Fantasy Hockey: Gibson & Demko Waiver Wire Adds

NHL Fantasy Hockey: Waiver Wire Gems and Streaming Stars for a Unique Week

As the NHL approaches its holiday break, fantasy managers face an oddly-scheduled week offering both challenges and opportunities. With a significant disparity in games played across teams, strategic roster adjustments are crucial to maximize points. According to a recent analysis, capitalizing on promising performers from teams with heavier schedules – like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, and Tampa Bay Lightning – could provide a significant boost.

Navigating the Uneven Schedule

Eighteen teams will see action on the busiest nights, Tuesday and Saturday, with 13 contests on each slate. This makes maximizing games played relatively straightforward. However, Monday and Sunday present a different story, with only four and five games respectively, demanding a more discerning approach to roster construction.

Waiver Wire Targets: Players to Watch

Every Monday, fantasy managers should actively scan the waiver wire for under-rostered players with the potential to contribute. Here are several players currently available in a significant percentage of leagues who warrant consideration:

Forwards:

• Boone Jenner, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (1.9 FPPG, 78.4% available): Jenner consistently delivers respectable fantasy numbers through shot blocking and physical play, with occasional offensive outbursts. A recent example includes 4.2 fantasy points against Anaheim and 4.1 against Ottawa.
• Ryan Hartman, F, Minnesota Wild (1.7 FPPG, 89.0% available): Bumped to Minnesota’s top line alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, Hartman has five goals and two assists in his last six games, making him a high-priority pickup.
• Chandler Stephenson, F, Seattle Kraken (1.6 FPPG, 86.2% available): Stephenson is currently riding an eight-game point streak with five goals and four assists. His recent performance, coupled with Seattle’s favorable schedule, makes him a valuable addition.
• Collin Graf, F, San Jose Sharks (1.5 FPPG, 92.6% available): Playing alongside Macklin Celebrini, Graf has six goals and three assists in his past eight games, averaging 2.8 fantasy points per game.

Defensemen:

• Esa Lindell, D, Dallas Stars (1.9 FPPG, 51.3% available): Lindell excels at blocking shots and contributes offensively, making him a valuable asset in most standard ESPN leagues.
• Vince Dunn, D, Seattle Kraken (1.7 FPPG, 57.7% available): Dunn is another Seattle defenseman worth considering, offering a solid fantasy return.

Goaltender Watch: Hot Hands and Potential Upsides

• John Gibson, G, Detroit Red Wings (1.5 FPPG, 78.5% available): After a difficult November, Gibson has found his form, winning seven straight games with a .934 save percentage and two shutouts. He’s currently the league’s hottest fantasy netminder.
• Thatcher Demko, G, Vancouver Canucks (2.7 FPPG, 37.6% available): Demko has been superb since returning from injury, holding opponents to a single goal in multiple games and recording a shutout.
• Linus Ullmark, G, Ottawa Senators (1.1 FPPG, 55.3% available): With Thomas Chabot back in the lineup, Ullmark has won four straight games and is showing improved fantasy production.

Short-Term Streaming Options

For managers needing immediate help, several players offer short-term streaming potential:

• Jet Greaves, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (0.8 FPPG, 89.0% available): With an extended break before their next game, Greaves presents a solid streaming option, particularly in leagues that don’t heavily penalize goals against. However, Zach Werenski’s potential absence on Monday slightly tempers enthusiasm.
• Christian Dvorak, F, Philadelphia Flyers (1.4 FPPG, 94.7% available): If healthy, Dvorak could be a valuable stream, centering Philadelphia’s top line and contributing offensively.
• J.J. Moser, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (1.3 FPPG, 97.7% available): Moser is seeing top-pair minutes and has a pair of goals and three assists in his last five games, making him a worthwhile stream.

J.J. Moser nets goal for Lightning

Dropping Underperformers

For teams struggling with underperforming players, now is an opportune time to make changes. The Utah Mammoth and Winnipeg Jets play only once this week, making players from these teams potential candidates for release, such as Cole Perfetti.

Fantasy hockey requires constant attention and adaptation. By staying informed about player performance, schedule changes, and waiver wire opportunities, managers can optimize their rosters and compete for success.