We are now deep into the 2023-24 season, as we are currently in Week 20. This campaign has been passing by quickly, and the playoffs are almost here. Because of this, fantasy hockey managers now have a good idea about what kind of waiver-wire goalies they should be targeting. This week offers some pretty strong options, so let’s discuss three of the best ones now.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Goalies to Consider for Week 20
Calvin Pickard, Edmonton Oilers
Calvin Pickard has been a nice story for the Edmonton Oilers. The longtime AHL goaltender got promoted to their NHL roster earlier this season due to Jack Campbell’s immense struggles. Since then, the 31-year-old has been solid, as he has a 7-2-0 record, 2.48 GAA, and a .910 SV%. He is not showing any signs of slowing down, either. Therefore, he is a clear waiver-wire goalie to add this week.
Pickard has an outstanding streak going, too, as he has won six starts in a row. He has been getting the job done for the Oilers, and he is proving that he can be an effective NHL backup goalie. Because of this, he is exactly the kind of waiver-wire addition to take a shot on during Week 20.
Daniil Tarasov, Columbus Blue Jackets
Daniil Tarasov is an under-the-radar goalie to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season. While the 24-year-old has struggled this season, he is starting to improve as of late. He notably saved 27 out of 29 shots against the Anaheim Ducks during his last start on Feb. 21. As a result of his excellent start, he is a waiver-wire goalie worth consideration for this week.
Tarasov’s starts could also become more frequent in the near future. This is because goaltender Elvis Merzlikins wants out of Columbus, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Because of this and his overall improved play, Tarasov is a low-risk waiver-wire goalie whom fantasy managers must consider from here.
Philipp Grubauer, Seattle Kraken
The 2023-24 season has not been a fun one for Philipp Grubauer. In 19 appearances, he has a 7-9-1 record, a 3.04 GAA, and a .890 SV%. The veteran goaltender has struggled in Seattle, but it appears that he could finally be turning a corner. This is because the 32-year-old has been solid since returning from injury. As a result, he’s a waiver-wire goalie who warrants consideration this week.
Grubauer returned from injury with a bang, saving 26 out of 27 shots against the New York Islanders on Feb. 13. He then followed that up by saving 19 out of 21 shots in his Feb. 22 win against the Vancouver Canucks. While the sample size is small, he has been showing signs of his old self. Thus, don’t be afraid to take a shot on him as a waiver-wire pickup this week.
Nevertheless, it is quite apparent that this week offers some solid waiver-wire options between the pipes. Pickard, Tarasov, and Grubauer have been playing well as of late, so they are worth taking a chance on. It will be intriguing to see if they can keep it up from here.