All posts by Corey Abbott

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: K'Andre Miller among top category adds to start the week

Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads.

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Akira Schmid, G, Golden Knights (35% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Wins 

Schmid has become the de facto No. 1 netminder for Vegas due to lower-body injuries to Adin Hill and Carter Hart. Hill has resumed practicing, but it remains unclear when he will be ready to return to the lineup. Hart is week-to-week after getting hurt last Thursday against Columbus. Schmid has won his past two outings, stopping 39 of 43 shots. He hasn't made 30 saves in any game so far this season, but has a 13-4-5 record, 2.49 goals-against average and .895 save percentage through 23 appearances. He should be a solid volume starter until Hill or Hart returns, and more wins should be achievable due to a stingy defensive group in front of him.  

Josh Norris, C, Sabres (28% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks

Norris has been all over the scoresheet this season when he's been in the lineup, accounting for six goals and 10 assists in 17 appearances. Staying healthy has been a problem for the 26-year-old forward throughout his NHL career. However, he has played in 12 straight games, notching four goals, five helpers, 16 shots on net and 10 blocked shots. He has been a good source of hits in the past, but that hasn't been the case this campaign. Still, if that helps him avoid injuries, potential fantasy managers probably won't have much of a problem with it. He has one goal and three assists during his four-game point streak. Norris possesses a great deal of upside during Buffalo's four-game homestand this week, and could find another gear if his power-play production improves. 

Logan Stankoven, C/RW, Hurricanes (23% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots 

Stankoven has scored a goal in four straight games and has added two assists during his five-game point streak. He has registered nine shots on net during that five-game stretch. The 22-year-old has been hot and cold offensively this campaign, but he has found some success while occupying the team's second-line center role. He should make for a solid short-term option during a four-game week for Carolina. 

Matty Beniers, C, Kraken (23% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/PP

Beniers has been productive since December, compiling six goals and 14 points in his last 19 appearances. He has netted five of his nine goals this season in the past six games while adding two assists and 17 shots on target. Beniers has one goal and two helpers with the man advantage during that span. The 23-year-old pivot has been rolling offensively on the team's top line and first power-play combination. Seattle plays four times on the road this week. 

K'Andre Miller, D, Hurricanes (23% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks/Hits 

Miller has collected two goals, six assists, 10 shots on net, 10 hits and four blocked shots across his last eight appearances. He has two markers on five shots and three helpers during his three-game point spree. He has had a couple of extended scoring slumps this season, but he's on pace to top the 40-point plateau for the second time in his NHL career. If he remains productive in the scoring department, his category coverage makes him an intriguing option during a four-game week for the Hurricanes. 

Oliver Kapanen, C, Canadiens (10% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Blocks 

Kapanen has filled the stat sheet with five goals, 10 points, 25 shots on net and 17 blocked shots in his last 11 outings. His three-game point streak ended in Saturday's 4-0 loss to Detroit, but the 22-year-old rookie has fit in nicely as Montreal's second-line center. He ranks third on the team with 15 goals. Kapanen also has 80 shots and 45 blocks through 45 appearances this campaign. He has plenty of value in deeper leagues ahead of a four-game week for the Canadiens.

Alexandre Texier, LW/RW, Canadiens (10% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits 

Texier has three multi-point efforts in the past six games, giving him four goals and four assists over that stretch. He had two straight three-point performances, including his first NHL hat trick in a 6-2 win over Florida last Thursday, before being held off the scoresheet in Saturday's shutout loss to the Red Wings. Still, the 26-year-old Texier is up to seven goals, 14 points, 39 shots on net and 20 hits in 23 outings with the Canadiens. After St. Louis terminated his previous contract, he has been a good fit since signing with Montreal on Nov. 23. He has been skating on the top line of the Canadiens and sees time on the second power-play unit. His deployment and category coverage make him an intriguing pickup for fantasy managers in banger leagues going into a four-game week for Montreal. 

Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Oilers (12% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits 

Kapanen has earned a three-game point streak, consisting of one goal, three assists, five shots and eight hits, since coming back to the lineup from injury. It was a long road back for the 29-year-old forward, who missed 36 games. He has been skating on the second line at even strength with Leon Draisaitl, who has scored on two of Kapanen's three primary helpers during his point spree. The Oilers play a league-high five times this week, making Kapanen an interesting roster choice.  

Matias Maccelli, LW/RW, Maple Leafs (3% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/PP

Maccelli has been a consistent presence on the scoresheet since being scratched for 10 of 11 contests from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. In his last 11 appearances, he has generated three goals on 15 shots and eight points. He has one goal and two helpers with the man advantage during that span, including one tally and one helper in the past five games. William Nylander's return to the lineup from a lower-body injury should give Maccelli a boost, as they both see playing time on the second line and the top power-play combination. Maccelli has plenty of offensive potential ahead of a four-game road trip for Toronto this week.  

Gage Goncalves, C, Lightning (1% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits 

Goncalves has accumulated three goals, 11 shots on target and seven points in his past seven outings. He has been rolling offensively while seeing time alongside red-hot stars Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point on the top line. The 24-year-old Goncalves' versatility takes a hit due to his center-only eligibility. However, he should be a superb under-the-radar addition during a four-game week for Tampa Bay. 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Barrett Hayton is a great addition amid hot streak

Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads.

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Jordan Eberle, RW, Kraken (30% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Blocks/PP

Eberle has carried over his success from a red-hot December. He has generated six goals, 13 points, 33 shots on net, seven hits and 10 blocked shots in his last 15 appearances. Eberle has notched four goals on 13 shots and three assists during his six-game point streak. Eberle also has one goal and two helpers with the man advantage during that span. He's credited with a block in nine straight outings to give him 31 through 39 appearances this season. Eberle's category coverage and steady offensive contributions make him an appealing addition ahead of a four-game week for Seattle. 

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Sabres (30% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

Buffalo's 10-game winning streak ended in Saturday's 5-1 loss to Columbus. Luukkonen allowed four goals on 34 shots in the contest. However, he had a 1.00 goals-against average and .962 save percentage in his previous three outings. Alex Lyon (20% rostered) would be the better option, but it's unclear when he will return from a lower-body injury. Still, Luukkonen makes for a decent consolation prize if the Sabres remain hot. The team has a favorable stretch of games this week on paper, with home games against Vancouver and Anaheim, as well as a road matchup against the New York Rangers.  

Claude Giroux, LW/RW, Senators (20% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots

Giroux accounted for four markers and 12 points in his past 13 contests. He has three power-play assists, 25 shots on goal, nine hits and five blocks over that time. He's also found the scoresheet in six of his last eight outings, earning three tallies and nine points during that span. The 37-year-old forward has been productive despite dropping to a third-line role, and he could make for a solid addition during a four-game week for Ottawa. 

Igor Chernyshov, LW, Sharks (16% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots 

Since being recalled from the AHL in mid-December, Chernyshov has been productive at the NHL level. He has three goals and five assists in eight outings with the Sharks. He's had a pair of three-point efforts during that span while skating on the top line alongside Macklin Celebrini at even strength. Chernyshov also has 17 shots on net, five blocked shots and three hits while averaging 15:51 of ice time per contest. While the 20-year-old will probably return to the minors once the Sharks get healthier, he has been impactful and should remain a solid option during a busy four-game week. 

Philipp Grubauer, G, Kraken (14% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

When called upon this season, Grubauer has been superb, posting a 7-3-1 record with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 13 appearances. In 99 shots he has faced during his three-game winning spree, he has stopped 96. Seattle plays four times this week, including a back-to-back. Grubauer should play at least once and could see action on two occasions if the Kraken decide to split the starts evenly. 

Bobby McMann, LW, Maple Leafs (12% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits 

McMann has supplied four goals, eight points, 23 shots on net and 11 hits in his last eight matches. Since late December, he is racking up points while skating on the top line with Auston Matthews, who has heated up considerably lately. The 29-year-old McMann is logging more minutes and should stay productive during a three-game week for Toronto. 

Denton Mateychuk, D, Blue Jackets (11% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks

Mateychuk has accumulated two goals, seven assists, 10 shots on net and six blocked shots in his last seven appearances. He has reached the scoresheet six times during that span. The return of Zach Werenski to the lineup from a lower-body injury hasn't hurt Mateychuk's fantasy upside and may even serve to enhance it. While skating alongside Werenski on the top pairing in the past two games, Mateychuk has recorded two straight multipoint performances. The 21-year-old Mateychuk has eight goals, 19 points, 46 shots and 57 blocks through 39 outings this season. He has plenty of under-the-radar potential during a four-game road trip for Columbus this week. 

Mikael Backlund, C, Flames (11% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Faceoffs 

Backlund is surging offensively, generating five goals and five assists across a seven-game point streak. Dating back to Nov. 11, he has compiled seven goals on 53 shots and 19 points in 24 appearances. He got off to a sluggish start this season but has bounced back in a big way, and so have the Flames. Backlund is also tied for 13th in the league with 376 faceoff wins and has a 51.4 winning percentage this campaign. He has plenty of short-term appeal due to his offensive improvement, especially for fantasy leagues that value faceoff work, ahead of a four-game week for Calgary. 

Luke Evangelista, RW, Predators (10% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/PP 

Evangelista has provided two goals, five assists and 22 shots on net in his past eight outings. He has one marker and five helpers, including four on the power play, in six games going into this week's action. The 23-year-old has been an integral source of offense this season, sitting third on the team with 30 points and co-leading the club with 24 assists through 40 games. Evangelista occupies a second-line role and sees time on the top power-play combination. Nashville plays four times this week. 

Barrett Hayton, C, Mammoth (3% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Faceoffs

Hayton collected one goal and six helpers in his past nine outings. He has two power-play points (one goal, one assist), 13 shots on target, nine hits and four blocked shots during that stretch. He has distributed four assists while adding five shots over his three-game point streak. The 25-year-old center has been a good fit alongside trigger man Dylan Guenther, who leads the team with 20 goals. Hayton ranks second on the club with 216 faceoff wins and has won 50.5% of his puck drops. He should remain a solid source of offense during a four-game week for Utah. 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Mikael Granlund, Jackson Blake among top players to add this week

Fantasy managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads. 

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Ryan O'Reilly, C, Predators (36% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/PP/Faceoffs

O'Reilly's eight-game point streak ended in Saturday's 3-2 loss to St. Louis, but his fantasy value remains high thanks to a red-hot offensive spell that began in late November. He has amassed four goals, 12 assists and 23 shots on target in his past 14 outings. He had one marker and three helpers on the man advantage during his eight-game point spree. The 34-year-old center has been skating on the top line and first power-play unit. O'Reilly also leads the club with 347 faceoff wins and has won 55.9% of his puck drops. Nashville plays four times on the road this week. 

Mikael Granlund, C/LW/RW, Ducks (31% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits 

Granlund has compiled four goals and three assists during his five-game point streak. He has chipped in 15 shots on net and eight hits over that span. The 33-year-old is getting the job done offensively in a middle-six role. However, he could begin a three-game homestand for Anaheim this week on the top line after skating alongside Leo Carlsson and Chris Kreider during Sunday's practice. Granlund's eligibility at all three forward positions and his productive start make him a compelling roster choice, especially if he secures a spot in the top six. 

Connor Ingram, G, Oilers (20% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

Despite uninspiring numbers with the AHL's Bakersfield this season, Ingram has performed well for Edmonton since Tristan Jarry went down with a lower-body injury. At the NHL level, the 28-year-old Ingram has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. He made three straight starts, but he will cede the crease to Calvin Pickard in Monday's road matchup against Winnipeg. Still, Ingram could play in the Oilers' other two games this week, especially if Pickard continues to struggle, and may have the inside track on the No. 1 job until Jarry returns. 

Mason Marchment, LW, Blue Jackets (19% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots

Since being acquired by Columbus from Seattle, Marchment is all over the scoresheet. He has three goals and one assist over a three-game point streak. He has two tallies with the man advantage and seven shots on net during that span. The 30-year-old forward is skating on the top line at even strength and sees time on the second power-play unit. He hasn't been hitting as much this year as in previous seasons, but can be a solid contributor in that category as well. The Kraken play three times this week. 

Mats Zuccarello, RW, Wild (19% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/PP

Zuccarello has one goal and three assists in four games after returning to the lineup from a five-game absence. He has two power-play points (one goal, one assist) and five shots on target during that span. Despite being limited to 19 appearances this season due to injuries, he has collected three goals, 13 helpers and 34 shots. He has meshed nicely on the top line and first power-play combination with Kirill Kaprizov. The 38-year-old Zuccarello is a solid pickup option for fantasy managers seeking an offensive playmaker ahead of a four-game week for Minnesota. 

Joel Hofer, G, Blues (19% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

Hofer has appeared in seven of the past nine games, making six starts and one relief appearance. During that stretch, he has stopped 161 of 176 shots en route to a 4-2-0 record with a 2.39 GAA and a .915 save percentage. Hofer has earned himself another start against Buffalo on Monday, and should play again in the team's back-to-back situation versus Vegas on Friday or Montreal on Saturday. 

Conor Garland, RW, Canucks (14% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits/Blocks

Garland has filled the stat sheet with six assists, seven points, 12 shots on goal, six hits and six blocked shots in his past seven appearances. He has four power-play helpers and a shorthanded goal over that stretch, giving him seven goals, 22 points and 74 shots through 31 contests this campaign. With Quinn Hughes dealt to Minnesota, Garland has the second-best points per game (0.71) on the team behind only fellow forward Elias Pettersson. The 29-year-old Garland has been piling up points from the second line and the second power-play unit, making him a consideration for fantasy managers ahead of a four-game week for Vancouver. 

Jackson Blake, RW, Hurricanes (14% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/PP 

Blake got off to a great start this season before slowing down in mid-November, but he has been heating up again. He has registered three goals, five points and 10 shots on target in his last six outings. He has one goal and two helpers with the man advantage during that time. Blake currently is skating on the second line while working on the top power-play unit. If he remains hot, he should prove to be a productive addition during a busy five-game week for Carolina. 

Jordan Staal, C, Hurricanes (7% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits/Faceoffs

Staal is on a solid run recently, notching three goals, seven points, 17 shots on net and 14 hits in his last 11 matches. He hasn't gone more than two straight games without finding the scoresheet during that stretch. Staal also sits fifth in the league with 391 faceoff wins and has won 56.3% of his draws this season. A league-high five-game week for the Hurricanes and the potential for plenty of category coverage make Staal an interesting roster option for deeper leagues.   

Samuel Girard, D, Avalanche (1% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks 

Girard is picking up the pace offensively after an ice-cold start to the season. Over the past seven games, he has accounted for three goals, five assists, 10 shots on net and seven blocked shots. He has lit the lamp in consecutive contests while adding two assists during his three-game point streak. His offensive surge and decent category coverage make him an intriguing option over a four-game week for Colorado. 

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Jack Roslovic, Anton Forsberg among top players to consider adding this week

Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads. The NHL's annual holiday break for Christmas is this week, shortening the schedule for several teams. 

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Jack Roslovic, C/RW, Oilers (23% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots

After being activated from long-term injured reserve, Roslovic returned from an 11-game absence in Sunday's 4-3 win over Vegas. He had two shots on goal and two hits in 15:29 of ice time while skating alongside Leon Draisaitl at even strength. The 28-year-old Roslovic had 10 goals, 18 points and 53 shots in 23 games before getting hurt. He should be a solid pickup for fantasy managers seeking offensive help during a two-game week for Edmonton. 

Anders Lee, LW, Islanders (20% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits/PP

Lee has accounted for four goals and 10 points in his last nine outings. He has 19 shots on net, six hits and three power-play points (two goals, one assist) over that span. He has collected one goal and two helpers during a three-game point streak. Lee has been productive while skating on the top line and first power-play unit, making him an intriguing pickup ahead of a three-game week for the Islanders. 

Ryan Hartman, C/RW, Wild (19% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits/Blocks 

Hartman has notched five goals and two assists in his last six appearances. He has added 18 shots on target, three hits and 10 blocked shots during that span. He has also found the back of the net in three consecutive contests. The 31-year-old recently received a promotion to the top line, gaining him valuable exposure to Kirill Kaprizov. If his offensive contributions remain stable, Hartman's category coverage gives him plenty of fantasy value. Minnesota plays two games this week. 

Chandler Stephenson, C, Kraken (22% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Blocks/PP/Faceoffs 

Stephenson has been up and down offensively this season. After going seven straight contests without finding the scoresheet, he has five goals and four assists during an eight-game point streak. He has 23 shots on target, nine blocks and four power-play points (two goals, two assists) over that stretch. Stephenson leads the Kraken with 21 points and 340 faceoff wins through 33 appearances this season. Seattle plays three times this week, giving him ample opportunity to continue his recent scoring spree. 

Anton Forsberg, G, Kings (17% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

While Darcy Kuemper recovers from an upper-body injury, Forsberg occupies the No. 1 goaltender spot for Los Angeles. Since moving into the role, the 33-year-old Forsberg has stopped 57 of the 61 shots he has faced en route to a 1-1-0 record in two starts. The Kings play three times this week, including a back-to-back, and he could play in two games if Kuemper remains unavailable. Forsberg finds himself in a good situation to succeed on a goalie-friendly, defensive-minded team, which makes him an attractive fantasy option, even if it's only short-term. 

Collin Graf, RW, Sharks (7% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits/Blocks

Graf has generated six goals on 17 shots and three helpers in his last eight appearances. He has chipped in seven hits and seven blocks over that span. In the absence of Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, who are both on injured reserve, Graf has spent most of his playing time clicking alongside Macklin Celebrini on the Sharks' top line. San Jose plays twice on the road this week, giving prospective fantasy managers additional time to benefit from Graf's offensive surge. 

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Red Wings (7% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks 

Sandin-Pellikka has heated up in December while compiling two goals, six assists, 11 shots on net and 13 blocked shots in his last 10 outings. He has contributed three power-play helpers and four hits over that time. He has been an integral part of Detroit's offensive attack for the past couple of weeks while outproducing teammate Moritz Seider. The 20-year-old Sandin-Pellikka should offer solid category coverage for potential fantasy managers during a three-game week for the Red Wings. 

Jamie Drysdale, D, Flyers (6% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks 

Drysdale has supplied one goal, three helpers, five shots on net and four blocked shots in his past five appearances. Since Dec. 3, he hasn't gone more than one game without finding the scoresheet. Drysdale has six points, including five helpers, during that span. His 16 points tie him with Travis Sanheim for the most among Philadelphia blueliners. The Flyers play three times this week, which will present Drysdale with more chances to provide some all-around value. 

J.J. Moser, D, Lightning (6% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks

Moser is riding his best offensive run of the season, collecting two goals and three assists in his last five outings. He has added 15 shots on target, 10 blocked shots, five hits and a plus-7 rating over that span. The 25-year-old defender has logged a career-high 21:43 of ice time per match while sharing the ice with star forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Moser's category coverage and newfound offensive touch make him a decent depth option ahead of a three-game week for Tampa Bay. 

Jonatan Berggren, RW, Blues (1% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots

Berggren has been superb for the Blues since being claimed off waivers from Detroit. In three appearances with his new team, he has two goals, two assists, six shots and one hit while averaging a career-high 15:12 of ice time per contest. Due to injuries, he is playing on the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich while seeing time on the first power-play unit. The 25-year-old Berggren is worthy of fantasy attention as an under-the-radar addition in deeper leagues during his red-hot play. St. Louis plays twice this week.