player for the Coyotes. There’s also positive regression ahead of Stepan’s 3.7 shooting percentage, so an uptick in goals is likely.
C Phillip Danault, MON (18%): Centering a clicking line with Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher on his flanks, Danault is a deep-league add offering a respectable fantasy floor. Montreal’s top line has connected for 3.55 goals per 60 minutes while driving possession with a 63.2 Corsi For percentage at even strength. Just note that Danault’s lack of power-play time caps his upside, and his cross-category profile is more valuable than his scoring will be.
C/LW Brock Nelson, NYI (26%): Already up to five goals through 10 games, look for Nelson to take a run a career-high mark in the column this season. He’s averaged 21.25 goals per year over the past four seasons and is now locked into an encouraging role centering Anders Lee and Josh Bailey. Still just 26 years old, Nelson is also in the heart of his offensive prime.
C Kyle Turris, NSH (57%): While not as strong of an option in salary-cap setups, Turris is a strong bet to top 50 points for a third consecutive campaign. He’s already recorded eight points — two goals — through 11 games, and he’s solidified his role as Nashville’s No. 2 center. Turris offers a nice mix of stability and upside.
C/RW Jason Spezza, DAL (30%): After a career-worst showing last year, Spezza has started 2018-19 strong. He’s recorded two goals, six assists and three power-play points through 10 contests with his role on the No. 1 power-play unit a huge boon to his value. Spezza does take a hit in formats including plus/minus rating, however.
Top Wingers to Pick Up
LW/RW Joonas Donskoi, SJ (37%): The Finn has marked the scoresheet in eight of 11 games this season for three goals, five assists, 22 shots and three power-play points. Donskoi posted his best season in North America last year and should stick in a middle-line role with the Sharks moving forward. Just note that the 26-year-old winger doesn’t pack a lot of punch in the peripheral categories.
LW/RW Tyler Bertuzzi, DET (40%): With Sunday’s goal, Bertuzzi has now recorded a respectable three tallies, three helpers, 19 PIM and 24 hits through 11 games. It’s solid cross-category production, and he’s also combined with current center Dylan Larkin for an impressive 4.03 goals per 60 minutes dating back to last season. As long as Bertuzzi sticks in a top-six role and receives consistent power-play time, he should be owned in the majority of settings including PIM and hits.
Best Defensemen Adds
D Jack Johnson, PIT (18%): While Johnson’s days of being a solid offensive contributor are likely in the rear-view mirror, the veteran is still posting helpful totals in the peripheral categories. He’s recorded 15 shots, 31 hits and 20 blocked shots through nine games, and there is still modest scoring upside with the talent Pittsburgh ices nightly.
D Matt Niskanen, WSH (48%): Fantasy players know what they’re getting out of Niskanen. He’s a reliable cross-category contributor who profiles as a perfect defender to round out your blue line. He’s likely to post triple-digit totals in the shots, hits and blocked shots columns while flirting with 35 points. His lack of power-play time does hinder his scoring upside, though.
D Brent Seabrook, CHI (42%): The veteran is definitely a tough sell in salary-cap settings, but his numbers are still impressive nonetheless. Seabrook has already posted two goals, five assists and two power-play points through 12 games while chipping in nice marks in the peripheral categories. It will be critical for Seabrook to continuing receiving consistent time with the man advantage to remain relevant.
Top Goalies to Add
G Jack Campbell, LA (44%): With Jonathan Quick (lower body) back on injured reserve, Campbell projects to see the bulk for starts for Los Angeles. The Kings allow the third fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league, so if fantasy owners are selective with Campbell’s starts, he could help in most settings.
G Chad Johnson, STL (15%): No. 1 Jake Allen left Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury, so the door is open for Johnson to steal some playing time. Allen has been awful this season with a .874 save percentage and 3.99 GAA, and with St. Louis in win-now mode, there’s potential for Johnson to play his way into a larger timeshare of starts.
G Casey DeSmith, PIT (26%): With a 2-0-2 record, .939 save percentage and 1.95 GAA through four starts, DeSmith is proving to be a solid backup for the Pens and decent spot starter for fantasy owners. Matt Murray is locked in as the No. 1 in Pittsburgh, but keeping him healthy may mean DeSmith sees semi-regular playing time.
Can’t get enough fantasy hockey? Join Chris Meaney and Neil Parker as they hit the fantasy ice, discussing the best waiver wire pickups, break down the latest breakouts, and keep you up-to-date with all the fantasy hockey news you need to know in Fantrax’s own Fantasy Hockey Podcast.