Justin Sourdif and Sam Rinzel emerge as power-play waiver wire targets

As the NHL heads into its Olympic break after games on Thursday, fantasy hockey managers face a quirky scoring window from February 2 to 22, with action limited to early February before resuming February 25. Waiver wires offer timely pickups, especially with teams like the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks featuring promising youngsters stepping into key roles. Justin Sourdif and Sam Rinzel stand out for their recent power-play opportunities, making them deep-league adds before the pause.

Sourdif has locked in alongside Alex Ovechkin, while Rinzel mans the top power-play unit with Connor Bedard. Both players boast high availability percentages and solid fantasy points per game, positioning them for multi-game impacts in this unbalanced period.

Justin Sourdif’s hot streak fuels Capitals’ top-six role

Justin Sourdif kicked off January with an explosive 8.3-fantasy-point outburst, propelling the rookie right winger up the Washington Capitals’ depth chart. Since then, he’s posted 1.23 fantasy points per game (FPPG) and remains available in 94.5% of leagues. His linemate status with Ovechkin has opened secondary power-play minutes, where he’s contributed steadily.

Over the last 13 games matching Anthony Duclair’s span, Sourdif trails the Islanders forward by just 0.9 fantasy points, highlighting his consistency. Recent highlights include a power-play goal and assist in a loss to Vancouver on January 22, plus an overtime winner against Carolina.

The Capitals play three games before the break—more than most teams—against opponents ripe for exploitation. Sourdif’s ice time has climbed to 14:12 per game this season, with 0:33 on the power play, up from prior years.

• Key January stats: 7 goals, including power-play tallies; first career multi-goal game on January 1.
• Fantasy categories boosted: Goals, points, shots (31 in recent stretch), hits.
• Matchups: Favorable schedule amplifies value in head-to-head leagues.

Sourdif’s physicality shone early in 2026, dropping the gloves after a massive hit on Ottawa’s Thomas Chabot. This edge complements his scoring, making him a multi-category gem. As detailed in this ESPN waiver wire analysis, his momentum is real.

Managers in points or roto formats should prioritize him, especially with Washington’s three-game slate.

Sam Rinzel fills critical void on Blackhawks’ power play

The Chicago Blackhawks recalled defenseman Sam Rinzel on January 30, easing out Artyom Levshunov ahead of the break. Rinzel debuted with 2.3 fantasy points from four blocks and three shots, despite no power-play production yet. At 97.1% available and 1.11 FPPG, he’s a speculative D-streamer with upside.

Paired on the top unit with Connor Bedard, Rinzel quarterbacks the struggling power play, mired in a 0-for-26 skid. His size, skating, and puck-moving skills position him well for growth, as noted post-recall.

In his first game back, Rinzel expressed determination: “I want to help this team win,” emphasizing power-play contributions. Chicago’s coaching staff hopes his fresh look revitalizes the man advantage.

• Strengths for fantasy: Blocks, shots, potential points with Bedard.
• Recent context: Served as seventh defenseman earlier.
• Risks: Power play’s woes could limit immediate output.

Rinzel’s recall addresses a need for confidence on the blue line, with analysts praising his NHL foundation. For deeper leagues, his blocks alone justify a roster spot during Chicago’s games this week.

Strategic adds before the Olympic pause

The timing favors Sourdif and Rinzel, with short-term schedules emphasizing volume. Washington’s three games edge out Chicago’s likely two, but both face exploitable foes. Pair them with other wires like Duclair for forward depth.

Fantasy projections highlight their FPPG trajectories, bolstered by power-play roles. Check RotoWire for Sourdif’s full stats to confirm trends.

In categories like shots, hits, and blocks, they diversify rosters. Avoid over-reliance if your league pauses fully, but for active weeks, they’re low-risk fliers.

These pickups exemplify mining lesser-rostered talent amid schedule chaos. Post-break, monitor their roles—Sourdif could cement top-line status, while Rinzel might quarterback long-term. Act now to capitalize on the pre-Olympic push, giving your squad an edge through March.