Fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups for the week of January 19, 2026

Rasmus Andersson’s trade from the Calgary Flames to the Vegas Golden Knights has sent ripples through fantasy hockey circles. The veteran defenseman reunites with former partner Noah Hanifin in Vegas, but his fantasy value could take a hit if coach Bruce Cassidy keeps the top power play all-forward. Andersson has 10 power-play points among his 30 total this season, so a shift to the second unit might limit that production. Still, his even-strength pairing with Hanifin keeps him relevant.

In Calgary, MacKenzie Weegar steps up as the top defenseman, primed for more power-play time after just three such points this year. He had 21 last season. The move also spotlights prospect Zayne Parekh, who’s excelling with the AHL Wranglers and dazzled at the 2026 World Juniors with five goals and 13 points. Deep-league managers should watch him closely as Calgary retools.

This week’s schedule is one of the most even, with six games on light days like Wednesday and Sunday, and a max of 10 on Monday. Half the league plays four times, Utah Mammoth and Los Angeles Kings just twice. Favorable spots go to Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk returns from a groin injury—snab him if available.

Forwards leading the waiver charge

Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild stands out at 1.7 fantasy points per game (FPPG) in ESPN standard leagues, available in 84.9% of leagues. Centering the top line and power play amid injuries, he’s notched four goals and an assist in six games, averaging 2.5 FPPG. Linemate Kirill Kaprizov boosts his upside against Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings and Panthers this week.

Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks forward (57.7% available, 1.6 FPPG), is surging with four goals and five assists on 28 shots in nine games. The Calder candidate logs heavy minutes on the top power play, perfect for matchups versus New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames.

Ryan McLeod, Buffalo Sabres center (91.5% available, 1.3 FPPG), is thriving at nearly 17 minutes per game. He’s posted five goals and eight assists (plus-13) in 13 games, outpacing Tage Thompson. As a top-six pivot on a hot Sabres team, he’s a steal.

• Key stats for Hartman: 2.5 FPPG recently; top-line role with Kaprizov.
• Sennecke’s edge: No. 1 PP minutes; nine-game point streak.
• McLeod’s value: Widely available despite elite production.

Defensemen stepping up post-trade and injuries

Hampus Lindholm returns for the Boston Bruins (44.1% available, 1.5 FPPG) after missing six games. The 31-year-old offers blocks, shots and points—a balanced contributor for deeper leagues facing a full slate.

Alexandre Carrier of the Montreal Canadiens (95.0% available, 1.6 FPPG) excels in blocks while adding offense. He’s another deep-league gem rewarding defensive stats.

Weegar’s promotion in Calgary adds intrigue, potentially unlocking more points. Parekh’s NHL path accelerates too.

Goaltenders for streaming security

Stuart Skinner with the Pittsburgh Penguins (45.7% available, 1.4 FPPG) earns a repeat nod. He’s 4-1 since December 30, averaging 5.0 FPPG, with a western Canada road trip including Vancouver, Calgary and Seattle.

Adin Hill, Vegas Golden Knights (41.5% available), shakes off a rusty return from injury. As the Cup-winning No. 1 for a Pacific leader, now fortified by Andersson, he’s a strong add. For more on Vegas’s depth, check NHL.com’s EDGE stats.

Short-term streamers to target

Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg Jets (95.8% available, 1.0 FPPG), scored in four straight before a quiet Toronto game. On the second line and top power play, stream him versus Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Panthers and Red Wings.

Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils (58.5% available), faces Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Seattle. Avoid the Edmonton back-to-back, but he’s solid elsewhere for a playoff-hopeful Devils squad.

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks (48.8% available, 0.9 FPPG), rebounds with wins over Dallas Stars and Kings. Stream against Rangers, Kraken and Flames, but sit in Denver.

These pickups like Hartman and Lindholm thrive on role stability and matchups. Tkachuk’s debut could reshape Florida’s attack—monitor lines closely. With trades like Andersson’s reshaping rosters, stay agile on the wire for the balanced schedule ahead. Prioritize adds fitting your categories, and always confirm lineups via ESPN’s daily lines.