Fantasy hockey pickups: Dostal and Laferriere top the waiver wire as NHL returns

The NHL schedule resumes after the Olympic break in Milan Cortina, bringing a condensed scoring period with most teams playing three games and 10 squads limited to two.[1] No action on Monday or Tuesday means fantasy managers must prioritize waiver wire adds for maximum impact. Standouts like Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal and Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Laferriere offer strong value in various formats.

Sean Allen’s latest ESPN breakdown highlights these players amid line shuffles, injuries, and Olympic performances.[1] With the trade deadline looming, roles could solidify quickly. Managers should act fast on lesser-rostered gems to boost points, wins, and categories.

Forwards

Alex Laferriere of the Kings tops the forward list at 1.6 fantasy points per game (FPPG) and available in 24.4% of leagues. Kevin Fiala’s season-ending Olympic injury simplifies Los Angeles’ attack, paving the way for Laferriere on a potential top line with new addition Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe. If this trio gels, Laferriere shifts from streamer to staple in standard leagues.

Anthony Duclair’s rollercoaster continues for the Islanders, posting 1.21 FPPG while 93.3% available. His scorching January (13 points in 13 games) gave way to benchings and scratches before the break. Thursday’s matchup against Montreal will reveal if he and coach Patrick Roy sync up again, offering boom potential.

Pierre-Luc Dubois brings 1.04 FPPG for Washington, rostered in just 73.8% of leagues. Fresh off injury, he notched two points (including power play) in a pre-break game alongside Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas. Consistent production may elude him nightly, but his wide availability makes him a savvy late-season grab.

Eeli Tolvanen shines across categories at 1.83 FPPG for Seattle, available in 32.9% of leagues. His stat line mirrors a lite Tom Wilson, contributing in goals, assists, hits, and more. Olympic showings—a goal and two assists—underscore his touch despite not dressing every game.

Dylan Holloway returns for St. Louis at 1.68 FPPG (41.7% available) after extended absences. Positioned high on the depth chart amid potential seller moves, he could rebound from a down year. Last season’s 2.0 FPPG pace reminds owners of his upside.

Other notables include Matty Beniers (1.65 FPPG), Mikael Granlund (1.70 FPPG), Ivan Barbashev (1.60 FPPG), and Vladimir Tarasenko (1.51 FPPG). Our recent fantasy pickups roundup echoes these recommendations for post-break success.

Defensemen

Neal Pionk emerges for Winnipeg at 1.18 FPPG (41.0% available), with Josh Morrissey’s Olympic injury in question. Pionk’s imminent return boosts upside against soft penalty kills from Vancouver, Anaheim, and San Jose this week.

Uvis Balinskis steps up for Florida at 1.09 FPPG (96.7% available), manning the power play with Seth Jones sidelined. Even-strength minuses pose risks in certain leagues, but PP points could outweigh them short-term.

Travis Sanheim (1.71 FPPG, 38.1% available), Cam York (1.78 FPPG, 55.0%), and Simon Edvinsson (1.84 FPPG, 36.4%) round out deep value. These blueliners provide blocks, shots, and points in multi-cat leagues. As we covered earlier on power play opportunities, situational roles drive fantasy relevance.

Pionk’s health status bears watching early this week, potentially cementing top-four minutes. Balinskis’ PP role offers streaming appeal despite defensive warts.

Injury returns like Pionk highlight the Jets’ blue line volatility. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues should monitor minutes and matchups closely.

Goalies

Lukas Dostal leads goalies at 1.64 fantasy points per 60 minutes (FPP60), rostered in 31.9% of leagues. Wins in eight of nine pre-break starts carry over, bolstered by Czechia duty in Milan. Anaheim’s homestand versus Western Canadians (minus Edmonton) favors him strongly.[1]

Carter Hart returns potentially for Vegas (-0.09 FPP60, 92.0% available), splitting with Adin Hill. A 50-50 share on a contender warrants a roster spot if confirmed.

Joel Hofer adds depth at 1.41 FPP60 (93.6% available) for St. Louis. Dostal’s hot streak positions him for multiple starts this week.

Dostal’s consistency addresses goalie volatility post-break. Anaheim’s schedule enhances his win potential.

Vegas’ crease battle could stabilize Hart’s value. Monitor updates closely.

Short-term streamers

Ben Kindel (1.53 FPPG, 90.3% available) rockets up Pittsburgh’s chart with Sidney Crosby likely sidelined post-Olympics. Top PP time looms large.

Matt Duchene heats up for Dallas (1.39 FPPG, 55.1%) with six goals and three assists pre-break. Mikko Rantanen’s injury elevates his role.

Arturs Silovs (1.31 FPP60, 89.8%) pushes for Pittsburgh crease share against favorable foes like New Jersey and the Rangers.

These streamers fit the light schedule perfectly. Crosby’s absence amplifies Kindel’s opportunity.

Duchene’s streak signals sustained production. Silovs’ upside shines in one-start weeks.

Waiver wire diligence pays off now, with trade deadline moves and Olympic hangovers reshaping rosters. Prioritize multi-category contributors like Dostal and Laferriere for the playoff push. Check daily lines and projections to stay ahead—for full rankings, see NHL.com’s top 200.[2] What it means for your squad: targeted adds could separate contenders from pretenders.