Every Monday, we explore the waiver wire for under-rostered players who can benefit fantasy teams across various leagues. We also highlight strong streaming options for the upcoming week.
In the crucial final weeks of the fantasy season, team schedules and matchups are as important as individual player performance, especially for those in head-to-head playoffs. While players like Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Moritz Seider are performing well, the Detroit Red Wings only play twice this week, against tough opponents. Less prominent players with more games might offer greater fantasy value simply due to opportunity. If you anticipate a challenging head-to-head matchup, consider making difficult roster choices.
Among the ten teams playing four games this week (Monday to Sunday), only six have games on two of the lighter schedule days: Bruins, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Lightning, and Maple Leafs. Keep this in mind to maximize your daily lineup.
Also note that the Hurricanes, Panthers, and Golden Knights start their week on Thursday but then play three games in four days. Managers who can make daily roster changes can capitalize on this by substituting players from these teams for equally skilled but less active players to optimize their week, or for underperforming players.
Forwards
Quinton Byfield, F, Los Angeles Kings (1.4 FPPG, 54.4% available): On a six-game goal streak, averaging 2.7 fantasy points per game in standard leagues, Byfield is still available in over half of ESPN Fantasy leagues. Pick him up before the Kings face the Wild, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, and Bruins this week. Playing with Kevin Fiala and Trevor Moore, the 22-year-old is currently very productive.
Nick Schmaltz, F, Utah Hockey Club (1.7 FPPG, 69.6% available): Schmaltz is on another hot streak, common for him, and these can last. After a couple of weeks off, he has five goals and seven assists in the past three weeks. Playing on the top line and power play with Clayton Keller, he logs significant minutes and shoots frequently.
Mason McTavish, F, Anaheim Ducks (1.6 FPPG, 87.4% available): Playing with Cutter Gauthier, the 22-year-old has five goals and eight assists in his last twelve games. If you are satisfied with your current roster, consider adding McTavish next week when the Ducks have three home games on lighter schedule nights.
Casey Mittelstadt, F, Boston Bruins (1.2 FPPG, 80.4% available): The Bruins play four games this week, including against the Sabres and Sharks. Among Boston`s available forwards (excluding David Pastrnak), their new second-line center has the most fantasy potential. On the top power play, Mittelstadt has a goal and two assists since joining from Colorado.
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Dylan Cozens, F, Ottawa Senators (1.6 FPPG, 42.2% available)
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Ryan Donato, D, Chicago Blackhawks (1.7 FPPG, 70.8% available)
Defensemen
Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils (1.4 FPPG, 57.4% available): With a goal and ten assists in ten games since February 23rd, Hughes also has four power-play assists since Dougie Hamilton`s injury on March 4th. He now exclusively leads the Devils` top power play unit. If available, add him quickly.
Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, San Jose Sharks (1.3 FPPG, 99.0% available): Not for this week though. Despite Mukhamadulin`s current appeal – seven assists in his last 11 games, including two on the power play – the Sharks only play twice this week, on busy nights. However, this top-pair defender should be available before next Thursday, when San Jose starts a stretch of three games in four days.
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Alex Vlasic, D, Chicago Blackhawks (1.7 FPPG, 66.8% available)
Goaltenders
Pyotr Kochetkov, G, Carolina Hurricanes (2.6 FPPG, 55.7% available): Add the Carolina goalie on Thursday before they play the Sharks, Kings, and Ducks in four days. Likely to start two of these, Kochetkov is 5-0 with a .948 save percentage and 1.19 GAA since February 25th. Very impressive.
Sam Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens (1.8 FPPG, 67.6% available): A 6-0-1 record since the 4 Nations break, along with a .928 save percentage and 1.96 GAA, speaks for itself. After a near-perfect game against the Panthers on Saturday, Montembeault deserves consideration for any fantasy roster needing goaltending help.
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Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Hockey Club (1.9 FPPG, 83.2% available)
Short-term Streamers
Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (1.0 FPPG, 67.0% available): Jarry is 4-0 since returning from the AHL, with wins against the Wild, Golden Knights, Blues, and Devils. Pittsburgh`s current starting goalie could be a good streaming option when the Penguins host the Blue Jackets this Friday.
Mackie Samoskevich, F, Florida Panthers (1.5 FPPG, 91.2% available): The Panthers are off until Thursday, then play the Blue Jackets, Capitals, and Penguins. Consider adding Samoskevich during this stretch. He`s on the second scoring line and getting power-play time with Sam Bennett. The rookie is averaging 2.2 FPPG this past month.
St. Louis Blues: The Blues are currently scoring and winning. Since the 4 Nations break, they are 8-2-2, averaging a league-leading 3.92 goals per game. Consider Brayden Schenn, Jake Neighbors, or Alexey Toropchenko in deeper leagues, depending on availability. St. Louis plays the Blackhawks, Canucks, and Predators (twice) this week.
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Scott Wedgwood, G, Colorado Avalanche (2.4 FPPG, 96.3% available)
