Each week, we delve into the waiver wire to identify under-rostered players who can significantly benefit your fantasy hockey teams across various league formats. As the regular season nears its end, schedule analysis becomes crucial. The distinction between a consistent roster player and a valuable streaming option becomes increasingly nuanced, heavily dependent on player opportunity.

Managers in tight head-to-head matchups might face tough choices, debating whether to stick with reliable players or gamble on readily available options with busier schedules, especially those playing on less crowded NHL nights. While there`s a risk of slightly downgrading player quality in the short term, fantasy managers with daily roster flexibility should aim to maximize their lineups, particularly on lighter NHL evenings – typically Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This requires careful balancing and strategic decision-making.

This week, the Minnesota Wild are strategically positioned, playing on all four of the quieter nights. They face the Devils, Rangers, and Islanders on the road before returning home to play the Stars on Sunday. Forwards Ryan Hartman and Frederick Gaudreau, along with a defenseman highlighted below, could offer valuable points when many other players are idle. Keep an eye on updates regarding Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, as their potential return this week remains uncertain.

Conversely, the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs have only two games this week. The Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Nashville Predators are active with three games in the first four days before a quieter second half of the week. Consider adding Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato early in the week and then potentially swapping him for a more active player for the Friday-Sunday stretch. Smart roster moves like this can be the deciding factor between winning and losing during the crucial finals period.

Top Forward Waiver Wire Pickups

Jonathan Drouin, F, Colorado Avalanche (80.0% Available)

Like the Wild, the Avalanche have a favorable schedule this week, facing the Flames and Blackhawks on lighter nights (Monday and Wednesday), followed by matchups against the Blue Jackets and Blues. Playing on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon, Drouin has been productive, tallying a goal and six assists in his last five games while seeing significant ice time.

Boone Jenner, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (54.4% Available)

Playing alongside Adam Fantilli, veteran Boone Jenner is currently on a four-game point streak, accumulating five goals and one assist with 18 shots on goal. The Blue Jackets, still in playoff contention, will host the Predators and Avalanche before heading to Toronto and Ottawa for weekend games.

Morgan Geekie, F, Boston Bruins (91.9% Available)

Despite a challenging season for Boston, Morgan Geekie is contributing offensively. Skating on a line with David Pastrnak, Geekie has scored in five of his last six games, also adding a couple of assists. The Bruins face the Capitals, Canadiens, Hurricanes, and Sabres this week.

Taylor Hall, F, Carolina Hurricanes (82.2% Available)

Taylor Hall is currently performing at a high level for the Hurricanes, posting seven goals and four assists in his last nine games. Consider adding Hall before Wednesday as the Hurricanes have three games in four days against the Capitals, Red Wings, and Bruins. His recent performance shows a significant improvement over his season average.

Leo Carlsson, F, Anaheim Ducks (59.9% Available)

While the Ducks have a more appealing schedule next week, Leo Carlsson is worth considering now. Since the 4 Nations Faceoff, Carlsson has recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 19 games, showcasing his rising star potential.

Ryan Donato, F, Chicago Blackhawks (62.4% Available)

Ryan Donato has had an exceptionally productive week for Chicago. With 14 shots on goal, he has scored six goals and added two assists in his last four games. Ideally, add Donato before Wednesday`s game against the Avalanche. Games against the Capitals and Penguins follow later in the week.

Luke Evangelista, F, Nashville Predators (96.9% Available)

In deeper leagues, consider adding Luke Evangelista on Monday for the Predators` stretch of three games in four days, and then potentially dropping him as their schedule lightens. He is currently playing on the top line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O`Reilly.

Mackie Samoskevich, F, Florida Panthers (91.3% Available)

Playing on a scoring line with Sam Bennett and now Brad Marchand, rookie Mackie Samoskevich is well-positioned to contribute as the Panthers play in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Detroit this week.

Other Forwards to Consider:

  • William Karlsson, F, Vegas Golden Knights (60.8% Available)
  • Pius Suter, F, Vancouver Canucks (91.5% Available)
  • Mason Marchment, F, Dallas Stars (72.6% Available)
  • Brendan Gallagher, F, Montreal Canadiens (96.9% Available)

Top Defense Waiver Wire Pickup

Jared Spurgeon, D, Minnesota Wild (69.0% Available)

As mentioned, the Wild play four games this week on lighter NHL nights. Jared Spurgeon contributes across multiple categories – blocked shots, shots on goal, assists, and power play points. He`s averaging a strong fantasy performance over the past month, outperforming teammates who are rostered in more leagues.

Other Defenseman to Consider:

  • Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks (68.1% Available)

Top Goalie Waiver Wire Pickups

Scott Wedgewood, G, Colorado Avalanche (55.7% Available)

Expect Scott Wedgewood to start for the Avalanche, potentially against Chicago on Wednesday or Columbus on Thursday. The Blackhawks matchup looks particularly favorable for streaming. Wedgewood has been impressive, winning his last five starts.

Sam Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens (66.4% Available)

Sam Montembeault is a more volatile option, but he will get starts for Montreal. Despite recent losses, his win against Florida was encouraging. With games against the Panthers (again), Bruins, Flyers, and Predators this week, he could be a consideration for fantasy managers needing goalie help.

Joel Hofer, G, St. Louis Blues (95.2% Available)

Joel Hofer is consistently getting starts for the Blues, sharing time with Jordan Binnington. Hofer has been playing exceptionally well, allowing very few goals in his recent four-game win streak. A start on Thursday against the Penguins is possible.

Other Goalie to Consider:

  • Casey DeSmith, G, Dallas Stars (94.5% Available)