Fantasy hockey pickups: Evander Kane, Luke Hughes and moves to make before the trade deadline

With just two or three weeks until playoffs begin in most fantasy leagues, every day counts in the regular season stretch run. Managers at the top need to protect their leads, while those on the playoff bubble must make aggressive moves to climb back in. Nobody remembers fifth place.[1][2]

This week’s NHL schedule offers a balanced slate, with the busiest nights featuring 11 games and lighter ones just five. Stand out for fantasy purposes are the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, each playing four times including several low-volume nights. The Detroit Red Wings have the friendliest calendar, alternating games from Monday to Sunday against lighter opponents like the Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils. Stars like Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider and John Gibson could feast. On the flip side, the Washington Capitals play only twice.[1]

Friday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline looms large, promising roster shakeups with major fantasy impacts. Track every deal closely, as landing spots and vacated roles will shift values overnight. The Los Angeles Kings’ recent coaching change might spark a bump, but their light three-game week against Colorado, the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens tempers enthusiasm. Avoid dumping underperformers there, and consider waiting on adds. If tempted, Quinton Byfield or Darcy Kuemper offer moderate upside worth a speculative grab.

Forwards

Forward options on the waiver wire stand out this week, blending health returns, trade buzz and hot streaks. Centers and wingers with power-play roles top the list, especially amid deadline uncertainty. Prioritize those on busy schedules for maximum exposure.[1]

Josh Norris of the Buffalo Sabres (1.8 FPPG, 78.1% available) craves a healthy run. The 26-year-old center thrives on Buffalo’s top power play when fit, delivering near 2.0 fantasy points routinely. Roll the dice if you need center depth—he’s overdue for consistency.

Evander Kane with the Vancouver Canucks (1.3 FPPG, 54.3% available) emerges as a prime trade candidate. History shows the veteran sniper elevates upon joining new teams. Desperate managers should grab him pre-deadline for potential fireworks.[1]

Anthony Mantha on the Pittsburgh Penguins (1.7 FPPG, 64.6% available) boasts irresistible recent stats. The 31-year-old has seven goals and six assists over his last 10 games, bridging the Olympic break. Linemates Justin Brazeau and Ben Kindel contribute too, easing Sidney Crosby’s absence. Penguins face Buffalo, Philadelphia and Boston twice—ideal for volume. For deeper leagues, check fantasy hockey Mason Marchment top-line Columbus Blue Jackets pickup analysis, as similar wingers shine.[2]

Pavel Buchnevich of the St. Louis Blues (1.4 FPPG, 73.5% available) sizzles with six goals and seven assists in 10 games since Jan. 23. First, scour waivers for Robert Thomas, who dazzled in his return versus Minnesota with a goal, assist and three shots. Buchnevich pairs perfectly for top-six production.

Other forwards warrant looks:

• Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks (1.7 FPPG, 43.6% available)
• Mats Zuccarello, Minnesota Wild (1.8 FPPG, 63.8% available)
• Mason Marchment, Columbus Blue Jackets (1.5 FPPG, 50.3% available)[1]

Defensemen

Defensemen provide stability this week, particularly shot-blockers and power-play specialists on favorable schedules. Light nights boost their appeal by simplifying bench decisions. Target those rebounding from injury or poised for more ice.[1]

Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights (1.8 FPPG, 74.6% available) excels in blocks against Buffalo, Detroit, Minnesota and Edmonton. Add assists, and he racks up multis in hits/blocks leagues. Three of four games fall on quiet nights, easing lineup headaches.

Luke Hughes with the New Jersey Devils (1.4 FPPG, 52.5% available) eyes expanded power-play time if Dougie Hamilton trades away. Fresh off a 10-game shoulder absence, he notched an assist on two shots in a 3-1 win over St. Louis. The Devils’ lighter slate suits his ramp-up.

These blue-liners fit various builds, from peripheral monsters to point producers. Monitor deadline moves, as premium defensemen and veteran forwards dominate early-season NHL trade candidates for 2025-26 could reshape backends.[2]

Vegas and New Jersey’s calendars amplify these picks. McNabb’s physicality shines versus motor city offenses, while Hughes’ skill pops on special teams. Deeper rosters gain edges here amid trade flux.

Goaltenders

Goalies offer streaming gold on active, healthy teams. Schedule hacks favor netminders from high-volume clubs on sparse nights. Hot streaks and tandems tilt the scales.[1]

Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks (1.6 FPPG, 37.5% available) boasts an 11-1-0 record since Jan. 13, leading the league. Anaheim thrives on league-idle dates, maximizing his starts when rivals rest.

Linus Ullmark with the Ottawa Senators (1.1 FPPG, 63.6% available) shines post-January return: 3-0-1, .919 SV%, 1.74 GAA. Ottawa’s health and playoff push ensure quality matchups.

Others to eye:

• John Gibson, Detroit Red Wings (2.6 FPPG, 32.3% available)

Ducks and Senators schedules align perfectly for fantasy volume. Dostal’s streak screams priority add, while Ullmark stabilizes creases. Track rotations post-deadline.[1]

Short-term streamers

Streamers thrive on elite schedules. Dallas, Carolina and Montreal offer juicy spots this week. Target confirmed starters on light nights.[1]

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars (1.4 FPPG, 56.1% available) rebounds off a seven-game streak snap. Dallas plays Vancouver, Calgary, Colorado and Chicago—three light evenings. Jamie Benn shines similarly in deep formats.

Taylor Hall on the Carolina Hurricanes (1.3 FPPG, 93.8% available) heats up on the second line and power play. Carolina’s friendly slate suits the ex-Hart winner. Frederik Andersen impressed post-Olympics in a 5-2 Detroit win.

Jakub Dobes, Montreal Canadiens (1.9 FPPG, 76.0% available) averages 3.2 FPPG at 7-0-1 since Jan. 1. Stream versus San Jose and Los Angeles, dodging Anaheim.

These provide instant boosts. Duchene’s volume, Hall’s role and Dobes’ form exploit matchups. Pivot post-deadline as lines shift.

Trades will redefine rosters, so monitor ESPN’s full waiver wire guide for updates.[1] Stay nimble—the push to playoffs rewards the proactive. What unfolds Friday could crown champions or spark surges.