Fantasy hockey success is as much about finding gems on the waiver wire as it is about drafting quality talent. Patrick Maroon of the Edmonton Oilers is the perfect example of a player that probably went undrafted in your fantasy hockey league but has come on strong to become an obvious winger option in most leagues and is probably already owned at this point. We broke down the numbers and matchups to find a handful of other waiver wire options you might want to consider adding to your lineup. Here is a look at the top NHL fantasy waiver wire pickups for this week.
W: Thomas Vanek, Detroit Red Wings
Vanek signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings this past offseason to prove he can still be a force in the NHL and he has certainly backed up his end of the bargain with 11 goals and 29 points in 32 games this season. Vanek is tied for the team-lead in goals and is just two points back of Henrik Zetterberg in points despite missing significant time with a groin injury. Vanek has registered at least one point in nine of his last 10 games overall so make sure you grab him now if he is still available in your NHL fantasy league.
W: Jason Zucker, Minnesota Wild
Zucker has carried over his hot streak from December in to January with 16 points in his last 19 games, including five goals and 11 points in his last 10 games overall. Zucker has been excellent at five-on-five on a line with Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund while also doing some work on the powerplay. With 11 goals and 28 points this season, Zucker is worth owning in the majority of fantasy hockey leagues right now.
C: Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs
Bozak is another veteran forward that is playing at a really high level right now as he has registered at least a point in five straight games with three goals and five assists over that span. Bozak has established a solid chemistry with James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner at five-on-five while also contributing on the powerplay. With 10 goals and 28 points this season, Bozak is an underrated center option that should be considered as a waiver wire pickup in fantasy hockey leagues.
The Maple Leafs have been playing well this season as they have registered 48 points in 41 games. That’s a huge upgrade from where they were last season. They have struggled at the defensive end but they’ve been reliable in terms of offense for NHL fantasy. They have tallied 128 goals so far, which is the second-most in the Atlantic Division.
D: Nick Leddy, New York Islanders
Leddy is a defenseman whose value has really climbed over the past couple of weeks as he now has seven points over his last seven games. The Islanders have improved their offensive attack in recent weeks and Leddy has been part of that as the anchor of their top powerplay unit. The 25-year-old is up to seven goals and 21 points in 40 games this season and could easily reach 40 points if he continues at this pace.
A lot of NHL fantasy owners tend to overlook the cellar-dwelling teams but Leddy is a decent option on this team. The Isles have allowed 128 so far this season.
D: Mark Streit, Philadelphia Flyers
Streit is another intriguing defenseman that should be available in your league for multiple reasons. First, Streit has the potential to log some serious minutes on the Philadelphia powerplay, where he recorded an assist in Saturday’s loss to Boston after returning from a 13-game absence because of a shoulder injury. Second, the Flyers are reportedly shopping Streit around the NHL because of his contract and if he ends up in the right spot he could receive an even bigger boost in production as a powerplay anchor.
For the most part, the Flyers have been a team to avoid for NHL fantasy in terms of defense because they have allowed a whopping 148 goals so far this season. But as long as you’re avoiding their goaltender, you’ll be fine. The 148 goals allowed are the most goals in the Eastern Conference.
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