As you patiently wait for any significant trade deadline deals (anything!), enjoy our collection of top waiver wire picks for this week.
Patrick Eaves, RW, Dallas Stars
A 32-year-old winger reaching a career high in goals with lots of time to spare isn’t all that common in today’s NHL. But such is the case for Eaves, who has battled injuries and struggled to find a significant role throughout his career. He seems to have found a home in Dallas, where other players’ injuries and the unexpected departure of Valeri Nichushkin have necessitated Eaves as a top-six forward. That has often meant time on the top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, which has helped Eaves reach 21 goals in just 57 games. Surprisingly, he is still available in many fantasy leagues.
Richard Panik, LW/RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Any player that is spending time on the Blackhawks’ first-unit power play deserves mention here. Panik is that player at the moment, and he’s been pulling his weight on that unit. Over his last three games, Panik has three goals and two assists, including two goals (one on the power play) and one assist Saturday against Edmonton. Panik has been a hot-and-cold player this season, scoring six goals and nine points over nine games in October, then just two points in 15 games in November. But he’s a player to ride in many formats if you need short-term help.
Jake Guentzel, C/LW, Pittsburgh Penguins
If you’re the type of fantasy owner that likes to stay on top of knowing who Sidney Crosby’s line mates are (more line combinations here), then Guentzel is a must-add. A total of 11 points (6 goals, 5 assist) in 18 games is fine on its own, even if Crosby isn’t his line mate. Remember, there’s always Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. After scoring 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in just 33 games in the AHL this season, Guentzel might be here for good. The fact that he is left-wing eligible in many leagues and could even be right-wing eligible soon only adds to his appeal. Add him now because his ownership percentage is sure to climb.
Frank Vatrano, C/LW, Boston Bruins
If you shoot the puck, good things will happen, right? If that’s true, then the future is bright for Vatrano. In just 24 games, he has averaged nearly three shots per game (69 shots). Vatrano is a sharpshooter, having scored 36 goals in just 36 AHL games last season. At this stage he is probably more of a top-nine forward than a top-six, but he has been seeing second-unit power-play time and even-strength time with Ryan Spooner and Jimmy Hayes. With eight goals in those 24 games, Vatrano might have a late-season run for your team.
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Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
After an impressive late-season run last season (eight points in 12 games), Bjorkstrand was a popular pre-season sleeper. However, he couldn’t find a regular role in John Tortorella’s lineup early this season and has spent most of the season in the AHL. But because of Scott Hartnell’s recent injury, Bjorkstrand has been vaulted to a scoring line with Alexander Wennberg and Brandon Saad. He made good on his opportunity Wednesday, scoring a goal against Toronto. Bjorkstrand is worth a short-term flier in deep leagues at the moment, but he is also a player to target in keeper leagues.
Brady Skjei, D, New York Rangers
It can sometimes be difficult finding defencemen on the waiver wire that can score. So it’s worth mentioning that Skjei has seven assists and 19 shots on goal over his last eight games. Just beware, as Skjei’s scoring can be streaky. After all, he recorded nine assists in 15 games during November, only to follow that with just four points in 14 games during December. Skjei is only 22 years old, so the production may come and go at this stage in his career. But remember that he plays for a team that doesn’t usually have a problem scoring.
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