Welcome back to another NHL and fantasy hockey season. You've done the research, drafted your players and are ready to dominate in fantasy. But you'll undoubtedly require reinforcements the next few months to bolster your squads — and the odds say you've already lost at least one player to injury/demotion/suspension.

And that's where the waiver wire comes in. The intention of this column is to discuss players who aren't on everyone's radar, yet are still worthy of consideration based on placement, production and/or potential. Every week, we'll cover those available in no more than 50% of Yahoo Leagues — though there will be exceptions.

[There's still time to join or create a fantasy hockey league for the 2025-26 NHL season]

It may be tough to properly evaluate waiver options with only three days' worth of regular-season data, but we'll give it our best shot.

(Rostered rates as of Oct. 10)

Forwards

Will Cuylle, NYR (Yahoo: 45%): The aforementioned three Ps (placement, production, potential) are optimized when they click at the same time. And that combo could soon be coming together for Cuylle due to his spot on the first line (and second power play) and hit contributions, combined with the opportunity to pick up plenty of points. He also ended last season on a five-game scoring streak with 20 goals and 25 assists overall while averaging almost two shots and recording three PPPs and two SHGs. Keep an eye on Cuylle's progress, as he hasn't yet found the scoresheet, but don't wait too long.

Andrei Kuzmenko, LA (Yahoo: 30%): Kuzmenko went scoreless over his first seven games after coming over from Philly back in March, yet concluded the campaign — including the playoffs — by going off for 23 points, nine PPPs and 39 shots across 21 contests. The club brought him back on a one-year deal and reunited him with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe on the top line and man-advantage. Kuzmenko paid immediate dividends on Wednesday, notching a PPG, assist, two shots and two hits. Add him ASAP.

Jake DeBrusk, VAN (Yahoo: 29%): You know what you're getting with DeBrusk: a high-volume shooter who's fairly adept around the net. The Canucks may be projected to finish middle of the pack, though their No. 1 PP is loaded. And DeBrusk will earn some points on that unit (he posted a career-high 19 last year). Also, getting to join forces with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser at even-strength should further enhance his profile.

Marco Rossi, MIN (Yahoo: 27%): Following two straight seasons covering all 82 games, Rossi is ready to take the next step. He may be on Minnesota's second man-advantage, but centers Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy at 5-on-5. And anyone with above-average talent who regularly skates with that dynamic duo shouldn't be available in roughly three of every four Yahoo leagues.

Leo Carlsson, ANH (Yahoo: 21%): The last two-and-a-half months of 2024-25 were highly productive for Carlsson, as he accumulated 11 goals, 18 assists and 54 shots while centering the top trio and power play. He's primed to carry over that momentum due to similar roles and elevated ice time. On a top-nine mix of promising youngsters and wily veterans, this may be the year Carlsson makes good on his draft pedigree.

Frank Nazar, CHI (Yahoo: 21%): A quarter of a season was enough for Nazar to prove he didn't belong in the minors. While the initial NHL returns were muted, the rookie capped off the campaign by tallying nine points across eight outings while starring on both special-teams groups. Fast forward to Tuesday's opener, where Nazar collected a goal and assist on 20:14 of ice time — 5:10 of that from PP/SH duty. He's a lock for 40-plus points and could easily reach 50 — or even 60 — if he keeps receiving major minutes.

Matias Maccelli, TOR (Yahoo: 16%): Maccelli is currently occupying the right wing spot previously held by Mitch Marner next to Auston Matthews. We're obviously not comparing the two, but the opportunity of playing with one of the league's most dynamic centers should entice many poolies. And let's not forget Maccelli is only two seasons removed from a 57-point effort in Arizona (right after one with 49). There's always a chance he falls out of favor or moves down the depth chart, though he's currently in a favorable position and found the back of the net on Wednesday.

Zachary Bolduc, MON (Yahoo: 12%): Consistency wasn't Bolduc's specialty last year with St. Louis, since he went large stretches of minimal scoring bookended by hot runs. If there was anything predictable, it was his willingness to fire pucks on net (120 shots) and physically punish opponents (108 hits). Now with the Habs, Bolduc is getting a shot to skate with the big boys on the lead PP and a place in the top-six where he's provided a goal in each of the first two contests. Considering the potential upside and skilled teammates, there's no shame in taking a flyer on him.

Defensemen

Travis Sanheim, PHI (Yahoo: 20%): Sanheim quietly posted a career-high 44 points during 2023-24 despite a minor PP role, though that number decreased to 30 in a similar workload. As someone who averaged 22:55 the last four campaigns while rarely missing a contest, he'll supply enough shots and blocks alongside a healthy sprinkling of hits. Sanheim may not reach previous scoring levels but he's reliable. And that's a quality often overlooked in fantasy.

Brandt Clarke, LA (Yahoo: 21%): As Clarke was also here during the opening week last season, it's safe to assume the subsequent results weren't as encouraging as expected. While his 33 overall points represent a decent haul, only nine came from the final 31 games in 15 minutes per game. Clarke is already taking on more ice time and potted a goal Wednesday while sharing PP2 with Drew Doughty. As long as his shifts remain plentiful and his performances don't dip, he'll net you somewhere in the 35-40 point range.

Philip Broberg, STL (Yahoo: 11%): Many have been touting Broberg for bigger things this season, and with good reason. After all, he registered eight goals and 21 assists through 68 outings on a 20-plus-minute average. Broberg is still only 24, yet should be firmly entrenched in the Blues' top-four while continuing his offensive ascent and notching sufficient secondary stats.

Simon Edvinsson, DET (Yahoo: 9%): Edvinsson has all the tools to become an elite blueliner, and he'll aim to show more of that during his second full season. He's coming off 31 points, 86 shots, 67 PIM, 86 hits, 144 blocks and a plus-12 on limited PP duty. So if that situation increases, Edvinsson's value will follow in the same direction as a key part of Detroit's current core and potentially bright future.

Goaltenders

Spencer Knight, CHI (Yahoo: 34%): If the March trade with Florida and recent $17.5-million contract didn't clue us in, Knight should be Chicago's primary netminder. And he fared pretty well in a loss on Tuesday by making 34 saves against his former club. Knight's going to face a lot of pucks behind a defense that finished 30th in shots allowed and he'll lose his fair share of games, but will often provide a sufficient fantasy floor.

Charlie Lindgren, WAS (Yahoo: 11%): Despite subpar stats last year (2.73 GAA, .904 SV%) and Logan Thompson (31-6-6, 2.49 GAA) finishing fourth in Vezina voting, Lindgren still managed 20 wins and 39 regular-season appearances. With Thompson covering Wednesday's opener and a back-to-back on Saturday/Sunday, expect Lindgren to handle the first matchup at the Islanders (as opposed to the trip to Broadway). As the Caps don't want to overburden Thompson, we'll probably see Lindgren enough times this season to make him a viable fantasy contributor.

Joe Sargent via Getty Images

Anyone who's reading this is either participating in the fantasy hockey playoffs, looking ahead to next season, in a roto format or just plain bored (or interested!).

And if you're still part of that first group, the following player suggestions may come in handy on your quest to cash in.

(Rostered rates as of Mar. 28)

Forwards

Sean Monahan, CLS (Yahoo: 49%)

It was a shame when Monahan suffered a wrist injury in January as he had been one of the Blue Jackets' driving forces the first half of the season with 41 points in as many games. He returned on Monday after missing more than two months, and didn't look out of place as he notched two assists, a shot, three hits, and 11 face-off wins on 18:51 as the No. 1 center in all scoring situations. Get Monahan before others realize he's back. 

Anthony Cirelli, TB (Yahoo: 44%)

The post-Steven Stamkos era in Tampa has benefited Cirelli, as he's well past his career-high in points (at 52, seven more than 2023-24's peak) and occasionally gets looks on the first power play on top of a lead shorthanded role. And he's been especially productive the last seven contests with six goals on 18 shots alongside an assist and 51 FW. Cirelli may be limited in Yahoo by only qualifying at C, though is well-positioned within the Bolts' lineup where he can post plenty of counting stats.

Kiefer Sherwood, VAN (Yahoo: 39%)

Sherwood had quite the night for himself on Wednesday as he accumulated two goals, an assist, four shots, a plus-3, four hits and a block. He's surpassed his personal-best with 32 points, but is probably more recognized in fantasy circles for having already obliterated Jeremy Lauzon's hits record of 383 from last year at 404 with 10 matchups remaining. Combine all that with a secondary PP spot and the flexibility to fit anywhere allows Sherwood to be a reliable fantasy player.

William Karlsson, VGK (Yahoo: 16%)

Injuries and inconsistency have hurt Karlsson's output to where he's averaging just 0.5 points per game, a mark he's only previously hovered around once (39 in 67 during 2021-22) since joining the Golden Knights. From the four contests since he returned from an extended lower-body absence, he's chipped in with three helpers – two of those PPAs – eight shots, three hits and three blocks. And with Tomas Hertl out, Karlsson has ascended to the lead man-advantage. Even as Vegas's third even-strength center, anywhere in their top-nine is fine. Add Karlsson and then monitor the situation to see what happens when Hertl slots back into the lineup.

Morgan Geekie, BOS (Yahoo: 15%)

The Bruins lost some talent this season, yet there are a few serviceable forwards remaining. Geekie is enjoying another solid campaign firmly entrenched in the top-six and first power play with 26 goals, 15 assists, 132 shots and 95 hits. He's also found the back of the net four times through five outings to go with a PPA, 10 shots and five hits. Boston probably isn't making the playoffs, but Geekie will be motivated to do well as his contract expires this summer.

Andrei Kuzmenko, LA (Yahoo: 14%)

It's only been 35 days since Kuzmenko originally appeared in this column, and there's good reason for a repeat. The much-moved winger never really meshed with Calgary or Philly, so going to LA wasn't expected to result in anything different. He was scoreless across the opening seven outings, but it was at least promising to be part of the first line and PP. Things finally clicked with him Saturday with a goal and a PPA, another marker on two shots Sunday and a second PPA Tuesday. As long as Kuzmenko sticks within the upper three units or doesn't get scratched/hurt, he'll be okay.

Tyler Bertuzzi, CHI (Yahoo: 10%)

Bertuzzi has always been skilled around the net with a knack for power-play production, which has been displayed this year in the form of his 20th goal on Wednesday and 18 PPPs. He now resides in the lower half of the depth chart, though he's managed seven points from the last five matchups and still joins forces with Connor Bedard while up a man (four of those seven coming there). As someone who can score and direct a fair share of pucks on target, Bertuzzi makes for a decent mid-roster addition.

Bobby McMann, TOR (Yahoo: 9%)

Hockey fans love an underdog story, and there's probably no bigger relevant example than McMann, as he toiled in the minors before receiving his first real NHL stint with the Leafs during 2023-24. The 28-year-old has skated with various teammates, including working the last week or so at five-on-five beside John Tavares and William Nylander. This has led to a pair of goal-plus-assist performances to go with six shots and five hits. McMann could eventually end up in a less favorable arrangement. But until then, he's at least worth a flyer.

Defensemen

Tony DeAngelo, NYI (Yahoo: 18%)

When the Isles brought DeAngelo aboard in January, it was assumed his fantasy value would drop off once Noah Dobson returned from injury. And even though he'd miss the scoresheet during Dobson's first four games, he's gone off for nine points, 21 shots and 10 blocks over the last 10. The duo has even coexisted on the top power play of late, including combining for a goal there last Thursday. With this type of production and a 23-plus minute average across this run, DeAngelo needs to be on more rosters.

Dylan Samberg, WPG (Yahoo: 16%)

Samberg is a tricky fantasy commodity as he's solid in secondary stats while not being a traditional scorer, yet almost any Winnipeg blueliner can be considered simply by being on the ice within a top-three attack. He's certainly made a case the last three weeks by registering two goals and four assists in addition to having 20 shots and 24 blocks on 22:20 a night. Samberg is more of a short-term option with the potential for longer usage if he can keep picking up a passable amount of offense.

Philip Broberg, STL (Yahoo: 15%)

Broberg was first featured here right after starting the season with nine points across 11 appearances and immediately before being sidelined for nearly a month. The scoring hasn't continued to be prolific, though you may have noticed his goal and three assists on Tuesday — or the six total points over the last five supplemented by eight shots, six PIM, eight blocks and a plus-8. Broberg assumes a significant workload and offers enough potential to warrant more coverage.

Marcus Pettersson, VAN (Yahoo: 8%)

It looks like Pettersson just needed a few contests to get used to his new surroundings after coming over from Pittsburgh at the end of January, as since then, he's supplied an assist from seven of 13 along with 12 shots, 12 hits and 33 blocks. He may not skate next to Quinn Hughes (or regular partner Kris Letang while on the Pens) and lacks man-advantage duty, but he's still a reliable cross-category contributor. Let's get Pettersson into double-digits.

Goaltenders

Jake Allen, NJ (Yahoo: 20%)

Since Jacob Markstrom returned, he's gone 2-5-1 with a 3.87 GAA and .847 save percentage. During that same stretch, Allen has posted a 3-1 record alongside a 1.77/.943 line. There's no questioning Markstrom's status as Jersey's No. 1, though their prized offseason acquisition shouldn't be pushed heading into the playoffs as the club is pretty much locked in as the Metropolitan Division's third seed. And that would leave more opportunities for Allen to produce solid fantasy numbers behind a decent attack and a defense that's top-10 at suppressing shots.

John Gibson, ANH (Yahoo: 15%)

Going for Gibson comes with its drawbacks, the main one being his extensive injury history having come back last week from another physical setback. But let's consider Lukas Dostal has been erratic in 2025 while only winning two of his last eight appearances to go with a 3.55 GAA and .886 save percentage. Gibson has earned victories in both of his recent starts, though neither the Preds nor Bruins could be considered offensive juggernauts. And the Ducks rank last for allowing pucks on net, so any of their goalies represent risky recommendations. The team isn't going anywhere this season and Dostal clearly represents the future, but they may want to use Gibson more the rest of the way to showcase him for a possible summer trade.

Steph Chambers via Getty Images

The fantasy hockey playoffs will soon be here. So if you're looking to strengthen your squads for the important part of the season, we've got a few NHLers who can be of service.

(Rostered rates as of Mar. 21)

Forwards

Jake DeBrusk, VAN (Yahoo: 35%)

DeBrusk may not be the most consistent scorer, but he's sufficiently involved in all attacking situations. The top-six spot is nice, but his biggest draw comes from skating on Vancouver's top power play having already set a career-high with 16 PPPs. DeBrusk averages two shots per game while delivering a decent amount of hits and a few blocks, though you're ultimately picking him up for his offense.

Ryan Hartman, MIN (Yahoo: 11%)

The Wild have lost a few notable forwards, resulting in only 36 goals since the start of February — or an average of 2.31. Since missing eight contests due to suspension, Hartman has helped the cause by posting 3 goals, 3 assists, 23 shots and 8 hits through eight games. Oh, and let's not forget the four PPPs on Minnesota's lead unit over that stretch. As Joel Eriksson Ek's return is unknown and Marco Rossi just got hurt on Wednesday, Hartman should be given plenty of opportunities to log major minutes at center while enhancing his stats.

Leo Carlsson, ANH (Yahoo: 11%)

Carlsson experienced a couple offensive droughts after coming back from injury, though he's been on fire since Feb. 2 with 17 points over 18 matchups. As a top-six pivot and point man on Anaheim's top man-advantage, there's no shortage of offensive opportunities. Carlsson's shooting percentage during this latest run may be unsustainable (28.0), yet the overall contributions make him a solid fantasy performer who deserves much more coverage.

Jordan Eberle, SEA (Yahoo: 9%)

It's mainly been a lost season for Eberle thanks to him being out for nearly three months. Nothing came during the first three outings upon returning, but he's reeled off two goals and eight assists from the last 10, and the team has found the back of the net 35 times (and that includes getting blanked on Wednesday). The Kraken may not have much to play for, as they're somewhat behind in the playoff hunt and one of the teams on a league-leading 70 games, though a reliable scorer like Eberle still can boost his offensive numbers the rest of the way. 

Casey Mittelstadt, BOS (Yahoo: 9%)

Mittelstadt kicked off the campaign with 16 points in 15 appearances, with half of that scoring on Colorado's elite power play. His stats ultimately took a hit when other forwards returned, as he got knocked down to the backup group. Mittelstadt was moved to Boston at the NHL Trade Deadline with Charlie Coyle the main part of the package going the other way. And now he's teaming up with David Pastrnak and company on the Bruins' first PP while recording a goal, two assists, six shots, five blocks and 34 faceoff wins on a 17:21 average.

Taylor Hall, CAR (Yahoo: 6%)

Carolina marks Hall's sixth organization across six seasons as one of the lesser-remembered pieces of the blockbuster that saw Mikko Rantanen (Step 1 of 2) and Martin Necas swap locations. The former MVP may be 33, but he still has enough to offer. And the Canes have finally recognized Hall's strength by placing him on the top power play, where he managed his first PPP since New Year's Eve on Saturday. Things are also gelling elsewhere as he's combined for six points and 13 shots through the last two weeks. So all I am saying is give Hall a chance.

Matthew Coronato, CGY (Yahoo: 4%)

Coronato may have only registered four goals and an assist during the last 14 contests, yet he's been busy by firing 29 shots on nearly 18 minutes per outing. He's also notched PPGs in each of his last two. As Coronato has been entrusted with substantial ice time and favorable positioning throughout the season, his output is bound to improve.

David Perron, OTT (Yahoo: 3%)

Linemates can help in fantasy, and Perron is currently surrounded by two pretty good ones in Dylan Cozens and Drake Batherson. There's also something to be said about experience, like the 18 years he's spent in the league. Combine those two areas and you can see how Perron has succeeded since the beginning of the month with seven points, 10 shots, 24 hits and a plus-6.

Defensemen

Cam Fowler, STL (Yahoo: 18%)

Things have improved for Fowler since he was traded by the Ducks back in December. And while he would only post an assist over his first five games with St. Louis, he's racked up 24 points across the last 34 in addition to 43 shots and 41 blocks on a 22:00 average. Fowler also switches between power play units, where he's supplied four PPPs so far.

Artyom Levshunov, CHI (Yahoo: 6%)

It's not often you'll see a teenager immediately thrust into a prominent NHL role — more so for a defender — but that'll happen on a weaker club and with a huge talent like Levshunov. The second overall selection from last summer's draft starred at Michigan State during his only year there and went on to total five goals and 17 assists across 50 AHL contests before being promoted. Levshunov notched a helper in two of five – one of those coming on Chicago's lead man-advantage — alongside seven shots and eight blocks. Assuming the club keeps him there for the remainder of the season, he's someone to target based on prime PP placement and significant skill.

Conor Timmins, PIT (Yahoo: 2%)

Timmins' career has been highlighted by injuries and healthy scratches, but his fortune could be turning around with Pittsburgh. We may not want to get too ahead of ourselves and project his last three outings over a longer time period, though it's hard to overlook the goal, three assists, three shots, three hits, two blocks and a plus-7 during this stretch. Timmins isn't participating while up a man — not surprising considering the presence of Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and Matt Grzelcyk — yet is active on the penalty kill. As long as he stays in the lineup, he's at least worth a flyer. And when the scoring dries up, you can always throw him back.

Shakir Mukhamadullin, SJ (Yahoo: 1%)

Like Levshunov, Mukhamadullin has recently earned an elevated workload, though his opportunity didn't come right away after being called up. He's gone on to produce 7 assists, 11 shots, 12 hits and 19 blocks across 12 appearances while skating 21-plus minutes through the last eight. Mukhamadullin also lines up on the Sharks' second power play and has delivered a pair of PPAs. He's a bright talent for the future, yet also qualifies now as a decent addition.

Goaltenders

Tristan Jarry, PIT (Yahoo: 31%)

After Jarry's horrendous first half and multiple AHL stints, not many could've predicted he would eventually become a hot fantasy commodity as he's stepped in to win four straight while looking solid in a defeat on Tuesday. The sample size may be small, but he's at least started to resemble the netminder who accumulated 103 victories over a four-year period. There's the potential for another drop-off, though the Pens will probably want to give Jarry as many appearances as he can handle so they can assess his long-term future with the club.

Petr Mrazek, DET (Yahoo: 12%)

The Detroit goaltending carousel has been busy all season moving between a number of candidates who've gone in and out of favor at some point. Ville Husso struggled, got some work in the minors and was then shipped to Anaheim in February. Cam Talbot has primarily operated as the No. 1, while Alex Lyon received a couple chances, yet it's been Mrazek – reacquired at the Deadline from Chicago – who's started the last four. The 33-year-old may not be able to consistently hold down the lead role with three goalies on the Wings' active roster, but he should be provided enough opportunities as the team attempts to claim a Wild Card berth.