With the NHL Trade Deadline in the rearview mirror, your Fantasy Hockey leagues have likely finished up with trading too. This means managers will be relying even more heavily on waiver wire claims to make tweaks to the roster. Whether you need to replace an injured or slumping player, or just want to give yourself a boost, the fantasy hockey waiver wire is here to assist you.
Week 22 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Forwards
Ivan Barbashev, C/LW/RW, Vegas Golden Knights (51% Rostered)
Barbashev had a breakout campaign in 2021-22, posting 26 goals and 60 points. It was more than double his previous career high of 26 points. Some regression was expected this year, and that’s been the case with his 34 points through 64 contests. He was traded by the St. Louis Blues at the trade deadline to Vegas. So far, he’s been a great fit. Playing on the top line with Jack Eichel, Barbashev has five points in five games. With Mark Stone out indefinitely, Barbashev should retain his top six and secondary power-play role for the remainder of the season.
Nino Niederreiter, LW/RW, Winnipeg Jets (48% Rostered)
Acquired from the Nashville Predators, Niederreiter has been a good fit with the Jets. He has two goals and two assists in five games, including an active four-game point streak. He’s also taken 13 shots and made 11 hits. The winger has 20 goals and 32 points in 61 games in total this season. He’s playing on the top line with Mark Schiefele and Kyle Connor, as well as on the first power-play unit. Niederreiter is in a great opportunity to continue amassing points.
T.J. Oshie, RW, Washington Capitals (47% Rostered)
Oshie has had hot and cold spells this season. Currently, he’s in another hot spell. In his last six games, he’s scored five goals and three assists. He has 16 goals and 28 points in 47 matches this season. He’s already surpassed last year’s point total of 25. Oshie now plays in a third-line role, but still has first power-play duties. He has eight power-play goals and two power-play assists. He adds a bit more category coverage with his 100 hits and 38 PIM.
Luke Evangelista, RW, Nashville Predators (16% Rostered)
Nashville sold off plenty of players at the trade deadline, leaving some holes in the lineup. Evangelista is getting a golden opportunity as a result. The 2020 2nd-round pick is playing on the top line and top power-play unit. Through four games he has two goals, three points, one power-play assist, two hits, 10 shots, and a plus-3 rating. He scored two goals and took six shots in his most recent tilt. This is a waiver wire claim for deeper leagues, but he’s worth keeping an eye on regardless. If he can continue this level of play, he’ll earn a permanent role in the top six.
Defense
Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks (53% Rostered)
Fowler has been racking up the points lately, scoring 11 points in his last 11 outings. He has 37 points in 65 games this year. He’s just six points shy of setting a career high. It would be impressive if the 31-year-old defender were able to achieve that given how mightily the Ducks have struggled this season. The team’s struggles are prevalent with his minus-19 rating. John Klingberg being traded out means Fowler will be expected to carry more of the offensive workload. So far he’s been up to the task. Playing over 23 minutes a night and on the top power-play unit, Fowler makes for a good waiver wire add if you need offense from your blue line.
Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (48% Rostered)
Slavin has had a down year with just 20 points in 56 games. Compare that to last year’s 42 points in 79 games. One contributing factor is that Slavin is no longer receiving power-play time. So why is he being mentioned as a waiver wire target? He has five points in his last five games. He’s shooting more too, with 14 shots over that span. Whether the addition of Shayne Gostisbehere has helped Slavin’s game or not, the Hurricanes are rolling and scoring goals aplenty. Slavin has always been a player more valuable in real life than in Fantasy Hockey, but he’s a good streaming option while he’s bringing offense.
Goalies
Mads Sogaard, G, Ottawa Senators (31% Rostered)
After missing some time, Cam Talbot returned to the Senators crease. He played four games but is now expected to miss at least three more weeks. Anton Forsberg is still sidelined, so Sogaard gets another shot at being the starter. He has a 4-1-1 record with a 2.77 GAA and .902 save percentage. He had a rough go in his last game, allowing five goals in a 5-0 loss. However, prior to that he had won three consecutive starts. The Senators have been playing well lately, winning five of their last six contests. Sogaard will have a team in front of him that’s hoping to climb into a playoff spot and help him pick up a few more wins.