There are still players in key roles going undetected. Our fantasy hockey waiver wire report highlights some noteworthy additions to make to your lineup before everyone else catches on.
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Week 4 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Forwards
LW/RW Alex Tuch, VGK (51% Ownership): Tuch is having a nice bounce-back campaign. After posting just 17 points in 42 games during 2019-20, he’s already up to nine points in ten outings. He’s looking more like the Alex Tuch of 2018-19 who scored 20 goals and 52 points. He’s playing on Vegas’ third line and second power-play unit, while the Knights’ 3.7 goals for per game is the best of their division.
C/LW/RW Nick Schmaltz, ARZ (50%): Schmaltz’s last four contests have been against the Blues, and that will be the case for his next three games as well. The NHL’s rescheduling has resulted in a seven-game series between the two clubs. This has worked out for Schmaltz thus far, scoring five points in his first four meetings with the Blues. He’s up to 11 points through 12 games as the Coyotes top centerman.
C Jordan Staal, CAR (40%): Staal has never scored more than 50 points in a season, but he’s scoring at higher than a point per game clip in 2021. He has nine points in eight games, with three of them scored on the power play, and one short-handed. A plus-5 rating, 23 hits, and 8 blocks give him some nice category coverage. He’s also fourth in faceoff percentage with 60.34%, and third in faceoffs per game with 21.75. If your league tracks faceoffs, don’t pass on Staal if he’s on your wire.
C/LW/RW Nick Foligno, CBJ (38%): The Columbus Captain won’t dazzle you with offense but he provides category coverage across the board. In 14 games, he has four goals, three assists, nine PIM, 22 shots, 32 hits, and 16 blocks. He scores on special teams as well, netting a power-play goal and assist, plus a short-handed helper. Nine of his upcoming 10 contests are against the Blackhawks, Predators, and Red Wings. Each of those opponents has struggled with keeping the puck out of their net, creating a favorable schedule for Foligno fantasy-wise.
C/RW Jack Roslovic, CBJ (36%): After being acquired from the Jets, Roslovic is off to a hot start with the Jackets. He was held scoreless in the first two contests but has racked up seven points in his last five appearances. He’s earning the trust of Head Coach John Tortorella too. In his first game, Roslovic saw 14:14 of ice time. This has climbed up to 21:36 in his most recent affair. Roslovic is playing with former Jet Patrik Laine on the top line and top power-play unit. He’s an easy decision to pluck off the waiver wire.
C/RW Mikael Backlund, CGY (35%): Despite being the Flames third-line center, Backlund is providing offense. He has eight points in 12 contests, with four of them generated in the last two outings. What makes him more enticing is his upcoming schedule. He’ll be playing against the free-falling Canucks four times, who have allowed a league-worst 63 goals against. A prime time for Backlund to collect a few more fantasy points.
C/LW Pius Suter, CHI (31%): Suter wasn’t often in the discussion for rookies to watch this year, but he’s quietly having a good start. He has eight points in 14 games, including four points in his last five. He’s second only to Kirill Kaprizov for the rookie point lead while topping all rookies with five goals. Suter’s playing on the top line with Patrick Kane, putting him in a great position to succeed.
C/LW/RW Dominik Kahun, EDM (30%): With just one point in his first nine games, Kahun had a slow start. Many fantasy owners drafted him with the hopes of him finding success with Leon Draisaitl. The two have been playing together, but the points weren’t coming for Kahun. However, he’s started to heat up lately. With four points in his last six contests, this could be a sign of things to come. Should he continue to trend upward, he can hopefully earn a regular role with the man advantage, further increasing his value.
Defensemen
D Justin Faulk, STL (59%): The departure of Alex Pietrangelo has proven to be a benefit to Faulk. His ice time has increased by over three minutes per game, and his performance has improved as a result. He has five points in 13 games. Not the greatest point pace, but it’s better than the lowly 16 points in 69 games he posted in 2019-20. His plus-12 rating is the third highest in the league, and he’s laid out 42 hits already. Just recently added to the power play, we could see Faulk’s fantasy production rise even more going forward.
Goalies
G Jake Oettinger, DAL (36%): Despite being a bit shaky in his first two starts, the 22-year-old seems to be settling in. He has a 2-0-2 record with a 2.19 GAA and .919 save percentage. With Ben Bishop still out indefinitely, and Anton Khudobin receiving a brief suspension, Oettinger has a chance to earn himself more starts. With a .943 and .931 save percentage in his last two outings, he’s certainly helping his case.
Enjoying Brandon’s Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire? Then you’ll also want to check out Ian Whamonds look at 8 Under-the-Radar Defensemen to Stach in Dynasty Leagues.
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