In order to be a successful fantasy hockey league GM you need to do the necessary research to thrive with waiver wire pickups and build the optimal winning lineups. While you need stars to succeed, anybody that has picked up Brayden Point or Brock Boeser in recent weeks will have received a substantial boost to their lineups. We took the time to break down some of the top players that might still be available in your leagues right now. Here is a look at the best NHL waiver wire picks for this week.
LW, RW: Jason Zucker, Minnesota Wild
Zucker will be one of the more popular adds of the week. That’s assuming he wasn’t already scooped up due to his recent play. He has collected points in four straight games, totaling six goals and an assist in that span. He has missed some time this season but when you look at his numbers on a per-game basis, they are quite healthy. He’s now picked up 14 points in 16 games. The key here is that he’s playing on the same line with Eric Staal and Nino Niederreiter. It’s a unit that is clicking right now. That being the case, Zucker should be picked up in your league.
C: Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks
Horvat was Vancouver’s best offensive player last season and he is off to a strong start to this year’s campaign. The young center has six goals and 13 points through 17 games to rank second on the Canucks in both categories. Horvat should continue to thrive while playing alongside Boeser. If you need help at the center position then you might want to consider adding him this week.
G: Charlie Lindgren, Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens needed a boost in goal following a slow start to the season. Nobody expected it would be a rookie goaltender that would give it to them. However, with Carey Price injured, Lindgren has stepped up and delivered with a 3-1-0 record and 1.24 goals against average in four starts. Price is dealing with a lower body injury while Al Montoya is dealing with a concussion. If you need a short-term solution in net, then Lindgren might be your best bet.
W: David Perron, Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have featured plenty of fantasy surprises this season. Perron is one player that you might want to add if he is still available in your league. Perron has one goal and six points during a four-game point streak. He leads Vegas with 14 points in 16 games this season. If you need some scoring help on the wing then consider Perron as the perfect addition to your fantasy lineup this week.
W: Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are loaded with young talent. While you won’t find Patrik Laine or Nikolak Ehlers on the waiver wire in your fantasy hockey league, you might be able to scoop up Connor as a free agent. The 20-year-old has stepped in to the lineup as an injury replacement for Mathieu Perreault and made an instant impact with four goals and eight points in 11 games. If he continues to produce at his current pace, Winnipeg will have a difficult time sending him back to the juniors. It might be time to pick up Connor now with a chance to ride him both in the short and long term.
W: Michael Ferland, Calgary Flames
Ferland has been riding shotgun on a line with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, which has tremendously boosted his fantasy stock. The 25-year-old has taken advantage with three goals and four points during his current three-game point streak. Ferland will continue to get opportunities on the top line and top powerplay in Calgary. If you don’t own him yet then make sure to grab him in your fantasy hockey league before somebody else does.
The Flames are currently sitting in fourth place in the Pacific Division with 18 points. They have scored just 44 goals on the season. The Flames are hoping that this line of youngsters can get going and spark an offense that has been fairly quiet through the first quarter of the season.
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