A timely waiver claim can change the course of a season. Just look at Troy Terry, who went from a regular on the fantasy hockey waiver wire to being one of the top scorers in the league. While I can’t guarantee another home run like him, there are other players readily available that can help your team out.
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Week 6 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Forwards
C/RW Robert Thomas, STL (58% rostered): Thomas is racking up the assists, notching 14 of them along with a goal through 15 games. He was on a three-game run where he generated seven helpers, before being surprisingly stifled by the Arizona Coyotes. Thomas has already eclipsed last year’s point total of 12 which took him 33 games. His current point per game pace puts him on track to best his career-high 42 points set in 2019-20. Thomas is playing with sniper Vladimir Tarasenko, helping him have a bounce-back season. Thomas is averaging 19:09 of ice time per game, which is a giant leap from last year’s 13:36. The Blues are showing they believe in him, and are giving him more opportunities at both even strength and special teams.
C/LW Pavel Zacha, NJD (50%): Last season was a career year for Zacha, as he put up 17 goals and 35 points in 50 games. In 14 games this year, he’s already up to seven goals and 11 points. He’s playing on the Devils’ top line and top power-play unit while seeing the most ice time of his career (18:18 per game). He’s on pace to have yet another career year. His contest against the Senators yesterday was postponed due to Covid-19, but that should have no negative impact on the Devils. However, on that note, don’t add any Ottawa players from the waiver wire for the time being. Keep an eye on when their games are rescheduled.
C/RW Dawson Mercer, NJD (49%): Another Devil on this list. Mercer has five goals and six assists in 14 appearances. He’s riding a four-game point streak in which he’s tallied six points. He’s quietly having a strong rookie campaign. His 11 points are third in rookie scoring behind Detroit’s Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Mercer is centering New Jersey’s second line and getting time on the top power-play unit. He’s in a position to succeed, at least until Jack Hughes returns. That likely won’t happen for another three weeks at minimum. At that point, Mercer may get dropped to the third line or moved to the wing. He’s worth the add for now.
RW Logan O’Connor, COL (14%): O’Connor is on track to be the beneficiary of injuries to the Avalanche. With Nathan MacKinnon and J.T. Compher out, Mikko Rantanen could be moved to center. He’ll then be flanked by Gabriel Landeskog and O’Connor on his wings. O’Connor would be in a bottom-six role with a healthy Colorado club. But for now, he gets to enjoy some time on the top line, which instantly boosts his value. He already has six points in 12 contests, along with 13 hits, 11 blocks, and a pair of short-handed points.
Defense
D Scott Perunovich, STL (34%): Drafted in the second round of the 2018 entry draft, the Blues have allowed Perunovich time to develop at a steady pace. 2021-22 was his first season in the AHL, and he tore it up with 20 points in 12 contests. Those would be impressive numbers for a forward, but even more so for a defenseman. Perunovich earned himself a call up to the Blues and played his first NHL match Tuesday night. He registered one shot on goal, without earning any points. He played 18:26 of ice time including 2:59 on the power play. He’s shown he’s capable of producing offense, and it’s bound to come as he gets a few more games under his belt.
D Justin Braun, PHI (24%): Braun is off to a hot start, with eight points in 14 outings. He’s already surpassed last year’s point total of six, which he scored in 53 games. Last year was tough for Braun and the entire Flyers defense, but it appears a bounce-back season is in order. With Ryan Ellis missing time due to injury, then re-aggravating it when he returned, Braun finds himself earning more ice time. Playing 19:54 per game is a notable jump compared to the 18:32 and 17:16 averages from the previous two campaigns. Let’s not forget that Braun posted a 33-point season with the San Jose Sharks in 2017-18, so he holds more offensive capabilities than we’ve seen in recent years.
Goaltending
G Jake Oettinger, DAL (43%): Braden Holtby was considered the starter for Dallas, but an injury has sidelined him. Oettinger got the call back up to the NHL to run the crease with Anton Khudobin. Oettinger got the start Tuesday night and picked up the victory with a 2.00 GAA and .933 save percentage. He played 29 games last year, posting an 11-8-7 record with a 2.36 GAA and .911 save percentage. He’s a capable goaltender and makes for a good streaming option until Holtby returns.
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