The NHL schedule settles into a familiar rhythm after the holidays, Olympic buzz, and Winter Classic. Teams like the Utah Mammoth and Washington Capitals stand out for streaming with four games on light nights. Fantasy managers face a typical week of Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday action, with easier early puck drops on weekends.
Waiver wire mining reveals value across positions. Forwards like Valeri Nichushkin regain top power-play roles. Goalies such as Connor Hellebuyck offer rebound potential despite recent struggles. This guide breaks down the best adds for various league formats.
Forwards leading the waiver charge
Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche tops the list at 1.65 fantasy points per game, available in 60.3% of leagues. His return to the top power-play unit boosts his outlook, especially with Gabriel Landeskog sidelined. Nichushkin has a history of explosive streaks, making him a free-agent priority over trade bait.
Alexander Wennberg shines for the San Jose Sharks, posting 1.66 FPPG and available in 83.6% of leagues. The Sharks locked him up with a three-year extension, rewarding his recent surge. Even without power-play points in 12 games, his even-strength clip hits 2.13 FPPG over the last 10.
Blake Coleman delivers steady value for the Calgary Flames at 1.70 FPPG, rostered in just 66.2%. Paired consistently with Mikael Backlund, the line thrives at 5-on-5 regardless of wingers. Recent minutes with Matt Coronato yield a perfect 4-0 goal differential in 58 minutes.
Jordan Eberle rides a six-game point streak for the Seattle Kraken, at 1.77 FPPG and 70% available. His production spans even strength and power play. The line with Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko dominates 4-2 since the Mason Marchment trade.
Other forwards warrant attention too. Eeli Tolvanen (1.90 FPPG) and Igor Chernyshov (2.06 FPPG) offer upside. For deeper leagues, Anthony Mantha and Ivan Demidov provide multi-category help.
Defensemen gaining traction
Sean Durzi of the Utah Mammoth posts 1.88 FPPG, available in 49.8%. Positives like assists and blocks outweigh negatives, fueling 2.33 FPPG lately. He pairs with Mikhail Sergachev, outscored 6-15 at even strength, but plus/minus-free leagues forgive that.
Brandt Clarke emerges for the Los Angeles Kings at 1.73 FPPG, 41.2% available. As primary power-play quarterback, he logs time for six of seven recent goals. Drew Doughty fades slightly in that role.
Additional options include Noah Hanifin (1.74 FPPG) of Vegas and Thomas Chabot (2.12 FPPG) of Ottawa. Denton Mateychuk rounds out high-upside adds at 88.4% available.
These picks suit peripheral categories like blocks and power-play points. Durzi’s Utah schedule aids streaming. Monitor lineups for sustained roles.
Goalies to target amid slumps
Connor Hellebuyck headlines goalie pickups at 1.45 FPP60, shockingly just 0.6% available for the Winnipeg Jets. Eight straight losses tarnish his shine, but late-week matchups against the Kings and Devils rank top-tier. Expect a turnaround soon.
Karel Vejmelka offers consistency for Utah at 1.55 FPP60, 64.4% free. Three of four games face top-10 opponents like the Rangers and Blues.
Darcy Kuemper returns healthy for LA at 2.39 FPP60 but faces a tough slate. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Philipp Grubauer provide streaming appeal.
Hellebuyck remains elite despite the skid. Jets’ defense supports recovery. Prioritize him in larger formats.
Short-term streamers for the week
Ryan Leonard of Washington (1.51 FPPG) climbs if injuries hit. Jeremy Lauzon gains minutes in Vegas’ depleted blue line.
Aaron Ekblad elevates on Florida’s top unit sans Seth Jones. Calvin Pickard streams for Edmonton’s soft schedule.
Fraser Minten scores big on Boston’s top line. Tom Willander and Arturs Silovs fill niche needs.
These targets maximize weekly slates. Check daily lines for confirmation.
As detailed in fantasy hockey pickups: Assessing Hellebuyck and Nichushkin for 2026, these players align with post-holiday trends. Grab Nichushkin and Hellebuyck now before rosters tighten. The grind resumes, so prioritize matchups and roles for playoff pushes.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.