Fantasy hockey pickups: Justin Sourdif, Sam Rinzel seeing power play minutes

NHL action winds down before the Olympic break on Thursday, creating a quirky scoring period from Feb. 2 to Feb. 22, with games only through Feb. 5. Fantasy managers face an unbalanced schedule where teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers pack in three games, while others like the Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins limp along with just one.[1][2]

This setup rewards picking up players from high-game teams who are heating up. Waiver wire mining every Monday highlights lesser-rostered gems with short-term and long-term upside. With power-play opportunities emerging for young talents like Justin Sourdif and Sam Rinzel, now’s the time to act before the break disrupts lineups.

Forwards on the rise

Justin Sourdif of the Washington Capitals stands out as a prime pickup at 1.23 fantasy points per game (FPPG), available in 94.5% of leagues. His January explosion—an 8.3-point outburst—propelled him up the depth chart, landing him alongside Alex Ovechkin and securing secondary power-play minutes. Over the last 13 games, he’s nearly matched top recommendations in production.[1]

The Capitals’ three games this period amplify his value, facing opponents ripe for exploitation. Sourdif’s recent form includes multi-point nights, like his hat trick and two assists against Anaheim earlier in January.[3] Managers in points or multi-cat leagues should prioritize him, especially with Ovechkin’s goal-scoring drawing coverage.

Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders mirrors this trajectory at 1.25 FPPG (93.1% available). Stuck to Mathew Barzal on the top line and fluidly rotating onto power plays, Duclair has sustained momentum post his own 8.3-point opener. The Isles’ three-game slate boosts his appeal.

Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken, 1.68 FPPG, 67.8% available) benefits from synergy with Jared McCann. His recent consistency outshines an early-season slump. Facing weak power plays from Ducks and Kings makes him a solid two-game play.

Other forwards like Jack McBain (Utah Mammoth, 1.28 FPPG), Ivan Barbashev (Vegas Golden Knights, 1.58 FPPG), Eeli Tolvanen (Kraken, 1.87 FPPG), Jason Zucker (Sabres, 1.75 FPPG), Ryan Hartman (Wild, 1.78 FPPG), and Mason Marchment (Blue Jackets, 1.47 FPPG) offer depth options. As our site previously covered in depth on emerging waiver targets, these players fill roster gaps effectively.[2]

Defense targets with upside

Sam Rinzel (Chicago Blackhawks, 1.11 FPPG, 97.1% available) exploded onto the scene after a call-up, replacing Artyom Levshunov ahead of the break. He’s slotted on the top power-play unit with Connor Bedard, quarterbacking the attack. Despite no power-play goal in his debut, four blocks and three shots yielded 2.3 points.[4]

Rinzel’s confidence has grown post-recall, showing poise in recent outings. The Blackhawks’ power play struggled, but his fresh look could spark it. Fantasy owners chasing peripheral stats like blocks and shots will love his profile.[5]

Alexander Nikishin (Hurricanes, 1.51 FPPG, 76.7% available), Vince Dunn (Kraken, 1.69 FPPG), Esa Lindell (Stars, 1.70 FPPG), and Tom Willander (Canucks, 1.09 FPPG) round out the list. Rinzel’s availability and Bedard pairing make him the waiver wire star.

These defensemen thrive in leagues valuing hits, blocks, and power-play time. Rinzel’s emergence, much like detailed in ESPN’s waiver analysis, signals deeper Blackhawks contributions post-break.

Goaltending streamers

Jakub Dobes (Canadiens, 2.06 FPP60, 77.7% available) rides a hot streak with six January wins, including three straight. Montreal avoids back-to-backs, but monitor starts against Winnipeg (1.74 opponent FPPG) and Minnesota (0.89).

Karel Vejmelka (Mammoth, 2.01 FPP60, 37.0% available) tops 2026 goaltender fantasy points at fourth overall. Facing Canucks and Red Wings—strong opponent matchups—positions him well.

Nikita Tolopilo (Canucks, 1.63 FPP60, 99.8% available) steps up post-Thatcher Demko’s season-ending injury. Solid in recent starts, but tough foes like Mammoth and Vegas test him.

Linus Ullmark (Senators, 0.97 FPP60) and Lukas Dostal (Ducks, 1.54 FPP60) provide alternatives. Dobes emerges as the post-break starter favorite.

Short-term streamers to watch

Jacob Markstrom (Devils, 0.54 FPP60, 58.5% available) eyes revenge vs. Islanders on Feb. 5 after a nine-goal debacle. Positive in five of seven since, with Columbus a soft matchup.

Anthony Mantha (Penguins, 1.67 FPPG, 74.9% available) heats up with five goals and three assists in four games. Top-unit time vs. Senators looms.

Kailer Yamamoto (Mammoth, 1.05 FPPG, 99.6% available) dazzles in top-six stints, including multi-pointers with stars. Top-six shrinks post-break.

Jordan Kyrou (Blues, 1.44 FPPG, 36.1% available) leads offensively sans Robert Thomas, with nine points in nine.

These streamers maximize the pre-break push.

As the Olympic break looms, prioritize high-game teams and power-play risers like Sourdif and Rinzel. Their trajectories suggest sustained roles post-Feb. 22, when Week 19 resumes Feb. 25-March 1. Check ESPN’s full projections and lines for tweaks—smart adds now could define playoff pushes.[1]