Any fantasy GM that picked up Carolina Hurricanes winger Teuvo Teravainen or New York Islanders center Matthew Barzal earlier this month will be able to tell you how important those moves have been to their team. While Teravainen and Barzal are likely owned in your fantasy hockey league, there are still several potential waiver wire adds that you should consider before somebody else picks them up. Here is a look at the top NHL fantasy waiver wire adds for this week.
C: Bryan Little, Winnipeg Jets
It’s been a disappointing start to the season for the veteran center Little. However, it’s only a matter of time before he turns the corner. Little has shown signs that he is close to breaking out with three goals and six points in his last seven games. Considering he is skating with Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers at even strength, his recent production could be a sign of things to come.
LW/RW: Reilly Smith, Vegas Golden Knights
Smith is one of many pleasant surprises for the Golden Knights early on this season. He has a team-leading 13 assists and 19 points in 22 games for Vegas. That includes six points during a five-game point streak while skating on the top line for the Golden Knights with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. Smith is eligible at both the left and right wing positions, which makes him more valuable in leagues that count the specific lineup spots.
C: Derek Stepan, Arizona Coyotes
Stepan has recorded a goal and six assists during a six-game point streak for the Coyotes. While he has been inconsistent at times in his first year with Arizona, Stepan is up to 15 points in 26 games and he is hot right now. Stepan has meshed well with winger Brandon Perlini and as long as those two continue to improve their chemistry, Stepan’s stock will continue to rise. If you need help at the center position, grab Stepan before somebody else in your league does.
LW/RW: Tomas Tatar, Detroit Red Wings
Another winger with eligibility at both the right and left spots that is worth picking up is Tatar, who has four goals and two assists in his last nine games. Tatar is playing on a line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha at even strength while getting top powerplay time. Tatar’s recent hot streak could be an indication that he is trending in the right direction. It makes sense to grab him now before somebody else does.
D: Tyler Myers, Winnipeg Jets
If you need help on defense, then Myers might be a good fit for your fantasy squad. The Jets defenseman missed most of last year with a hip injury but he is healthy again and contributing at a high level. Myers has 10 points in his last 14 games. He also has four powerplay points in his last six contests. The Jets have plenty of firepower up front and Myers should benefit from their scoring depth as a rearguard that could do it all. If you are looking for a well-rounded fantasy defenseman that might be flying under the radar so far this season then consider Myers as a potential upgrade on the back end.
LW: Sven Baertschi, Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season. They have lost two straight and are just 4-6 in their last 10 games. However, they are 11-9-4 overall and have 26 points. That’s five points shy of the division lead. Considering they were supposed to be complete garbage, that’s impressive.
One young player that has shined for the Canucks is Baertschi, who is owned in less than 20% of leagues. Why he’s worth adding is he plays on a line with Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat, the team’s other two stars. They are the Canucks top unit now. They have picked up eight goals and 17 points in their last 23 games while Baertschi has been responsible for four goals and two assists in his last eight games. As long as he’s playing with the big boys, he’s worth picking up. The arrow is pointed up for him.
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