Welcome back to another installment of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. This week I’ll be going over some players starting to break out, and taking advantage of the remaining schedule to get the most out of your fantasy hockey waiver wire claims.
Week 17 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Forwards
Brock Nelson, C, New York Islanders (54% Rostered)
Despite the Islanders’ struggles, Nelson has quietly been having a good campaign. Through 29 appearances he’s scored 14 goals and 22 points. That’s a 62-point pace over an 82-game schedule. Nelson has an ongoing four-game point streak and has nine points in his last eight meetings. An important thing to note with him and his teammates is that New York has only played 38 games. Many other teams are in the mid 40’s, so members of the Islanders have more games remaining than any other team, and therefore have more chances to score you some fantasy points.
Matthew Boldy, LW, Minnesota Wild (52% Rostered)
The 2019 12th overall selection is ready to be a regular on the Minnesota Wild. Boldy made quite the impression, scoring the game-winning goal in his NHL debut. He’s continued his success, scoring four goals and nine points through nine contests. Three of his points have been generated from the power play, and he has 23 shots on goal with a plus-8 rating. He’s averaging 16:29 of ice time per game, including 2:27 on the man advantage. Playing in a top-six role on a line with Kevin Fiala will go a long way in bolstering Boldy’s fantasy stock.
Mason Marchment, LW, Florida Panthers (39% Rostered)
Marchment is a bit of a late bloomer at age 26. He made his NHL debut two seasons ago by making four appearances for the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring one point. Then he played 33 matches for the Florida Panthers last year, scoring two goals and 10 points. This year he’s kicked it up another notch, by racking up eight goals and 23 points in just 22 games.
He just had his four-game point streak end Tuesday night. The streak consisted of 12 points, including an outstanding performance Monday night. He had two goals and four assists for six points. Yes, you read that right, six points! He’s part of a dynamic third line for the Panthers with Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart. Florida has turned into an offensive juggernaut with their style of play, and Marchment has fit right in. Not only has he excelled to a point-per-game form, he helps out in other fantasy areas too with his 17 PIM, 51 hits, and a plus-21 rating. All while averaging just 13:03 of ice time. He’s a slam dunk choice to claim from the waiver wire.
Defense
Ryan Pulock, D, New York Islanders (54% Rostered)
The Islanders’ top blueliner has been sidelined the past 25 matchups with a lower-body injury. He made his return Tuesday night, but only logged 15:08 of ice time. His average ice time is 20:40 per contest, so it’s bound to trend back to normal as he shakes the rust off. Pulock, like many Islanders, has had a rough go this season. Only two points in 13 games with a minus-3 rating. He’s capable of 30 points as he’s done three times before. While he may not reach that again this year, he could score at a 30-point pace the rest of the way. Like with Nelson, the Islanders have only played 38 games, so he’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the scoresheet.
Alexandre Carrier, D, Nashville Predators (24% Rostered)
The Nashville Predators knew what they had when they protected Carrier in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Carrier had only played 24 career games prior to this season, netting three points. This year he’s been a regular on Nashville’s blue line. Through 43 outings he has 17 points, 30 PIM, 40 hits, 65 blocks, and a plus-13 rating. He’s averaging 20:51 of ice time and is solidifying himself in their top four. Nashville has drafted and developed a quality defenseman yet again.
Goaltending
Matt Murray, G, Ottawa Senators (33% Rostered)
It’s surprising to be talking about Murray again after he was waived and sent to the AHL in late November. However, Murray has earned himself a call up, and is doing much better now than he was earlier in the season. He has a 4-0-2 record in his past six appearances, including a shutout victory. His overall numbers aren’t spectacular, but in the recent span his save percentage has been .931 or better in four of the contests. He allowed two goals or fewer in those same matchups. Murray has shown he can’t be fully trusted at this stage of his career, but if you need a couple of starts, Murray is playing well and can be a good addition from the waiver wire.
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